majorSun 15 Nov 2026
Steeplechase of Charleston
Stono Ferry Racetrack, Hollywood
Lowcountry autumn race day: elegant dresses and crafted hats beside sport jackets and bow ties, with a casual tailgate crowd.
31 upcoming race days
Race days and dress codes in the United States
The Triple Crown in spring, Saratoga and Del Mar in summer, Keeneland and the Breeders’ Cup in autumn, with steeplechase meets in between.
November 2026
Sun 22 Nov 2026
Colonial Cup
Springdale Race Course, Camden
The autumn sister to the Carolina Cup (51st running of the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup): tweed, boots and fall colour.
Thu 26 Nov 2026
Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, Louisville
A Louisville family tradition: Thanksgiving dinner in the dining rooms and 12 races; autumn tailoring, tweed, dresses with boots and coats.
Fri 27 Nov 2026
The Clark
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Black Friday feature day of the fall meet; smart autumn layers.
Sat 28 Nov 2026
Stars of Tomorrow II
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Two-year-old stakes day with Derby and Oaks points races; smart-casual winter racewear.
December 2026
Sat 5 Dec 2026
Cigar Mile Day
Belmont Park, Elmont
Late-season New York feature, now at the rebuilt Belmont Park after Aqueduct's closure: winter coats, wool tailoring, hats and gloves.
majorSat 26 Dec 2026
Santa Anita Opening Day
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
The traditional day-after-Christmas opener with six graded stakes: holiday dressing, winter whites, jewel tones, jackets in the Chandelier Room.
January 2027
flagshipSat 30 Jan 2027
Pegasus World Cup
Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
South Florida glamour: part race day, part Miami party with concerts and celebrities. Body-conscious cocktail dresses, bold colour, statement hats, pastel and white suits.
April 2027
majorFri 2 Apr 2027
Keeneland Spring Meet
Keeneland, Lexington
Three weeks of Kentucky's best-dressed racing; college students in sundresses and bow ties, Clubhouse in full business formal.
Also on the day: Keeneland Spring Meet Opening Day
majorSat 17 Apr 2027
Middleburg Spring Races
Glenwood Park, Middleburg
Virginia hunt-country spring classic (100th running was 2026): tweed and sport coats with ties, dresses with flats, hats always welcome.
majorSat 24 Apr 2027
Derby Week Opening Day
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Churchill Downs describes Opening Day style as polished, coordinated looks with refined silhouettes - elevated without being overdone.
majorSat 24 Apr 2027
Foxfield Spring Races
Foxfield, Charlottesville
The University of Virginia's spring rite: thousands of students in sundresses, pastel shorts, bow ties and seersucker; older crowd in tweed on the member side.
Sun 25 Apr 2027
Sunday Funday (Derby Week)
Churchill Downs, Louisville
A relaxed family Sunday of Derby Week racing; no fashion theme is published.
Mon 26 Apr 2027
Dawn at the Downs
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Early-morning trackside breakfast watching Derby and Oaks horses train; smart daywear and layers for a cool morning. Listed for six mornings in past years; 2027 page prints April 26.
Tue 27 Apr 2027
502'sDay (Derby Week)
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Locals' day named for Louisville's area code: local pride, bolder colour and personality.
Wed 28 Apr 2027
Winsday (Derby Week)
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Churchill Downs pairs Winsday with 502'sDay for bold patterns, more colour and texture and creative styling; the Style Under the Spires contest had a bold-pattern theme in 2026.
majorThu 29 Apr 2027
Thurby
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Thursday of Derby Week, the locals' dress-up day. Churchill Downs frames Thurby style around Kentucky heritage: relaxed, vintage-inspired looks, denim worn with dresses, styled boots.
flagshipFri 30 Apr 2027
Kentucky Oaks Day
Churchill Downs, Louisville
'The Sea of Pink': guests are encouraged (not required) to wear pink - hats, handkerchiefs, suits, sundresses, sunglasses - for the Pink Out supporting breast and ovarian cancer awareness.
