A PLACE WHERE LAND, COMMUNITY & TRADITION ENDURE
Welcome to Great Meadow
A nonprofit steward of 374 acres of open land, preserved forever in service to the community. Where equestrian excellence, outdoor traditions, and shared experiences come together—just minutes from Washington, D.C.
Experience Great Meadow
Equestrian Events
Community Events
Field Sports
Rocketry & STEM Events
Legacy & Mission
Great Meadow stands as proof that one man’s vision can become a reality. With the support of family, friends, and the local community, founder Arthur “Nick” Arundel created what he called his Field of Dreams—a 374-acre open space preserved forever in service to the public.
Since 1983, the dedication of our Founding Life Members, Board Members, and countless community supporters has carried forward his mission: to protect this land and share its beauty for generations to come.
Upcoming Events at Great Meadow
September
05sep9:00 am6:00 pm52nd Annual Virginia Scottish Games
Event Details
An annual two day event, The Virginia Scottish Games are an annual festival held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, celebrating Scottish heritage with athletics, music, dance, food, and
Event Details
An annual two day event, The Virginia Scottish Games are an annual festival held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, celebrating Scottish heritage with athletics, music, dance, food, and cultural exhibits.
The Virginia Scottish Games began as a celebration of Alexandria’s Scottish heritage and now honor the traditions of the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. It’s one of the largest Scottish festivals in the Mid-Atlantic, blending athletic spectacle with cultural immersion. Whether you’re Scottish by ancestry or simply curious, it’s a vibrant way to experience Scotland without leaving Virginia.
What the Games Feature
Highland athletics: Traditional strength competitions like caber toss, stone put, and hammer throw, featuring top-ranked athletes.
Piping & drumming: Bagpipe bands and solo competitions that fill the air with iconic Scottish sounds.
Highland dance: Dancers in traditional attire performing centuries-old steps with precision and grace.
Fiddling competitions: Showcasing lively Scottish folk music traditions.
Sheep-herding demonstrations: Border collies working with sheep, highlighting rural Scottish skills.
Clan and society exhibits: Opportunities to explore ancestry and connect with Scottish heritage groups.
British car & motorcycle show: Classic vehicles on display, adding a unique flair.
Food & whisky tastings: Meat pies, Scotch eggs, shortbread, and whisky experiences.
Children’s activities: Family-friendly games and crafts.
Living history encampment: Reenactments that bring Scottish history to life
Time
Tickets to attend
$
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Fesetival Hill
Organizer
Virginia Scottish Games Association (VSGA)
Great Meadow
05sep5:30 pm11:00 pmGreat Meadow Polo Summer SeriesGreat Meadow Polo Summer Classic | SEMI-FINALS
Event Details
Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through November. Set against the
Event Details
Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through November. Set against the rolling hills of Virginia’s hunt country, this signature event blends thrilling sport, relaxed tailgating, and the unmistakable charm of Great Meadow.
Great Meadow’s weekly polo series showcases top players, fast-paced action, and unforgettable Saturday nights in Virginia’s horse country. Guests can expect the traditions they love—tailgates on the berm, picnics, a lively social scene—paired with new enhancements that elevate the fan and player experience.
GATES OPEN AT 5:30 PM | POLO STARTS AT 7 PM
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Great Meadow Veterans Stadium
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Veterans Stadium
Organizer
Great Meadow Polo
Great Meadow Veterans Stadium
06sep8:00 amCDCTA Horse Trials
Event Details
The CDCTA USEA Horse Trials are annual spring and fall eventing competitions organized by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA). They are recognized by the United States Eventing
Event Details
The CDCTA USEA Horse Trials are annual spring and fall eventing competitions organized by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA). They are recognized by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) and held at Nelson Farm in Berryville, Virginia. Riders compete across dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, ranging from Introductory to Preliminary levels.
Entries: Managed through USEA’s XEntry system, with prize lists and closing dates posted online.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Fleming Farm
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Fleming Farm
Organizer
Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA)
06sep9:00 am6:00 pm52nd Annual Virginia Scottish Games
Event Details
Day 2 An annual two day event, The Virginia Scottish Games are an annual festival held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, celebrating Scottish heritage with athletics, music, dance, food,
Event Details
Day 2
An annual two day event, The Virginia Scottish Games are an annual festival held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, celebrating Scottish heritage with athletics, music, dance, food, and cultural exhibits.
