Global Dressage Festival 2027 Wellington FL: Dates, Friday Night Stars & Tips

Global Dressage Festival 2027 in Wellington: Dates, Friday Night Stars and Tips

Every winter, the world's best dressage horses and riders come to Wellington, Florida for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). It is one of the largest international dressage circuits anywhere, and most days you can watch Olympic-level horses for free. Here are the 2027 dates, what to expect, and how to plan a visit, including the popular Friday Night Stars freestyle evenings.

Global Dressage Festival 2027 at a glance

Season: Mid-January through March 2027
Venue: Wellington International's dressage grounds, Wellington, FL 33414
Daytime admission: Free, with free parking during regular show hours
Friday Night Stars: Evening Grand Prix freestyles; free tickets, paid parking
Info line: (561) 793-5867

2027 Global Dressage Festival dates

These are the competition weeks Wellington International has published for the 2027 season. CDI means an international competition; the stars (3*, 4*, 5*) indicate the level, with 5* the highest.

Week 1: January 13 to 17, 2027 (CDI-W World Cup qualifier, national classes)
Week 3: January 27 to 31, 2027 (CDI5*, para dressage CPEDI3*, national classes)
Week 5: February 10 to 14, 2027 (CDI-W World Cup qualifier, national classes)
Week 6: February 19 to 21, 2027 (national classes)
Week 7: February 24 to 28, 2027 (CDI-W World Cup qualifier, national classes)
Week 8: March 3 to 7, 2027 (CDIO3* Nations Cup, Palm Beach Derby)
Week 10: March 18 to 21, 2027 (CDI4*)

Schedules can shift, and some weeks are national-only shows with fewer international riders. Check the official Wellington International event schedule before you go. Want the best horses? Aim for the CDI5* week and the World Cup qualifiers.

Friday Night Stars

The highlight for most spectators is Friday Night Stars, when top riders perform Grand Prix freestyles to music under the lights. The atmosphere is closer to a concert than a horse show. Gates typically open around 6 p.m. Tickets have been free, with paid parking (listed at $25 for 2027 events), and VIP table seating is sold separately. Arrive early for good seats on the busiest nights.

What to expect as a spectator

Daytime is free. Regular show days usually run about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission and parking.
It is quiet. Dressage is judged on precision, so the crowd stays silent during tests and applauds at the end. Phones on silent, please.
Grand Prix is the top level. If you only have an hour, check the day's order of go and catch the Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special classes.
Shopping and dining. Boutiques and food vendors set up on the grounds on show days.
Dogs on leashes are generally welcome on the grounds.

Tips for visiting

Bring sun protection. Even in January, the Florida sun is strong in the stands.
Pair it with show jumping. The Winter Equestrian Festival runs at the same time at Wellington International, so you can see both disciplines on a single trip.
Sunday polo too. The Palm Beach polo season overlaps with dressage season, making Wellington the busiest horse town in the country from January through March.
Plan for traffic. South Shore Boulevard and Pierson Road get busy on show days, especially for evening events.

Where to eat nearby

Equestrian season fills Wellington restaurants, so book ahead on Friday nights. Rancho Argentino on South Shore Boulevard is a short drive from the showgrounds. For more options, see our full Wellington restaurant guide and the Lotis Wellington dining guide.

For every horse show, polo match and festival this season, see our Wellington equestrian season guide and events calendar.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Global Dressage Festival 2027?

The 2027 Adequan Global Dressage Festival runs from mid-January through March 2027 in Wellington, FL, starting with Week 1 on January 13 to 17 and including a CDI5* week January 27 to 31.

Is the Global Dressage Festival free to watch?

Yes. Daytime admission is free with free parking during regular show hours. Friday Night Stars evening events have free tickets with paid parking.

What is Friday Night Stars?

Friday Night Stars is the festival's evening Grand Prix freestyle competition, where top riders perform to music under the lights. Gates typically open around 6 p.m.

Where is the Global Dressage Festival held?

It is held at Wellington International's dressage grounds in Wellington, FL 33414. Call (561) 793-5867 or check wellingtoninternational.com for venue details.