May 2027
flagshipSat 1 May 2027
Kentucky Derby Day
Churchill Downs, Louisville
The peak of American race-day dress: the boldest looks, the largest hats, strong silhouettes, seersucker and pastel tailoring, coordinated group outfits. 153rd running.
flagshipSat 1 May 2027
Virginia Gold Cup
Great Meadow, The Plains
Washington DC's Derby-day alternative: about 50,000 people, large hats, spring dresses, seersucker and bow ties, themed tailgates and Members Hill tents.
flagshipSat 8 May 2027
Iroquois Steeplechase
Percy Warner Park, Nashville
Nashville's rite of spring (86th anniversary in 2027): 'smart Southern casual - sundresses, linen, sunhats, boots, sport coats or linen jackets'; bold hats and polished looks in the hospitality areas.
Sat 8 May 2027
Willowdale Steeplechase
Willowdale, Kennett Square
Brandywine Valley family race day with Best Hat and Best Dressed competitions.
majorSat 15 May 2027
Radnor Hunt Races
Radnor Hunt, Malvern
Philadelphia Main Line tradition (96th annual in 2027): tailgates, a sidesaddle race, and dress that gets more formal the closer you are to the clubhouse.
flagshipSun 23 May 2027
Preakness Stakes Day
Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore
The middle jewel of the Triple Crown, back at Pimlico and for the first time on a Sunday: bright colour, sundresses, statement hats, seersucker and bold blazers.
June 2027
majorThu 3 June 2027
Belmont Stakes Racing Festival (Thursday and Friday)
Belmont Park, Elmont
Opening days of the festival, the first at the rebuilt Belmont Park: polished New York summer racewear.
flagshipSat 5 June 2027
Belmont Stakes Day
Belmont Park, Elmont
The third leg of the Triple Crown returns home to a rebuilt Belmont Park after three runnings at Saratoga (2024-2026): white-carnation florals, crisp summer tailoring, boaters and fascinators.
October 2027
majorFri 1 Oct 2027
Keeneland Fall Meet
Keeneland, Lexington
Autumn racing in the Bluegrass: rich colour, wool and tweed tailoring, felt hats.
Also on the day: Keeneland Fall Meet Opening Day (Fall Stars Weekend)
Sun 3 Oct 2027
Foxfield Fall Races
Foxfield, Charlottesville
The family-oriented autumn meet: tweed, boots, sweaters.
flagshipFri 29 Oct 2027
Breeders' Cup Future Stars Friday
Belmont Park, Elmont
Friday of the World Championships (two-year-old races): smart autumn tailoring, a little more relaxed than Saturday.
flagshipSat 30 Oct 2027
Breeders' Cup Championship Saturday
Belmont Park, Elmont
The richest day in American racing: international crowd, sharp autumn suits, coats, jewel-tone dresses, felt hats and fascinators.
November 2027
majorSat 6 Nov 2027
Montpelier Hunt Races
James Madison's Montpelier, Montpelier Station
Racing on the lawn of James Madison's home: 'A timeless tweedy country look is always appropriate', hats welcome, with a hat contest after the second race.
Dates to be announced
The club has not published the date yet. Each moves onto the calendar when it does.
last Saturday of October (2026: 31 October)
Aiken Fall Steeplechase
Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse, Aiken
Autumn meet in Aiken; fall colours, boots, hats.
third or fourth Saturday of March (2026: 21 March)
Aiken Spring Steeplechase
Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse, Aiken
Season opener of the US jump circuit and the middle leg of the 'Aiken Triple Crown': spring pastels, hats, bow ties and tailgates.
third Saturday of August
Alabama Stakes Day
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs
Fillies' feature day: feminine summer dresses and hats.
moved in 2027 to three weeks before the Kentucky Derby (was five weeks out since 2022)
Arkansas Derby Day
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs
The biggest social day in Arkansas racing: spring dresses, big hats, seersucker and bow ties in the box seats.
first or second Saturday of August
Arlington Million Day (Festival of Racing)
Colonial Downs, New Kent
The Arlington Million's home since Arlington Park closed (run at Colonial Downs; 2026 edition on 1 August 2026): summer dresses and linen for turf racing.
first or second weekend of November
Bing Crosby Season Opening Day 2027
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar
Autumn opener; relaxed coastal dress.
the day before the Preakness; moves from Friday to Saturday in 2027
Black-Eyed Susan Day
Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore
Maryland's ladies' day: fillies' feature, traditionally the dressier and more female-focused day of the weekend.
first or second Saturday of the spring meet (early April)
Blue Grass Stakes Day
Keeneland, Lexington
The spring meet's showpiece Saturday and a Kentucky Derby prep: the dressiest day of the meet.
