The Foxfield Races in Charlottesville happen every spring and fall. They are fun, exciting, and family-friendly excursion that all ages will love. These annual horse races have been an important part of Central Virginia’s history since 1977. Spectators travel to the heart of Virginia Horse Country twice a year to enjoy the countryside’s beauty and the steeplechase’s excitement.
At a Glance
2026 Dates for Foxfield Races in Charlottesville
The Foxfield Spring Races will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The Foxfield Fall Races, often known as Family Day, will happen on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Both races are held at the Foxfield Steeplechase Course. The course is just eight miles northwest of downtown Charlottesville. Gates open at 9:00 AM, with festivities and racing continuing until 5:00 PM.
All About Charlottesville’s Foxfield Races
Foxfield in Centrals Virginia hosts one of the greatest steeplechase celebrations of the year 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.
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, or 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. UVA students, alumni, horse aficionados, and residents throng the field in bow-ties, sundresses, and hats. At themed tailgate parties, guests mingle with cocktails. Foxfield continues to draw close to 20,000 spectators for the spring races alone. Fall is a quieter family-friendly event.
What to Know For Your Day with Kids at the Foxfield Races
When bringing the kids to the Foxfield Races, 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).
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.
How to Host a Kid-Friendly Tailgate at Foxfield Races
To properly enjoy Virginia horse racing, we recommend hosting a Virginia tailgate. Tailgating is a longstanding 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 their friends. 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 probably will be so excited they won’t sit still for a regular meal! Prepped fruit and veggies, sandwiches cut into quarters, and small cheeses, will make sure they can much throughout the event.
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. Tailgating isn’t permitted in the General Admission lot.
Stick to paper, plastic, and cans for your containers. Avoid bringing class containers for food or beverages.
Parking for Foxfield Races in Charlottesville
Tickets for the Foxfield races are on their website. You can also view a map of parking options at the track. There is no tailgating in the General Admission parking lot.
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.
Kids Activities at Foxfield Family Day
Foxfield invites families to enjoy great kids events planned for the fall races. Family Day is a takes place in early October and draws between 2,000 and 5,000 spectators annually. This is a hands-on, engaging event designed with kids in mind.
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. Kids will also enjoy the Jack Russell Terrier races and tailgating!
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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.
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Truck Touch & Animal Parades: Kids can climb and explore vehicles or enjoy the Parade of Beagles and Parade of Hounds.
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Traditional Tailgating: Families often set up picnic spreads. A wagon is handy for gear and little ones.
Sections to know:
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Green Section: General admission, relaxed and family-friendly.
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Blue Section: Along the outer rail, great for viewing and more accessible for those with mobility needs.
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Orange Section: A newer open field area designed to host activities and family tailgating.
Quick Details for Activities at Foxfield Races Family Day
| Location | Foxfield Steeplechase Course, Albemarle County |
| Date | Sunday, April 26, 2026 & Sunday, October 4, 2026 |
| Time | Gates open at 9:00 AM; Children’s Tent 10 AM–3 PM (Fall); Gates close at 5 PM |
| Kid Activities (Fall) | Crafts, pony rides, Truck Touch, animal parades |
| Tailgating Zones | Green (families), Orange (activities), Blue (accessible seating) |
| Community Impact | Supports local nonprofits |
What to Wear at the Foxfield Races in Charlottesville
Wondering what to wear to the steeplechase? Foxfield Races is a social and sporting event. The style for the day is all about feeling comfortable while looking sharp.
The ladies often wear styles similar to Lilly Pultizer clothing. Many wear elaborate hats with feathers, ribbons, and wide brims. Men can be seen seersucker, pastels, colorful patterns. Distinctive accessories like bowties and suspenders are popular.
All Foxfield visitors should wear fashionable, durable shoes that can tolerate grass and mud. Shoes ought to be weatherproof and practical for tailgating. In spring, Foxfield is a dressier occasion. In the fall, many attendees favor comfortable, waterproof boots. This is great for parents who may also be wrangling kids or pushing a stroller!
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. Parking options ranging from general admission to premium parking.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foxfield Races in Charlottesville
Can kids come to Foxfield Races?
Kids are welcome at the Foxfield Races in both spring and fall. The Fall Races, known as Family Day, are especially planned with families in mind and have kid-friendly events and activities all day.
Can I bring pets to the Foxfield Steeplechase?
You cannot bring pets to the Foxfield Steeplechase course.
What should I wear to a steeplechase race?
Steeplechase races are dressy events! Attendees often wear sundresses and seersucker suits in bright colors. Many accessorize with large hats, bowties, and suspenders. However, you should always wear durable, closed-toe shoes that are weatherproof and good for walking around. In the fall, many attendees at Foxfield wear boots.
Where should I park for my Foxfield tailgate?
If you’re planning to host a tailgate, get a parking space on the rail or the infield. Bring a wagon so you can take your food, beverages and chairs with you. Wagons are also great for taking sleepy kids back to the car at the end of the day!
Looking for more fall fun? Some other favorite local horse experiences include the steeplechases Montpelier Hunt Races and King Family Vineyard Polo Matches. In the fall, check out the best Charlottesville apple orchards. In spring, don’t miss Charlottesville’s many spring festivals!
For fresh ideas all season long, sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag and let us inspire your next adventure. And be sure to learn more about our valued partners who serve local families.
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.
KATHARINE PALJUG is a freelance writer and novelist. She lives in Charlottesville with two busy kids and proudly owns an unreasonable number of books. Find her on Instagram as @katharinewrites.