NEW ORLEANS – On Thanksgiving Day, Human Horse Races will once again take over Easton Park (3141 Toulouse St.) in Mid‑City from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s edition brings even more spectacle with carnival games, a halftime performance by the MG marching krewe “The Jamettes,” and the familiar celebrations of local artistry, playful competition and community connection.
Now in its 6th year, the mission for HHR, organizers share, remains to raise funds for Louisiana horse sanctuaries, while uniting diverse community sectors through immersive, participatory arts experiences. This year’s beneficiary is Greeno Equine Sanctuary in Leblanc, Louisiana.
What to expect on Thanksgiving Day:
- Adult Races: Eight head-to-head heats featuring “horses” wearing decorated masks carrying jockeys down a 50-yard track. Winners receive handmade trophies for the horse and jockeys.
- Kids’ Races: From 11 a.m. to noon, kids race with handmade hobby horses on a special youth track. Kids track runs all day!
- Family Races: Three heats where parents race with their children as jockeys.
- Costume Contests: Categories include Best Foal (kids-only contest), Most Dapper, Top of the Hats, and Best in Show, with crafty local prizes and trophies.
- Carnival Games: An array of free games, plus new ticketed carnival games where attendees can play bean bag toss, pop balloons, knock over bottles, and more; for a chance to win prizes!
- Vendor Village: Local art vendors and food trucks offer handmade goods and treats.
- Kids Craft Tent & Headdress Workshops: The Recycle Challenge hosts a craft table day-of and organizes pre‑event workshops for wearable art.
- Halftime Highlight: A performance by The Jamettes marching krewe!
How it works:
- Signing up for races is only available on the day of the event, so get there early!
- Raffle tickets let attendees “bet” on horses or play carnival games; winners are drawn for 8 prize purses filled with goodies from local businesses.
- There are early bird ticket sales here, which are $10/ticket. Day-of event, entry fee is $15/person. Kids 12 and under get in for free!
Growing Reach & Impact:
This event has grown steadily, crowd sizes double nearly every year, and we expect over 3,000 attendees this year. A third of the audience comes from out of town, organizers share, making HHR both a local celebration and a draw for cultural tourists.
About Human Horse Races & GNOSAN:
Human Horse Races operates under the GNO Social Arts Network (GNOSAN), whose mission is to foster creative expression, community connection, and inclusive access to art experiences. HHR exemplifies that mission by giving everyone a place to play, perform, and celebrate together.
For more information, media inquiries, or to request images, visit www.humanhorseraces.com or email Ingrid@humanhorseraces.com