a Saturday in late June or July
Canterbury Park feature day (Mystic Lake Northern Stars card)
Canterbury Park, Shakopee
Minnesota's main race day; family casual.
last Saturday of March or first Saturday of April (2026: 28 March, 91st running)
Carolina Cup
Springdale Race Course, Camden
The South's biggest spring tailgate and steeplechase fashion day: bright sundresses and hats, dress shirts and bright ties, tens of thousands of students and families.
a weekend in mid-to-late November
Colonial Cup 2027
Springdale Race Course, Camden
As 2026: Camden's autumn meet.
a Friday in mid-to-late July (2026: Friday 17 July)
Del Mar Opening Day
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar
The West Coast's biggest racing fashion day: the Opening Day Hats Contest draws 150+ entrants and the whole crowd dresses up in hats, fascinators and bright summer dresses.
selected Saturday nights in the spring (June), September and fall meets
Downs After Dark
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Night racing where Churchill Downs 'encourages themed attire'; each night has its own colour or theme, announced with the meet.
a Sunday in mid-August (meet runs early July to late August)
Ellis Park Derby Day
Ellis Park, Henderson
Small-town Kentucky summer racing, 'the Pea Patch'; casual, hot-weather dress.
third Saturday of October (2026: 17 October, 105th running)
Far Hills Race Meeting
Moorland Farm, Far Hills
'The Hunt': the richest day in American steeplechasing and New Jersey's great autumn tailgate. Official guide: 'Think tweed, leather, flannel, and fall layers. Cowboy hats and Derby-style fascinators are both welcome.'
last Saturday of March or first Saturday of April
Florida Derby Day
Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
Florida's Kentucky Derby prep: tropical colour, sundresses, linen suits.
last Saturday of February or first Saturday of March
Fountain of Youth Day
Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
Derby-trail Saturday; race day chic.
third Saturday of April (2026: 18 April)
Grand National Steeplechase
Grand National course, Butler
Second of Maryland's timber classics; country tweed and boots.
first or second Saturday of August (2026: Saturday 8 August)
Hambletonian Day
Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford
Harness racing's greatest day and the one harness card with a real dress-up contest: guests are encouraged to wear their finest summer attire, especially in the dining areas.
third Saturday of July
Haskell Day
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
The Jersey Shore's biggest race day, promoted as 'Dress to Impress': summer dresses, hats, linen and seersucker.
a Sunday in mid-to-late May
High Hope Steeplechase
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Lexington's spring jump meet with tailgating at the Horse Park.
last weekend of January
Houston Racing Festival
Sam Houston Race Park, Houston
Texas's biggest thoroughbred day; smart casual with boots and western hats common.
fourth Saturday of October (2026: 24 October)
International Gold Cup
Great Meadow, The Plains
The autumn Gold Cup: tweed, boots, fall hats; the same hat and tailgate contests as the spring race.
a Saturday in the second half of March
Jeff Ruby Steaks Day
Turfway Park, Florence
Northern Kentucky's Derby prep and the track's one dress-up day.
seven race days from late August to mid-September
Kentucky Downs meet (Nashville Derby / Kentucky Turf Cup days)
Kentucky Downs, Franklin
European-style all-turf course with huge purses; hospitality tents and the Finish Line Pavilion draw a dressed-up Nashville crowd on the big Saturdays: sundresses, linen, straw hats.
Memorial Day weekend (late May)
Lone Star Park feature day (Steve Sexton Mile / Texas Derby card)
Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie
Dallas-Fort Worth's big race day; smart casual, western touches.
second or third Sunday of August (2026: 16 August)
Longacres Mile Day
Emerald Downs, Auburn
The Pacific Northwest's biggest race day; casual with some hats and sundresses.
a Saturday in the second half of March
Louisiana Derby Day
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans
The meet's richest day: spring dresses, hats, seersucker, New Orleans colour.
third Saturday of February (Carnival season)
Louisiana Derby Preview Day
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans
Risen Star card, often in Mardi Gras season - purple, green and gold appear.
last Saturday of April (2026: 25 April, 129th running)
Maryland Hunt Cup
Worthington Valley, Glyndon
America's most demanding timber race, a private-feeling country gathering: tweed, field coats, wellies, flat caps, picnic baskets - no hat contest, no fashion show.
a Saturday in mid-to-late October
Maryland Million Day
Laurel Park, Laurel
Maryland-bred championship day; smart autumn casual, tweed and boots in the dining rooms.
second Saturday of April (2026: 11 April)
My Lady's Manor Steeplechase Races
Ladew / My Lady's Manor course, Monkton
First of Maryland's three timber classics: country tweed, wellies, Barbour and field coats rather than party dress.
