It’s horseracing season, which means it’s time to embrace the bright colors and patterns of spring (yes, guys, you can wear bright colors too). We’ve gathered up the deets on races you can drive to + what you really need to know – like the most common horse-betting increment is actually only $2.
🐎 Tryon Block House Races | April 14 (Columbus, NC)
- Brush up on your horse racing lingo here
- Tickets: A pasture parking pass (no tailgating) and those inside the vehicle = $100
- Pro tip: Grab an Uber and get a walk-up pass (general admission ticket without parking). They’ll be available online a week before the April 14 race.
🐎 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase | April 28 (Mineral Springs, NC)
“A great lawn party with horses who are invited”
- Family-friendly with group tailgating spots available starting at $150
- Check out the Do’s + Dont’s
- Pro tip: Watch the race in the Treehouse, a party tent that includes an all-inclusive badge. Catch a ride on a chartered bus (from Pineville LYNX station), enjoy catered lunch + snacks, open bar, corn hole, prime viewing of the racecourse, all for just $175.
🐎 Aiken Steeplechase - Holiday Cup | October 27 (Aiken, SC)
- Aiken is full of horse racing history: the Aiken Steeplechase Association was founded in 1930 by influential horsemen. There’s also a spring cup typically in late March/early April
- Tickets: Patron Passes start at $20 | General Infield Parking Passes start at $20 (per person) | The General Admission Railside Package includes parking + 3 patron passes for $150
- Pro tip: Children under 10 get *free* admission
🐎 Steeplechase of Charleston | Nov. 11 (Hollywood, SC)
Stay-in-the-loop and sign up for upcoming info here.
👒 What to wear:
Attire for women usually includes a sundress (now’s the time to whip out that Lilly Pulitzer dress), wide-brim hat and comfortable sandals (you’ll probably be on your feet most of the day). Bonus points if any of these items are monogrammed.
Attire for men typically includes dress pants in a fun color, a button down + a bow tie. Even better, go all out and don a full searsucker suit.
👒 Where to shop local:
A one-stop-show for all of the above is Augusta Street (try out Monkees of the West End, the Pink Bee, Vestique, Twill or Labels).
*The above image is a screenshot of a painting done by a local artist (Mallory Treece). Click here to see more of her works + those currently available for purchase.
