It is run at York over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.
The event is named after Acomb, an area of York located to the north-west of the racecourse.
It was given Listed status in 1998, and promoted to Group 3 level in 2006.
It is currently held on the opening day of the four-day Ebor Festival meeting.
The leading horses from the Acomb Stakes sometimes go on to compete in Group 1 races, and certain participants have been successful in the following year's Classics.