Winter Equestrian Festival 2025 in Florida

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is recognized as the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian event. Held annually in Wellington, Florida, near West Palm Beach, it spans 12 weeks from January to March or early April. Each week features unique horse shows and competitions, while some major contests extend across the entire festival. WEF attracts top riders and equestrian enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing a wide variety of disciplines and levels of competition.

Schedule of Events

The Winter Equestrian Festival attracts 6,000 elite horses and riders, from children and juniors to amateurs and professionals. Among the festival's most prestigious events are the CSI5* weeks, including the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* during the WEF 12 Rolex & WCHR Finale Week. Other highlights include the WCHR Hunter Spectacular, BrainJuice U25 Grand Prix Series, WEF Equitation Championship, Hermès 1.50m Jumper Series, Adequan WEF Challenge Cup classes, groom's classes, team hunter exhibitions, USHJA hunter derbies, the Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments, and the annualNation'ss Cup. Held in Wellington, Florida, the festival showcases top-tier competition and a variety of equestrian events over its 12-week span.

Saturday Night Lights

Every Saturday night during the Winter Equestrian Festival, Saturday Night Lights offers thrilling entertainment featuring the week’s highest-level show jumping competition, also known as the Grand Prix. Elite horses and riders navigate a challenging course of fences, aiming for speed and precision without knocking rails. This family-friendly event includes live music, pony rides, face painting, a Venetian carousel, food, and shopping, making it an enjoyable evening for all.

Tickets & Parking

Admission is free, but parking costs $20. Gates open at 6 pm, with the competition starting at 7 pm; during the final three weeks, gates open at 6:30 pm, and events begin at 7:30 pm. Arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot. Some Saturday Night Lights evenings feature special events, like the annual Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments.

Wellington International Palm Beach

The Winter Equestrian Festival takes place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. This expansive venue features 18 competition arenas and 256 permanent horse stalls, making it one of the premier equestrian facilities in the world. The grounds also include approximately 57 miles of trails for equestrian use. Visitors have the opportunity to watch top-tier riders from around the globe, including renowned athletes like World #1 Kent Farrington and World #2 McLain Ward, often seen competing at The Grand Prix Village.

Activities

Between competitions, visitors at the Winter Equestrian Festival can explore the Vendor Village, which boasts unique boutiques and galleries. Cafes around the stadium offer a great vantage point to enjoy refreshments while catching the action. Visitors can choose from Asian-inspired cuisine, authentic Mexican dishes, classic American grills, and more, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience for everyone. The showgrounds are a shopper’s paradise, with over 100 food and retail vendors offering everything from equestrian gear to artisan goods.