Foxfield Races

View on map
Sports & AdventureCharlottesville
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceIts founding is tied directly to a specific
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Foxfield Races in Charlottesville

The Foxfield Races are a twice-yearly steeplechase meet held on a course built in 1978 near Charlottesville, created by Mariann de Tejeda in memory of horseman Grover Vandevender. The spring and fall races, run the last Saturday of April and last Sunday of September, draw a combined crowd of more than 18,000 spectators to Albemarle County for jump racing, tailgating, and a distinctly Virginia social tradition.

The Foxfield Races trace their origin to the death of Grover Vandevender in 1973, a well-known Virginia horseman, huntsman, and riding instructor for the Farmington Hunt Club whose property, then known locally as 'Fox Fields,' had long served as a riding school under his stewardship.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Its founding is tied directly to a specific act of memorial: Mariann de Tejeda built the steeplechase course after purchasing property once run by Grover Vandevender, a respected Farmington Hunt Club riding instructor and huntsman, choosing to dedicate the new course to his legacy rather than simply developing the land commercially

02

The mystery stays covered

The inaugural 1978 race, drawing roughly 8,000 spectators despite steady rain and mud, demonstrated immediate public appetite for the event in a region already steeped in fox hunting and equestrian culture

03

The city starts moving

Running twice annually, rather than as a single seasonal event, gives Foxfield an unusually sustained rhythm within the Charlottesville social and sporting calendar, with spring races traditionally drawing a younger, more raucous University of Virginia crowd and fall races carrying a more traditional, family-oriented atmosphere

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Elaborate infield tailgating ahead of and during the races has become as central to the Foxfield experience as the steeplechase competition itself

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a tradition established alongside the course's 1978 founding and sustained across both the spring and fall race dates each year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Charlottesville to work differently.

What to wear

Traditional steeplechase attire is common: sundresses, seersucker, bow ties, and sport coats for many attendees, though casual outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes for grass and mud are...

Safety

For Foxfield Races, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Charlottesville, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.03 N, 78.48 WOpen in Google Maps

Charlottesville, VA

Nearest airportRIC — Richmond
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Charlottesville to work differently.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Charlottesville, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Charlottesville via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Charlottesville, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearTraditional steeplechase attire is common: sundresses, seersucker, bow ties, and sport coats for many attendees, though casual outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes for grass and mud are equally practical.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Foxfield Races?

Foxfield Races is listed for April · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Foxfield Races take place?

The festival is listed in Charlottesville, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Charlottesville, VA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLfoxfieldraces.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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