Camden, South Carolina
Your Ultimate Guide to the Colonial Cup Race Weekend
Three jockeys in colorful silks ride horses numbered 3, 4, and 5 during a steeplechase race on a grassy track in front of a grandstand.

Welcome to Camden, South Carolina! 🏇🏼 Colonial Cup Race Weekend is one of the most anticipated times of the year for steeplechase racing enthusiasts. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy this weekend – since it’s packed with multiple equestrian events, social gatherings, live entertainment, and unforgettable traditions. Whether you are coming in for the golf tournament, the street festival, or Sunday’s thrilling steeplechase action, here is your complete guide to making the most of the week—including top spots to shop, dine, and enjoy the local nightlife.

🗓️ Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 19

Friday, November 20

Saturday, November 21

Sunday, November 22

  • The Colonial Cup Races Experience a full day of steeplechase racing and family entertainment at Springdale Racecourse.
    • Gates Open: 9:00 AM
    • First Race: 1:00 PM
    • Activities: Explore the Holiday Market, the TruVista Fiber Kids Zone, and beloved traditions such as the Best Dressed Contest, the Tailgate Contest, and the fan-favorite Corgi Races!
    • Admission: Children 12 and under are admitted free.

🛍️ Where to Shop

Need a race-day outfit, equestrian chic accessories, or local souvenirs? Check out these local boutiques:

Pink Stable 👚 Pink Stable is a stylish clothing boutique in downtown Camden featuring curated women’s fashion, race-day attire and accessories.

Ella’s Boutique 👗 Ella’s Boutique offers a collection of trendy women’s apparel, jewelry, and gifts perfect for dressing up for the races.

Needful Things of Camden 👜 Needful Things of Camden is a unique local boutique offering custom embroidery, laser engraving, and a wide selection of accessories and specialty gifts.

Fox Den Ltd. 🦊Fox Den Ltd. offers bespoke equestrian-inspired décor, gifts, personalized embroidery and accessories to upscale your tailgating experience at the Cup.

🍽️ Where to Dine

From fine dining to casual sports bars, Camden offers great options to fuel your race week festivities:

Sam Kendall’s 🥩Dine in this upscale American restaurant located in a restored 19th-century building, serving prime steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails.

Steeplechase Sports Bar & Grill 🍔 Enjoy a casual yet lively race-themed atmosphere with cold beers, burgers, and classic pub fare in downtown Camden.

Bryleesima 🍝 Camden’s newest restaurant, offering authentic Italian fare including handcrafted pasta, stone cooked pizza, fresh seafood, house-made desserts, an extensive Italian wine list and handcrafted cocktails.

Blackmon’s “Little Midget” Drive In 🌭 No longer just a drive-in, Camden’s oldest continuously operating eatery is the place for homemade chili and pimento cheese, traditional Southern favorites, and loaded hot dogs.

🌙 Nightlife & Evening Hangouts

Keep the energy going after the sun sets with these great local nightlife spots:

Greener Pastures Brewing Co. 🍺 This locally owned craft brewery, restaurant, and event venue features handcrafted brews and cocktails along with brick oven fired artisan pizzas, smash burgers, and appetizers. Weekly specials and live music on the weekends are what makes this a great hangout for large groups.

Broad & Vine 🍷 A sophisticated wine bar and lounge in a beautifully restored bank building, offering an exceptional selection of wines and a relaxed, upscale environment.

Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge 🥃 A comfortable, premium lounge atmosphere where patrons can enjoy fine cigars, drinks, small plates and great conversation after at day at the races.

Gallery 537 🥂 This vibrant cultural and social gathering space is perfect for exploring local artistic flair and enjoying evenings of live music and entertainment.