The Virginia Scottish Games began as a celebration of Alexandria’s Scottish heritage and now honor the traditions of the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. It’s one of the largest Scottish festivals in the Mid-Atlantic, blending athletic spectacle with cultural immersion. Whether you’re Scottish by ancestry or simply curious, it’s a vibrant way to experience Scotland without leaving Virginia.
What the Games Feature
Highland athletics: Traditional strength competitions like caber toss, stone put, and hammer throw, featuring top-ranked athletes.
Piping & drumming: Bagpipe bands and solo competitions that fill the air with iconic Scottish sounds.
Highland dance: Dancers in traditional attire performing centuries-old steps with precision and grace.
Fiddling competitions: Showcasing lively Scottish folk music traditions.
Sheep-herding demonstrations: Border collies working with sheep, highlighting rural Scottish skills.
Clan and society exhibits: Opportunities to explore ancestry and connect with Scottish heritage groups.
British car & motorcycle show: Classic vehicles on display, adding a unique flair.
Food & whisky tastings: Meat pies, Scotch eggs, shortbread, and whisky experiences.
Children’s activities: Family-friendly games and crafts.
Living history encampment: Reenactments that bring Scottish history to life
Time
Tickets to attend
$
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Festival Hill
Organizer
Virginia Scottish Games Association (VSGA)
Great Meadow
08sep8:00 am4:00 pmCLINIC | Cross-CountryClinician | Sharon White
Event Details
This eventing clinic is designed to build confidence for both OTTB and rider alike in the Cross-Country phase format. Sharon White is offering four clinic sessions (Beginner Novice, Novice, Training,
Event Details
This eventing clinic is designed to build confidence for both OTTB and rider alike in the Cross-Country phase format. Sharon White is offering four clinic sessions (Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Modified level). With both level-specific requirements and OTTB psychology in mind, this clinic aims to build a stronger foundation for the future success of each unique partnership. This series of clinics is supported by a grant through the Virginia Horse Industry Board.
Learn More About the 2026 Series of OTTB ReStart Clinics at Great Meadow HERE.
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Fleming Farm
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Organizer
Great Meadow Foundation
12sep9:00 am3:00 pmA Jump Above Schooling Jumper Show
Event Details
A Jump Above Horse Show is a series of schooling events offering classes from poles through the upper levels. A Jump Above creates a stress-free environment for both horse and
Event Details
A Jump Above Horse Show is a series of schooling events offering classes from poles through the upper levels. A Jump Above creates a stress-free environment for both horse and rider and provides the ultimate learning or development experience.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Fleming Farm Arena
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Fleming Farm Arena
Organizer
A Jump Above Horse Shows
12sep10:00 amModel Rocket Launch
Event Details
If you enjoy model rocketry, you are invited to join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry. NOVAAR is the public model rocket club in Northern Virginia and is a chartered
Event Details
If you enjoy model rocketry, you are invited to join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry. NOVAAR is the public model rocket club in Northern Virginia and is a chartered section of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). NOVAAR is one of the most active model rocket clubs in the U.S. and has over 51 years of history, success, safety and fun in the hobby of model rocketry.
NOVAAR flies once a month and is privileged to have access to the grass covered field of Great Meadow, a 380-acre field events center and steeplechase course located in The Plains, Virginia.
NOVAAR Launches are Open to the Public!
PLEASE NOTE: If you are not a NOVAAR member, each model rocket launch costs $1, HPR launches are $5 and HPR Cert attempts are $10. Check-in collects the launch fee.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Great Meadow
Organizer
Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR)
Great Meadow
12sep5:30 pm11:00 pmGreat Meadow Polo Summer SeriesGreat Meadow Polo Summer Classic | FINALS
Event Details
Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through November. Set against the
Event Details
Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through November. Set against the rolling hills of Virginia’s hunt country, this signature event blends thrilling sport, relaxed tailgating, and the unmistakable charm of Great Meadow.
