Fall in Virginia means more than colorful foliage, pumpkin patches and winery weekends—it also marks the return of steeplechase season.
Four major race meets will take place within driving distance of Washington, D.C. between October 4th and November 7th, offering full days of Thoroughbred racing, tailgating, food, fashion and family-friendly entertainment.
From Charlottesville and Middleburg to The Plains and historic Montpelier, each event brings its own distinct take on Virginia’s beloved equestrian tradition.
Here are four major steeplechase events to put on your fall calendar in 2026.
The first major fall race day arrives on Sunday, October 4th, when the 48th running of the Foxfield Fall Races takes over the countryside outside Charlottesville.
The Foxfield racecourse is roughly a 2-hour drive from Washington, D.C., making it an ambitious but very doable day trip for anyone ready to kick off steeplechase season.
Gates open at 9:30 am, with the first race beginning at 12 pm and the event wrapping up at 5 pm.
But the horse racing is only part of the experience: visitors can browse the Vendor Village, watch the Parade of Beagles and Parade of Hounds, check out Truck Touch, and bring little ones to the Children’s Tent and Stick Pony Races.
General admission tickets are currently $60 per person, while children 12 and under get in free.
Reserved and infield tailgating options are also available for groups who want to make a full day of it.
Location: 2215 Foxfield Track, Charlottesville, VA
Drive from D.C.: About 2 hours
Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm
Tickets: General admission is $60; children 12 and under are free
Just six days later, one of Northern Virginia’s most classic sporting traditions returns to Glenwood Park in Middleburg.
The 72nd running of The Virginia Fall Races takes place on Saturday, October 10th, bringing steeplechase racing and a lively social atmosphere to the oldest continuous racecourse in Virginia.
The venue is approximately a 1-hour drive from Washington, D.C.
Race day begins at 12:30 pm, and the event is expected to draw around 10,000 fans to Middleburg hunt country.
Families can also look forward to the Family Fun Fair, which includes activities such as a petting zoo and bounce house, while the Vendor Village offers shopping and other things to explore between races.
Tickets are sold by vehicle rather than strictly per person: general admission is $50 per vehicle, with $10 for each additional occupant.
Parking is included for four occupants with each general admission car pass, and reserved spaces and box seating are also available.
Location: Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA
Drive from D.C.: About 1 hour
Hours: Race action begins at 12:30 pm
Tickets: $50 per general admission vehicle, plus $10 per additional occupant
For one of the biggest and most elaborate race days of the season, head to Great Meadow in The Plains on Saturday, October 24th for the 89th running of the International Gold Cup. Located roughly 1 hour from Washington, D.C., this massive fall tradition combines high-level steeplechase racing with serious tailgating, fall fashion and all-day festivities.
Gates open at 10 am, with the first race scheduled for 12 pm. Beyond the races themselves, the event will feature a tailgate contest, hat contest, shopping, food and drinks, plus the chance to get an up-close look at the horses in the paddock.
For 2026, general Members Hill admission is $81 per person, while the Pavilion Experience costs $189 and includes food and beverages for guests ages 21 and over. Keep in mind that parking is not included with the standard admission ticket and must be purchased separately if you’re driving.
Location: Great Meadow, The Plains, VA
Drive from D.C.: About 1 hour
Hours: Gates open at 10 am; first race at 12 pm
Tickets: $81 for Members Hill admission; premium packages cost more
Steeplechase season closes out in spectacular fashion on Saturday, November 7th with the 91st Montpelier Hunt Races at the historic home of President James Madison.
The property in Montpelier Station is approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute to 2-hour drive from Washington, D.C., making it a beautiful late-fall road trip as the countryside settles into November.
The day starts early, with the Jack Russell Terrier Races kicking off at 10:15 am, followed by the fan-favorite Corgi Cup, kids’ stick horse races, a Parade of Hounds, sidesaddle exhibitions, a vintage car display, a hat contest and more.
Visitors can also explore the Montpelier Market, enjoy food vendors and, for an additional cost, tour the historic Madison Mansion.
Every guest age 12 and older needs a general admission badge, and every vehicle needs a separate parking pass.
The race organizers note that ticket prices increase on race day, while infield parking is currently listed at $120 and premium reserved parking packages start at higher prices, so this is one event where buying in advance is the better bet.
Location: 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, VA
Drive from D.C.: About 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours
Hours: Activities begin at 10:15 am
Tickets: General admission badges and parking passes are sold separately; prices increase on race day
