YOUR GUIDE TO ENJOYING THE FOXFIELD RACES FAMILY DAY
The Foxfield Races have been an important part of Charlottesville’s history since 1977. Spectators travel to the heart of Virginia Horse Country twice a year. They want to enjoy the countryside’s beauty and the steeplechase’s excitement. The area was home to a well-known riding school and a nearby airfield before becoming a horse racing track. Foxfield land had a strong equestrian spirit from the start. There are currently 17 furlongs—just over two miles—of hurdles, hills, and obstacles on the grass track. This race tradition is one of Virginia’s most well-liked equestrian events. Foxfield continues to draw close to 20,000 spectators for the spring races alone. Fall is a quieter family-friendly event.
Kids Activities at Foxfield Family Day
Foxfield invites families to enjoy great kids events planned for the fall races. Every member of the family will enjoy the Jack Russell Terrier races and tailgating. Family Day is a takes place in early October and draws between 2,000 and 5,000 spectators annually. On the day of the races, look for the Children’s Tent in the orange area. There will be lots of family-friendly activities like a truck touch, face painting, fairy hair, stick pony races, crafts, a toddler play area, free pony rides, and a family obstacle course.
Foxfield Fall Family Day — Sunday, October 5, 2025
Mark your calendars: the Foxfield Fall Races—familiarly known as Family Day—will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Foxfield Steeplechase Course, just eight miles northwest of downtown Charlottesville. Gates open at 9:30 AM, with festivities and racing continuing through 5:00 PM.
What to Know For Your Day with Kids at the Foxfield Races
Foxfield hosts one of the greatest steeplechase celebrations of the year in Central Virginia in the world of horse racing. For more than 40 years, steeplechase competitions have been held at Foxfield in Charlottesville, where they are well-known nationwide. To compete, jockeys from all across the nation bring their thoroughbred racehorses every spring and fall.
Family Fun & Activities
This is a hands-on, engaging event designed with kids in mind:
-
Children’s Tent: Open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Orange Section with crafts, stick pony races, puppet activities, pony rides, face painting, fairy hair, and a toddler play space.
-
Truck Touch & Animal Parades: Kids can climb and explore vehicles or enjoy the Parade of Beagles and Parade of Hounds.
-
Tailgating Tradition: Families often set up picnic spreads. A wagon is handy for gear and little ones.
Sections to know:
-
Green Section: General admission, relaxed and family-friendly.
-
Blue Section: Along the outer rail, great for viewing and more accessible for those with mobility needs.
-
Orange Section: A newer open field area designed to host activities and family tailgating.
Pro tip: Have children stay close, encourage them to ask before petting animals, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots since much of the day is on grass and uneven ground.
Spread a picnic blanket and enjoy the beautiful day outdoors with family and friends.
When bringing the kids to the Foxfield Races you want to be sure they understand the safety rules. These are the basics of any festival type event. First and foremost, they need to stay near you. They should always ask first if they may pet a dog or horse. (The only dogs at the event are the terriers that are racing, pets are not allowed). And, have fun!
This is a great place to bring cornhole or other lawn games, spread a picnic blanket and enjoy the beautiful day outdoors with family and friends.
Creating a Family-Friendly Steeplechase Tailgate
To properly enjoy Virginia horse racing, we recommend hosting a Virginia tailgate. Tailgating is a longstanding Festive Horse Race Tradition at the Foxfield races. Alongside the steeplechase rail you’ll find many attendees pitching up a tent and serving spreads of food and drink for friends and family. From charcuterie boards to artisan pastry trays, the possibilities for creating a local farm-to-table spread are endless. Most tailgating is done on the infield where a small collection of vending stands are also available with food for sale. Plan for the kids and bring lots of easy finger foods they will enjoy.
They will be so excited that it is unlikely they will sit still for a regular meal! Bowls of prepped fruit, sandwiches cut into quarters, small cheeses, etc will make sure they stay comfortable. If planning to tailgate, we recommend purchasing a parking space on the rail or the infield. Choosing a Foxfield parking space in these areas allows you to take all your food, beverages and chairs with you. This lets you have a good view of the action while still enjoying the benefits of a beautiful tailgate.
Foxfield Races Support Local Non-Profits
The Foxfield Races are more than a steeplechase and tailgate. Everyone has a fantastic time there. Each year, Foxfield gives a share of its parking ticket sales to regional nonprofits. Foxfield is dedicated to having a significant impact on the neighborhood. They have long-term partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Camp Holiday Trails. You may enjoy a tailgate next to the track. You’ll know you’ve donated to a good cause. Parking options ranging from general admission to premium parking.
Parking for Family Day at the Races
Tickets for the Foxfield races are on their website. You can also view a map of parking options at the track. The Green section, or general admission, has established groups and families with kids. The new Orange section will be an open field on fall race day. The Blue section is a more relaxing spot from which to watch the races. The blue section, on the outer rail, is accessible for attendees with mobility issues. The Pink and Purple race lanes are mostly for sponsors. Others can buy spaces there if available.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a wagon for hauling your gear or worn-out kiddos at the end of the day. A stroller is also handy. Big wheels handle uneven terrain best.
Family Day and Steeplechase Fashion
Wondering what to wear to the steeplechase? We’ve assembled some tried-and-true advice on what to wear. Foxfield Races is a social and sporting event. In spring it is a dressier occassion. UVA students, alumni, horse aficionados, and residents throng the field in bow-ties, sundresses, and hats. At themed tailgate parties, guests mingle with cocktails. The ladies often wear Lilly Pultizer to channel their inner Kate Middleton. The lads wear seersucker, pastels, colorful patterns, and distinctive accessories. Fashionable, durable shoes that can tolerate grass and mud are necessary. This is the most significant part of Foxfield race attire. Fall races favor Dubarry of Ireland or other comfortable boots. Shoes ought to be weatherproof and practical for tailgating. This is great for parents who may also be wrangling kids or pushing a stroller (big wheels–the ground can be rough). Long skirts, dressy jeans, boots, casual sports jacket are all about feeling comfortable while looking sharp. Add a hat and you’re ready for a great day at the races.
Foxfield’s elaborate hats can bring forth your inner fashionista. A statement hat, monogrammed, feathered, or floppy, is a Foxfield essential. Foxfield races don’t have official hat contests, but that doesn’t stop females (and some men) from dressing up.
The Foxfield Races are an annual equestrian tradition in Charlottesville. Learn more about the larger Foxfield spring Races here. We hope our Foxfield Races Guide has encouraged you to start arranging your tailgate.
Quick Details
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Foxfield Steeplechase Course, Albemarle County |
| Date | Sunday, October 5, 2025 |
| Time | Gates open at 9:30 AM; Children’s Tent 10 AM–3 PM; Gates close at 5 PM |
| Kid Activities | Crafts, pony rides, Truck Touch, animal parades |
| Tailgating Zones | Green (families), Orange (activities), Blue (accessible seating) |
| Community Impact | Supports local nonprofits |
Looking for more fall fun? Some other favorite local horse experiences include the steeplechases Montpelier Hunt Races and King Family Vineyard Polo Matches. Check out The Best Charlottesville Apple Orchards. Our events calendar has a full listing of area events and festivals and of course you can count on us for great heath care recommendations, education tips as well as Home & Garden Inspiration.
JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, Co-founded CharlottesvilleFamily and is a mom of four. A believer in experiential education and an avid gardener, beehives, a fruit & vegi plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.