Great Meadow’s weekly polo series showcases top players, fast-paced action, and unforgettable Saturday nights in Virginia’s horse country. Guests can expect the traditions they love—tailgates on the berm, picnics, a lively social scene—paired with new enhancements that elevate the fan and player experience.
GATES OPEN AT 5:30 PM | MATCHES START AT 7 PM
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Great Meadow Veterans Stadium
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Veterans Stadium
Organizer
Great Meadow Polo
Great Meadow Veterans Stadium
13sep10:30 amNSLM Polo Classic Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™
Event Details
The 2026 NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ will take place on Sunday, September 13, at Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, VA. Ticket sales are now open! As the
Event Details
The 2026 NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ will take place on Sunday, September 13, at Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, VA. Ticket sales are now open!
As the National Sporting Library & Museum’s sole fundraising event each year, the proceeds from the Polo Classic support the NSLM’s mission to preserve, promote, and share the literature, art, and culture, of equestrian, angling and field sports as well as advocate for the conservation of open space and waterways crucial to these sports. Funds raised from the event allow the Library & Museum to host dynamic public programs and fine-art exhibitions, as well as care for its world-renowned collection of nearly 22,000 works covering 500 years of history—all located in the heart of Middleburg.
The Polo Classic is a fun and festive day of polo and wonderful way to experience the NSLM’s mission first-hand. The event includes two top-tier polo matches, seated lunch in the Founders’ Pavilion, champagne divot stomp, traditional parade of the hounds, and much more!
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Grass Polo Field
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Grass Polo Field
Organizer
National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM)
18sep6:00 pm8:00 pmMusic in the Meadow Summer SeriesFEATURING Alan Scott Band
Event Details
Music in the Meadow Is Back! Our popular concert series returns for another season of live music, relaxed summer evenings, and community gathering at Great Meadow. Pack a picnic, bring your
Event Details
Music in the Meadow Is Back!
Our popular concert series returns for another season of live music, relaxed summer evenings, and community gathering at Great Meadow. Pack a picnic, bring your people, and spend a Friday evening with us under the summer sky.
The events are free to the public, but sign-up is required to secure your car pass.
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Organizer
Great Meadow Foundation
Great Meadow
19sep12:00 pmCloverleaf Polo ClassicCelebrating 20 Years!
Event Details
The Annual Cloverleaf Polo Classic is the premier fundraising event for the Cloverleaf Equine Center, held each September at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. It combines world-class polo with
Event Details
The Annual Cloverleaf Polo Classic is the premier fundraising event for the Cloverleaf Equine Center, held each September at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. It combines world-class polo with community celebration to support equine-assisted programs for children, adults with disabilities, marginalized youth, and recovering military personnel.
The Cloverleaf Polo Classic is more than a sporting event—it’s a community-driven fundraiser that sustains programs helping individuals with disabilities, marginalized youth, and veterans in recovery. By blending sport, culture, and philanthropy, it highlights the transformative power of horses in human healing and growth,
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Veterans Stadium
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Veterans Stadium
Organizer
Cloverleaf Equine Center
20sep8:00 amCDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows
Event Details
The CDCTA Dressage Shows are USEF/USDF licensed competitions organized by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA), held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. They provide a welcoming,
Event Details
The CDCTA Dressage Shows are USEF/USDF licensed competitions organized by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA), held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. They provide a welcoming, professional environment for riders of all levels to compete in dressage.
Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is a nonprofit, USDF Group Member Organization (GMO) and affiliated combined training association.
Their mission is to promote dressage and eventing in Virginia through competitions, education, and community support. They offer riders a chance to earn qualifying scores for regional and national championships while enjoying the camaraderie of the dressage community.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Fleming Farm Arena
Organizer
Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA)
Great Meadow
20sep10:00 amModel Rocket Launch
Event Details
If you enjoy model rocketry, you are invited to join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry. NOVAAR is the public model rocket club in Northern Virginia and is a
Event Details
If you enjoy model rocketry, you are invited to join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry. NOVAAR is the public model rocket club in Northern Virginia and is a chartered section of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). NOVAAR is one of the most active model rocket clubs in the U.S. and has over 51 years of history, success, safety and fun in the hobby of model rocketry.
