The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair

Enjoy 12 days of fun and excitement at the 129th anniversary of this beloved equestrian event. With a long history of special traditions — the tea cart and family skyboxes — plus philanthropy — Bryn Mawr Hospital is the sole beneficiary — the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair engages fans ranging from Olympic riders to tiny tots with attractions including the Budweiser Clydesdales, Philly Phanatic and so much more.

The oldest and largest outdoor multibreed show in North America with almost $1 million in prize money, this event promises unforgettable memories both inside and outside the rings. Check the schedule at the end of this article to plan your visit … or better yet, visits.

Outside the Ring at the Country Fair

Matching the all-star lineup in the ring, the Country Fair offers entertainment, gourmet food, specialty boutiques, amusement rides, carnival games and more fun outside the ring. Over 2,000 volunteers run the fair, often involving generations of helpers — from the information booth and food stands to the souvenir booth and Ladies’ Day activities.

The fun kicks off at First Night, May 21, when the Art Gallery at Devon welcomes guests to an evening of art, community and philanthropy at a ticketed cocktail party with the first chance to purchase over 700 artworks and see the unveiling of the 2025 Devon poster by Nicola Soricelli.

Throughout the 12 days, stroll the grounds to visit boutique shops in miniature cottages, let the kiddos enjoy amusement rides — an antique carousel and towering Ferris wheel — along with midway games, lemon sticks and Devon fudge.

Make a day of it and sample the dining options and live entertainment. And be sure to visit during Family Days on May 22 and June 1 for special events like the Dog Contest and Itty Bitty Tea Party. Or come on Ladies’ Day, May 28, for the hat contest, reception and luncheon honoring the legacy of “Hollywood and Horses.” See the schedule at the end of this article.

Food highlights this year include a “Tea for Two” reinvention at the Tea Cart, adding to the usual teas, scones, finger sandwiches and sweet treats; starting your day off at Sips & Bits with treats like Di Bruno Bros.’s avocado toast, yogurt parfait or protein-packed box; Cafe Gourmino’s espresso drinks crafted for coffee lovers; and Madi’s on a Roll bringing back multi-flavored gourmet egg rolls.

For new shopping options, visit the souvenir stand to shop specialty brands — Vineyard Vines, Crab and Cleek, Clover Baby, Frank Green — with Devon-inspired custom prints and logos on just about everything you can think of; Devon Boutiques celebrate 35 years of Hats by Katie’s fine handcrafted millinery; and the Plein Air Art Event on Ladies’ Day has artists painting miniature scenes of Devon to be sold in the Art Gallery.

For something new for the kiddos, the Itty Bitty Tea Parties, ages 4–7, will feature performances by Two of a Kind, a local musical duo engaging audiences in song, plus a third tea for ages 8–12, a fun “grown-up” version.

Inside the Ring

As the largest multibreed outdoor horse show on the continent, there’s action and variety packed into each of the 12 days of the Devon Horse Show. Some may come for the breed classes, or the hunters, jumpers and thrilling arena eventing. Others may prefer the tradition of the carriage driving and coaching events, plus horn competitions and hounds scurrying in the Dixon Oval.

Those with specialized tastes look forward to the hackneys, saddlebreds and daring sidesaddle riders. While still others come for the fun of the pony races, colorful costumed pony hunt clubs and the parade of munchkins in the lead line — a major crowd-pleaser, scheduled for Saturday, May 24. See the lead line article in this issue.

For those who mark their calendars for the big-ticket events — after all, there’s almost $1 million in prizes — get ready for the $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon on Thursday, May 29, when world-class riders and their equine partners perform under the bright lights. Other competitions include the $50,000 Arena Eventing competition, May 25; $38,700 Jet Run Welcome Stake, May 27; $38,700 Main Line Challenge Speed Stake, May 28; $25,000 International USHJA Hunter Derby, May 29; $38,700 Devon Speed Derby, May 30; and $145,100 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake on Saturday, May 31.

And for thrills of another kind, the acclaimed Clydesdales will wow the crowds with three nights of high-stepping trips around the Dixon Oval on the evenings of May 29, 30 and 31.

Can’t attend every night? You’re in luck, because the action is livestreamed on the USEF Network and ESPN.

IF YOU GO

Where: Dorset Rd. & Lancaster Ave., Devon

When: May 21–June 1. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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

Beneficiary of the Country Fair: Bryn Mawr Hospital

View the full schedule of events here.