The Virginia Gold Cup is a prestigious steeplechase race held annually in The Plains, Virginia, at Great Meadow. It is one of the largest outdoor social events in Virginia and is sometimes referred to as Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby. The race has been held since 1922 and has become a significant part of Virginia’s horse racing tradition. The event features a variety of activities, including steeplechase racing, terrier races, hat contests, tailgate contests, and more. It attracts a large number of attendees and sponsors, making it a highly anticipated event each year.

The CDCTA Dressage Shows are USEF/USDF licensed competitions organized by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA), held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. They provide a welcoming, professional environment for riders of all levels to compete in dressage.

Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is a nonprofit, USDF Group Member Organization (GMO) and affiliated combined training association.

Their mission is to promote dressage and eventing in Virginia through competitions, education, and community support. They offer riders a chance to earn qualifying scores for regional and national championships while enjoying the camaraderie of the dressage community.

The American Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest rocket contest with nearly 5,000 students nationwide competing each year. The contest gives middle and high school students the opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets and hands-on experience solving engineering problems. Hundreds of teams compete for the chance to win $100,000 in prizes and an all-expenses paid trip to the Paris Airshow.

The American Rocketry Challenge is honored to have received several prestigious national and international awards over the past decade, commemorating the program’s dedication to inspiring students to explore careers in STEM and aerospace. Attendance is OPEN to the public.

Learn more HERE: https://rocketrychallenge.org/resource/arc-fact-sheet/

Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through September. Set against the rolling hills of Virginia’s hunt country, this signature event blends thrilling sport, relaxed tailgating, and the unmistakable charm of Great Meadow.

Great Meadow’s 14-week summer series showcases top players, fast-paced action, and unforgettable Saturday nights in Virginia’s horse country. Guests can expect the traditions they love—tailgates on the berm, picnics, a lively social scene—paired with new enhancements that elevate the fan and player experience.

Tickets and Event Details will be available January 2026

Enjoy top horse sport and dancing under the stars! Fun for the whole family! A Fresh Take on a Horse Show
We offer a spectator and exhibitor friendly evening event held on a series of Friday nights under the lights in The Plains, VA.. We’ve been running our unique format of shows since 2011, and we are proud to be a favorite event of the community year after year!

Twilight Jumpers offers two invitational classes each night, a Child/Adult Classic beginning at 7:00PM and a $5,000 Mini Prix beginning at 8:30PM. Proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, High Performance Equestrian Foundation. For more event info, visit our website at https://www.twilightjumpers.com/.

Gates open at 6:30 pm.

Twilight Jumpers offers two invitational classes each night. Proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, High Performance Equestrian Foundation.

Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through September. Set against the rolling hills of Virginia’s hunt country, this signature event blends thrilling sport, relaxed tailgating, and the unmistakable charm of Great Meadow.

Great Meadow’s 14-week summer series showcases top players, fast-paced action, and unforgettable Saturday nights in Virginia’s horse country. Guests can expect the traditions they love—tailgates on the berm, picnics, a lively social scene—paired with new enhancements that elevate the fan and player experience.

Tickets and Event Details will be available January 2026