City: Nashville, TN

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (800) 619-4802

Description: The Iroquois Steeplechase, one of Nashville’s most popular sporting and social events, takes place the second Saturday in May. First held in 1941, this is the nation’s oldest continually run weight-for-age steeplechase. Some 30,000 attend every year. Various parties and gala events precede the running of the Iroquois Steeplechase. If you come, plan to make a day of it. You can picnic or have a tailgate party. Thousands take blankets, lawn chairs, and their favorite food and drink to a spot on the grassy hillside overlooking the course. Gates open at 10 a.m. The 7-race card culminates with the featured Iroquois Memorial at 4 p.m. Admission is $15; Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Special ticket and party packages are available, too. The event benefits Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.