Wellington International: a guide to the equestrian district

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Sources: Wellington International’s plan your visit page, Saturday Night Lights, Friday Night Stars and WEF schedule pages; and the Village of Wellington’s fireworks, equestrian trails and micromobility pages.

Wellington’s signature attraction is horses, and the place to see them is Wellington International, the showgrounds in southern Wellington. Its Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan Global Dressage Festival run from January through April, and daily admission and parking are free. The weekly evening grand prix, Saturday Night Lights, is free to watch too, with $25 parking. Hunter/jumper shows run there year-round.

Visitor basics

• Wellington International North: 3400 Equestrian Club Drive. South: 3780 Gene Mische Way. Equestrian Village: 13500 South Shore Blvd.
• Daytime: free admission and parking; shows Thursday to Sunday from 8 a.m. (Wednesday to Sunday during WEF)
• Evenings: Saturday Night Lights and Friday Night Stars, free general admission; parking $25, valet $35
• Cashless: bring a credit card

The 2027 season

From the venue’s WEF schedule:

Weeks continue into April; the venue posts the rest of the schedule on the same page. During WEF, general admission is free and open during the day Wednesday through Sunday. Outside the winter season, the venue’s Annual Series hunter/jumper shows run Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m., winding down in the late afternoon; the venue’s upcoming listings put several at Equestrian Village.

Saturday Night Lights

Saturday Night Lights is WEF’s weekly Saturday grand prix show jumping night, January through April.

• Gates 6 p.m.; competition 7 p.m.
• Free general admission. General parking $25 a car; evening valet $35.
• For families: live music, face painting, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, magic acts, stilt walkers and free rides on the Venetian carousel, the venue says.
• Paid hospitality ranges from the casual Tiki Hut (tickets released Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during WEF) to table packages with buffet and open bar.

Friday Night Stars

Friday Night Stars are the Global Dressage Festival’s evening Grand Prix Freestyle nights at Wellington International South. Doors open at 6 p.m. and competition starts at 7 p.m. General admission is free; parking is $25 and valet $35. Seats are under an awning, it runs rain or shine, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Before you go

From the venue’s visitor page:

• No outside food or drinks, coolers or food containers. Food vendors run January to April.
• No firearms, drones, fireworks or balloons, or anything that could startle horses.
• Pets must be leashed.
• Wear comfortable shoes (the grounds cover hundreds of acres), sunscreen and a hat; bring a rain jacket and a credit card.
• Events run rain or shine and are canceled only for dangerous weather.

Living next to the horses

Parts of Wellington lie in the village’s Equestrian Preserve Area; the village maps its boundaries on its fireworks page. Things to know:

• Fireworks are banned year-round in the preserve area, even on the holidays state law allows, the village says. See New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
• The village maintains 15 color-named bridle paths; e-bikes and e-scooters are banned on all public bridle trails. See walking and biking trails.
• Village decisions on the preserve go through its Equestrian Preserve Committee; its meetings are on the village calendar and in our city hall coverage.

Where to eat after

Wellington International lists its on-site food vendors on its site. Off-site, see date night and brunch for restaurants with their own posted hours.

What this means for you

• Free daytime visits all winter; the evening events cost only parking.
• Saturday Night Lights is the one to bring kids to.
• Leave drones, coolers and balloons at home.

More: history and landmarks, Valentine’s Day in Wellington and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wellington International free to visit?

Yes. Daily admission and parking are free, the venue says. The Saturday Night Lights and Friday Night Stars evening events have free general admission but charge $25 for general parking and $35 for valet.

When is the 2027 Winter Equestrian Festival?

January through April 2027, starting with Premiere Week Jan. 6-10. Daytime general admission is free Wednesday through Sunday.

What time does Saturday Night Lights start?

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the grand prix competition starts at 7 p.m. on Saturdays during the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Where is Wellington International?

Wellington International North is at 3400 Equestrian Club Drive and Wellington International South at 3780 Gene Mische Way. Equestrian Village is at 13500 South Shore Blvd.

Can I bring my dog to Wellington International?

Pets must be leashed. The venue says leashed dogs are welcome at Friday Night Stars.