Party on!

Half-price drink specials, a live concert series featuring some of the metropolitan area’s top bands, and, of course, world class thoroughbred racing make Belmont Park the place to be, and be seen, every Friday afternoon through the end of the Spring/Summer Meet as Sunset Fridays return.

The biggest party on Long Island kicks off in the backyard of beautiful Belmont Park Friday, June 13, with a first race post time of 3 p.m. Every Friday through July 18, drink specials and snacks are available from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. while the Festival Tent is the site for live concerts from 7:00 until 9 p.m..

“We really want to communicate the party atmosphere to our fans,” said Michael Romano, NYRA Manager of Special Events and Promotions. “We’ve changed the drink specials around a little bit -- last year it started earlier in the day; this year we want them to co-exist with the concerts. We figured people would like some time to settle in when the gates open, with the first race post time at 3 o’clock, and have the drink specials roll over into some of the concert.”

Tomorrow, experience the sounds of Eric Glaubitz’s Yellowfly, best described as a singer/songwriter with attitude whose lyrics are embraced with a vibrant mix of rock, blues, funk, and folk.. Lead singer Glaubitz’s powerful and passionate vocals and bluesy guitar mix with the driving force of Pat Castania on bass, Mike Ratti on drums and Hedge on guitar, making for a unique and addicting experience.

The concert series continues next Friday with Godfrey Townsend and Friends, featuring members of the Alan Parsons Project, and an Eric Clapton tribute; Pink Noise on June 27, Mimic on July 4, the Jeff Lubin Band on July 11, and concludes on July 18 with Rockjunky, one of the featured bands on Belmont Stakes Day.

In addition, the incomparable Ernie Munick brings his solo act to Belmont for an eighth consecutive year. Munick is a diehard race fan and a racetrack favorite. He will delight fans with singing and entertainment every week during Party at the Park.

“Last year was the first year the event really caught on and it’s only going to get better,” said Romano. “There’s classic rock, cover bands, popular music ... it’s a great party, a great event, and I can’t wait for it to start!”

Gates open 11 a.m. for simulcasts, and no admission is charged before 1 p.m.