AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION

A Full Day of Family Fun, Pony Competition & Patriotic Tradition

Join us for The Pony Spectacular! Featuring the Pony Hunter Derby, family activities, Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix, and a July 4th drone show finale.
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Tryon International
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Tryon International
View Schedule
Plan your Visit 
Family Fun All Day
Pony Spectacular

Celebrating the sport's favorite pint-sized athletes all week long with competition and special events.

Register for Hobby Horse
Plan your Visit
View Schedule
Compete in Tryon Summer 4

Foam parties, waterslides, carnival games, pony rides, roaming entertainers, and more.

World-class show jumping, patriotic pageantry, and a drone show finale you won't want to miss.

Saturday Night Lights

DON’T MISS THESE

Featured Experiences

  • Low Country Boil

    Enjoy seafood buckets loaded with shrimp, crawfish, corn, potatoes, sausage, and onions while enjoying live music & family activities

    Grab a Bucket →

  • Pony Hunter Derby

    Tryon Stadium

    Watch the next generation of equestrian athletes compete in the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby presented by Fabbri Boots.

    Learn more →

  • Hobby Horse Competition

    One of Tryon's most popular family activities returns! Open to competitors of all ages and free to participate with advance registration.

    Explore Hobby Horse Events →

  • Pony Costume Parade

    Before the Grand Prix

    Competitors and their ponies will showcase patriotic attire in a festive parade celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

    Learn more →

  • Fourth of July Drone Show

    Following Saturday Night Lights

    Presented by Quantum Flight, this spectacular drone show will light up the night sky and conclude an unforgettable day at Tryon.

    Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A special one-day celebration honoring America's 250th anniversary, featuring Pony Spectacular competition, family activities, patriotic entertainment, Saturday Night Lights, and a drone show finale.

  • Guests can enjoy a foam party, waterslide, carnival-style games, face painting, pony rides, trackless train rides, photo opportunities, roaming entertainers, live music, and more throughout the day.

  • The Pony Spectacular is a special week celebrating the sport's favorite pint-sized athletes. Highlights include the Pony Hunter Derby, Pony Costume Parade, competitor events, and family-friendly activities.

  • Presented by Chick-fil-A Forest City, the North American Hobby Horse Association Competition invites participants of all ages to race through a course of jumps in one of Tryon's most popular family activities.

  • General admission is free! Premium hospitality experiences and select activities may require advance reservations. Parking is available on-site for a fee.

  • Yes! Guests can enjoy dining throughout the property, including the annual Low Country Boil, restaurants, concessions, bars, and grab-and-go options.

  • The drone show will take place following the conclusion of Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix. Exact timing will be announced closer to the event.

Competition. Community. Celebration. Only at Tryon.

MAKE A DAY (or Week) OF IT!

Arrive early for the Pony Hunter Derby, spend the afternoon exploring family activities, enjoy dinner and entertainment on property, then settle into Tryon Stadium for an evening of Saturday Night Lights and patriotic celebration.

Thursday, July 2nd

5pm | Beach Games & Competitor Party

Held alongside our competitor party, enjoy lawn games and plenty of fun in the sun on Thursday evening! Join us at the Silo Bar for refreshments and catch up with fellow exhibitors as we kick off Tryon Summer 4 and the Pony Spectacular.

Saturday, July 4th

Hunter action showcases on the grass Friday afternoon for the $20,000 Equinavia International Hunter Derby! Bring your friends and barn family to cheer on top riders as they take on Tryon International’s Derby Field.

Friday, July 3rd

2pm | $20K Equinavia International Hunter Derby

7:45am | Pony Hunter Derby - Presented by Fabbri

4:00pm | Summer Hobby Horse Competition

6:00pm | America 250 Pony Costume Parade | Announcement of Winners of Stall Decoration Contest

8:10pm | Saturday Night Lights July 4th Edition + FEI $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix Presented by Fabbri

America 250 Drone Show | After the conclusion of the Grand Prix

Explore Tryon International’s On-Site Lodging

Book Your Lodging