The 130th Devon Horse Show & Country Fair

Add another anniversary to 2026, as the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair — the largest and oldest outdoor multibreed horse show in North America and a Main Line tradition — marks its 130th year and its continuing role as the largest donor to Bryn Mawr Hospital, with over $25 million donated.

With 12 days of equestrian excellence in the ring and family fun throughout the grounds, this year’s festivities bring something old (traditions of all sorts), something new (carriage eventing for one) and something blue (actually red, white and blue for a patriotic celebration of America’s 250th).

Mark your calendar for Monday, May 25, for a special patriotic Tribute to Heroes ceremony honoring those who served our country, complete with music, song, a special flag unveiling and, for the 250th, a George Washington reenactor.

Have Fun at the Country Fair

More than 2,000 volunteers create festivities for all to enjoy — providing food, drinks, shopping, souvenirs, rides and games on the midway plus other activities — for 12 fun-filled days and nights that attract 125,000 visitors.

Come for First Night at Devon, Wednesday, May 20, for an elegant ticketed cocktail party and first look at the work of over 70 artists for sale, including this year’s poster artist, Radhika Srinivas, in the Art Gallery at Devon.

And since Devon and family fun go together, let us help you plan find your favorites from the many choices.

• Come on Family Days: Thursday, May 21, Tuesday, May 26 and Sunday, May 31 feature special prices on souvenirs, food and rides.
• Visit the Midway: The towering Ferris wheel, antique carousel and other rides add to the midway fun, where little ones can let off steam and everyone can stretch their legs.
• Enter the 8th Annual Dog Show: On May 21 at 7:15 p.m., show off your best furry friend as canines compete in several classes.
• Say Awww at the Lead Line: Pigtails, proud parents and future stars shine as kiddos ages 5 and under are led around the Dixon Oval, 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 23.
• Cheer Pony Hunt Teams: Colorful costumed teams of three youngsters compete in the Wheeler Ring on Saturday, May 23.
• Reserve a Spot at the Itty Bitty Tea Party: Fun, food and tea party treats for youngsters on Sunday, May 24, at three ticketed seatings.
• Make Kids Crafts & Itty Bitty Hats for the Parade: On the final Sunday, May 31, see a pint-sized hat parade, as kiddos show off their work with glitter and smiles.
• Get a Selfie with the Philly Phanatic: Among the many photo ops, be on the lookout for this big furry figure.

Eating, drinking and shopping offer more options for fun with choices galore. Walk the paths beneath the sycamores and sniff aromas of brewing coffee, sizzling burgers, baking pizzas. Then browse the shops in the white clapboard cottages hosting boutiques and special souvenirs for Devon’s 130th and America’s 250th.

For traditional fare, opt for tea and tiny sandwiches at the Tea Cart, or lemon sticks, Devon fudge and ice cream plus good old burgers and fries. Sample more options from Sips & Bits, the Garden Café, 1896 Grille and the Wine Gazebo. Clydesdale Corner offers more options for food, drink, music and good cheer.

In the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring

Equestrian excellence and American tradition meet at the Devon Horse Show, which draws over 1,500 competitors to this US Equestrian Heritage Competition — from Olympians to munchkins in their first Lead Line event. Started in 1896 at the Devon Racetrack and Polo Grounds, the horse show now offers $1 million in prize money.

Check the schedule in this article for events, dates, times and details to help choose your preferred equestrian excitement. Some suggestions:

• NEW Carriage Eventing: A new tradition debuts on Memorial Day at 7 p.m. Carriage eventing combines the thrill of racing on an obstacle course set in the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring with the added difficulty of carriage driving. A test of skill, precision and speed with $10,000 in prize money.
• Arena Eventing: A popular recent addition, this race of horse and rider is a breathtaking 30-jump competition of precision and stamina spanning two rings for $50,000 in prize money, Sunday, May 24.
• Show Jumping: The thrill of jumping events is woven throughout the schedule — from Junior Jumpers, Pony Jumpers and Amateur Jumpers to events with big prizes, including the Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake on May 30 ($182,100 in prizes) as well as the Grand Prix.
• Sapphire Grand Prix: The highlight event with $210,000 in prizes features world class riders and their equine partners performing under the lights, Thursday, May 28. This event, where horse and rider clear a series of 5-foot-plus jumps, sells out, so reserve tickets early.
• Hackneys, Saddlebreds, Sidesaddle: Marvel at the elegant high-stepping hackneys as they pull carriages and the American-bred saddlebreds topped with riders wearing long-tailed coats, as well as gravity-defying sidesaddle riders.
• Pleasure Drive: For a change of pace, watch antique carriages parade through local neighborhoods, starting in St. David’s Church grounds and ending in the Dixon Oval, Sunday, May 24. From simple one-horse carts to grand four-in-hand teams, decked out in period dress.

IF YOU GO

Where: Dorset Rd. & Lancaster Ave., Devon

When: May 20–31. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Info & Tickets: DevonHorseShow.net; 610-688-2554

Beneficiary: Bryn Mawr Hospital

Livestream: USEF Network and ESPN3

View the full schedule of events here.

Start Planning Your Hat for Next Year!

Ladies Hat Day, Wednesday, May 27. Dating back to the 1900s, this signature event attracts fans in fanciful hats, judged by a panel sure to include surprise celebs. Enjoy Champagne, goodie bags and good times at the Art Gallery Pavilion, while participants display hats in the theme, “Retro Runway, Turn Back the Clock.” A ticketed lunch follows at Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard. Reserve tickets early!