NOVAAR flies once a month and is privileged to have access to the grass covered field of Great Meadow, a 380-acre field events center and steeplechase course located in The Plains, Virginia.
NOVAAR Launches are Open to the Public!
PLEASE NOTE: If you are not a NOVAAR member, each model rocket launch costs $1, HPR launches are $5 and HPR Cert attempts are $10. Check-in collects the launch fee.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Great Meadow
Organizer
Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR)
Great Meadow
26sep8:00 amOld Tavern Horse Trials
Event Details
Old Tavern Eventing is a high-performance event organizer and management company founded by Darrin Mollett and David O’Connor to enhance the sport of eventing in Northern Virginia and beyond. Our
Event Details
Old Tavern Eventing is a high-performance event organizer and management company founded by Darrin Mollett and David O’Connor to enhance the sport of eventing in Northern Virginia and beyond. Our mission is to provide exceptional competition opportunities for athletes and their equine partners to help them reach their individual goals, whether they are at the entry level, or the highest level of international team competition.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Fleming Farm
Organizer
Old Tavern Eventing
Great Meadow
26sep5:30 pm11:00 pmGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series
Event Details
Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through November. Set against the
Event Details
Experience the return of a beloved Great Meadow tradition with Great Meadow Polo, a fast-paced summer arena polo series held every Saturday evening from May through November. Set against the rolling hills of Virginia’s hunt country, this signature event blends thrilling sport, relaxed tailgating, and the unmistakable charm of Great Meadow.
Great Meadow’s weekly polo series showcases top players, fast-paced action, and unforgettable Saturday nights in Virginia’s horse country. Guests can expect the traditions they love—tailgates on the berm, picnics, a lively social scene—paired with new enhancements that elevate the fan and player experience.
GATES OPEN AT 5:30 PM | POLO STARTS AT 7 PM
Time
Tickets to attend
Location
Great Meadow Veterans Stadium
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Veterans Stadium
Organizer
Great Meadow Polo
Great Meadow Veterans Stadium
27sep8:00 amOld Tavern Horse Trials
Event Details
DAY 2 Old Tavern Eventing is a high-performance event organizer and management company founded by Darrin Mollett and David O’Connor to enhance the sport of eventing in Northern Virginia and beyond.
Event Details
DAY 2
Old Tavern Eventing is a high-performance event organizer and management company founded by Darrin Mollett and David O’Connor to enhance the sport of eventing in Northern Virginia and beyond. Our mission is to provide exceptional competition opportunities for athletes and their equine partners to help them reach their individual goals, whether they are at the entry level, or the highest level of international team competition.
Time
Tickets to attend
FREE and OPEN to the public to watch
Location
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
Event Location @ GM
Fleming Farm
Organizer
Old Tavern Eventing
Great Meadow
Latest News
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MIDDLEBURG LIFE | July 2026 | Written by Kaitlin Hill, Photos by Nancy Kleck Summer in Hunt Country is synonymous with outdoor events, especially at Great Meadow, where on any given day, there is likely a polo match, an educational camp, a live music show, or a...
FAUQUIER TIMES | VIRGINIA GOLD CUP: It’s Keys Discount for the win – again – at Great Meadow
By Betsy Burke Donley | Contributing Writer May 2, 2026 | VIRGINIA GOLD CUP: It's Keys Discount for the win – again – at Great Meadow Give him the Keys to Gold Cup - he earned it. Dolly Fisher's Keys Discount floated to his third-straight victory at...
PRESS RELEASE | Virginia Gold Cup will Run on Great Meadow Racecourse with Improved Irrigation System on May 2
NEWS | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WARRENTON, Va., April 23, 2026—When the 101st Virginia Gold Cup races get underway on Saturday, May 2, horses will be running on an improved racecourse, thanks to the Great Meadow Foundation. A year ago, Great Meadow Foundation set...
Preserve the Legacy. Enrich the Future.
Community support is vital to preserving and enhancing Great Meadow. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, outdoor events, or giving back, your involvement makes a lasting impact. Join us in protecting this historic 374-acre landscape and ensuring its beauty endures for generations to come.
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