Race Week Is Here: Your Complete Guide to Steeplechase Weekend
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
The wait is almost over! The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus is just days away, and Sunday, November 15, is shaping up to be a fantastic day at the races!
With 60 beautiful acres of Lowcountry scenery, thrilling horse racing, the always-entertaining Corgi Cup, great food, shopping, and live music from Keys and Company, there’s plenty to get excited about.
Before you head out the door, here are a few helpful tips to make your race day a breeze!
The Early Bird Gets the Best Start!
Gates open at 8:00 AM, and getting there early is always a good idea! Traffic tends to pick up between 10:00 AM and noon, so why not beat the rush?
Grab your friends, ride together if possible, and give yourself time to explore the Merchant Market, enjoy some food, and settle in before the racing begins.
General Admission Parking Has Moved!
Good news! General Admission parking is now closer to the action, just a five-minute walk from the racetrack!
New Parking Location:
Stono Ferry Stables
5304 Stono Ferry Course
Hollywood, SC 29449
Follow the General Admission Parking signs along Stono Ferry Course and turn left onto Old Washington Course. Parking staff will take it from there!
One important note: Don’t head to 5000 Old York Course. That’s the racetrack entrance, and General Admission vehicles will be redirected.
Tailgating is not permitted in the General Admission parking lot, and vehicles left overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Need accessible parking? Email info@steeplechaseofcharleston.com for assistance.
Tailgate Plans? We’ve Got You!
A Steeplechase tailgate is half the fun! Pack your favorite snacks, gather your crew, and get ready to enjoy the day.
Running short on time? Hamby Catering can help take the food preparation off your plate. Check with their team about available catering options for race day.
Bringing your own tent? There’s a $20 Bring Your Own Tent fee, and tents must be secured with stakes. If you haven’t purchased your tent add-on, visit the ticketing page or email info@steeplechaseofcharleston.com.
Remember, grills, propane tanks, and open flames are not allowed.
Don’t Leave Home Without These!
A little planning makes for a much better Sunday!
- Your tickets and parking passes
- A valid photo ID, especially if you’re bringing alcohol
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day
- Comfortable shoes and a change of shoes for exploring the grounds
- Layers for November’s unpredictable weather
- Your favorite food, snacks, and beverages
And here’s one reminder worth repeating: NO GLASS!
Glass bottles and containers are not permitted anywhere on the grounds, so stick with cans and other non-glass containers.
Guests 21 and older may bring alcoholic beverages, but there will be no General Admission bar. Food trucks will also be serving up delicious options and nonalcoholic drinks throughout the day.
A few other things to leave at home include pets (except participating Corgi Cup racers), umbrellas, parasols, balloons, generators, and loud music.
A Few Tips for a Safe and Happy Race Day
With horses racing, kids cheering, and tailgates in full swing, a little common sense helps everyone enjoy the day.
Stay behind the spectator barriers, keep younger racegoers close, and pick a meeting spot in case your group gets separated.
Remember to drink water throughout the day and take a break when you need one.
Planning to enjoy a cocktail or two? Arrange a designated driver or take advantage of our designated Uber and Lyft pickup and drop-off area.
Should anyone need assistance, the MUSC First Aid tent will be in the Merchant Market, in the first row all the way to the left. Our event staff will also be happy to point you in the right direction.
If an emergency occurs on the course, please give the veterinarians, safety teams, and emergency personnel room to do their jobs.
Bringing the Kids? Even Better!
The Steeplechase of Charleston is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday with the family!
Children 12 and under receive free General Admission, but they still need their own ticket to enter. Be sure to grab their complimentary tickets on the official ticketing page.
Be sure to stop by the Kids Fun Zone, where younger racegoers can enjoy activities and burn off some energy between races!
And don’t forget to catch the Corgi Cup! Those little legs and big personalities are always a crowd favorite.
60 Acres of Race Day Excitement!
There’s so much happening across 60 beautiful acres!
Cheer on the Thoroughbreds as they race over the jumps, browse the Merchant Market, grab something tasty from the food trucks, and catch Keys and Company performing on the Palmetto Life/Live 5 News Stage.
And don’t forget your camera! From stylish race day outfits and festive tailgate setups to beautiful Lowcountry scenery and all the excitement along the track, there are photo opportunities everywhere you turn. Grab your friends, strike a pose, and capture a few memories along the way!
If you’re exploring the grounds, remember that reserved tailgate and hospitality viewing areas are for those guests. There are plenty of other great places to enjoy the racing!
Whether you’re a longtime Steeplechase fan or attending for the first time, Sunday is going to be full of excitement!
See You Sunday!
Tickets? Check. Parking passes? Check. Photo ID and water? Check!
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus is Sunday, November 15, 2026, with gates opening at 8:00 AM.
Come early, bring your friends, and get ready for a fantastic day of racing, music, food, and Lowcountry fun!
Still need tickets? Visit the official Steeplechase ticketing page.
See you at the races!