Friday after Thanksgiving
Oaklawn Opening Day
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs
Holiday-weekend opener of the long Oaklawn season.
a Saturday in late August or early September
Pacific Classic Day
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar
Del Mar's richest race day: dressy summer racewear, more tailored than Opening Day.
third or fourth Saturday of September
Pennsylvania Derby Day
Parx Racing, Bensalem
Parx's one national day; smart casual, early-autumn layers.
second Saturday of March
Rebel Stakes Day
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs
Second-biggest day of the Oaklawn season.
third Saturday of January
Road to the Derby Day
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans
Lecomte Stakes card.
a Saturday in mid-to-late December
Road to the Derby Kickoff Day
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans
Start of the three-year-old series; holiday casual.
last weekend of September
Santa Anita Autumn Meet Opening Weekend
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
Breeders' Cup prep weekend; warm-weather autumn dress.
first Saturday of April
Santa Anita Derby Day
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
The West's Kentucky Derby prep: spring dresses, hats, light suits.
first Saturday of March
Santa Anita Handicap Day
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
The 'Big 'Cap': classic California racewear, light tailoring.
26 December
Santa Anita Opening Day 2027
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
As 2026: the day-after-Christmas opener.
Labor Day (first Monday of September)
Saratoga Closing Day (Labor Day)
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs
Relaxed end-of-summer day; casual summer wear.
mid-July (traditional 40-day meet through Labor Day)
Saratoga Opening Day
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs
Opening day of America's oldest major summer meet: bright summer dresses, hats, seersucker and linen.
first Saturday of November (2026: 7 November)
Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain
Georgia's surviving jump meet (the Atlanta Steeplechase is no longer running); fall tailgates, boots and hats.
second or third Sunday of November
Steeplechase of Charleston 2027
Stono Ferry Racetrack, Hollywood
As 2026: Lowcountry autumn race day.
second Saturday of March
Tampa Bay Derby Day (Festival Day)
Tampa Bay Downs, Tampa
The meet's biggest day; relaxed Gulf Coast resort dress.
Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs 2027
Churchill Downs, Louisville
As 2026: Thanksgiving dinner and racing; autumn tailoring and coats.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Classic Day
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans
A New Orleans institution: locals put on their biggest, loudest and most outlandish hats and their best suits, go to the races, then go home for turkey.
Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November)
Thanksgiving Classic Day 2027
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans
As 2026: the New Orleans hat day.
last Saturday of August
Travers Day
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs
The 'Mid-Summer Derby': NYRA itself calls for 'extravagant fashion' on Travers Day - the dressiest day at the Spa.
second Saturday of March
Virginia Derby Day
Colonial Downs, New Kent
Virginia's Kentucky Derby points race, run in March since 2025; early-spring layers, hats, tweed and boots.
second Saturday of October (2026: 10 October)
Virginia Fall Races
Glenwood Park, Middleburg
Middleburg's autumn meet: tweed, boots and field hats.
first Saturday of August
Whitney Day
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs
One of the two biggest Saturdays of the meet; pink is traditional (the Whitney is linked to Marylou Whitney's pink roses) - dressy summer racewear.
first Sunday of May
Winterthur Point-to-Point
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Winterthur
Delaware's spring tailgate on the du Pont estate, historically with a tailgate competition and antique carriage parade: garden-party dresses, hats, blazers.
first Saturday of April
Wood Memorial Day
Belmont Park, Elmont
New York's Kentucky Derby prep; with Aqueduct closed it is expected at Belmont Park. Spring coats and tailoring.
Past race days (6)
- Breeders' Cup World Championships · Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Belmont Stakes · Sat 6 June 2026
- Preakness Stakes · Sat 16 May 2026
- Preakness Stakes · Sat 16 May 2026
- Kentucky Derby · Sat 2 May 2026
- Breeders' Cup World Championships · Fri 31 Oct 2025