The Rolex Finale Week at Wellington International marks the thrilling conclusion of the 13-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). WEF is one of the largest and longest-running equestrian competitions in the world and is considered the unofficial training ground for equestrian Olympians. Each year, the week crescendos during one of the most prestigious events in show jumping, the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix, a Rolex Series Event, that brings together the sport’s top athletes and horses for an unforgettable evening of competition.
If you’re planning to attend, or watch from home, this guide will show you how to experience the Rolex Finale Week at Wellington International, from shopping and autograph signings to electrifying grand prix competition.
Rolex Finale Week Schedule
Wednesday: Shop the Exclusive Rolex Series Equestrian Merchandise Collection
Start your week by visiting the Wellington International Shop, the official store of Wellington International, the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Here you can browse the exclusive Wellington International x Rolex Series Equestrian merchandise collection, featuring apparel and accessories designed to commemorate the most exciting week of the season. You can shop in person at the store located on the showgrounds or online, making it easy to take home a piece of the Rolex Finale Week. Don’t miss our other daytime dining and shopping vendors this week, click here to see a full list. As always, general admission and parking during the day at Wellington International are free.
Thursday: Rolex Series Equestrian Games & Grand Prix Qualifier
Thursday kicks off the first major qualifying opportunity for riders hoping to compete in Saturday’s grand prix. The $116,100 Adequan® CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup consistently attracts Olympic medalists, world champions and equestrian sport’s rising stars. Watching the riders compete for a coveted qualifying spot makes Thursday one of the most exciting days of the week.
Don’t miss fun games hosted by Rolex Series Equestrian, where you can win autographed merchandise, saddles and more. Visit here to play.
Friday: Speed Class Grand Prix Qualifier
Friday brings another high-stakes qualifying class, the $62,500 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* Speed. In this fast-paced competition, athletes race against the clock to secure one of the remaining qualifying spots for Saturday night’s grand prix. Speed classes are fan favorites because they combine technical jumping, strategy, and lightning-fast rounds.
Saturday: Autograph Signings and Saturday Night Lights
Saturday is the main event and one of the most exciting days in international show jumping. At noon, start your day by heading to Central Park for rider autograph signings, free event posters and photo opportunities with top athletes and our mascots, Welly and Rosie. It’s the perfect chance to meet some of the world’s best riders before they compete later that evening.
The highlight of the Rolex Finale Week is Saturday Night Lights (SNL), featuring the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix. Spectators can enjoy:
- World-class show jumping
- Live entertainment and music
- An opportunity to walk the course
- Kids activities such as face painting, pony rides, petting zoos, games and more
- Food and shopping vendors are located across the promenade
Best of all, general admission is free. Blue stadium seating in the International Arena is first come, first served, so arriving early is recommended. Gates will open at 5 PM, hospitality venues will open at 6:30 PM. Please note that outside food and beverages are not permitted and security will remove items used to reserve seats.
SNL: Parking and Transportation
Getting to the event is easy, starting at 5 PM, free parking is available at Equestrian Village (13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414) and a complimentary shuttle service will bring guests to and from Wellington International. This is the preferred parking option for Saturday Night Lights. Parking onsite at Wellington International is $25 per car and $35 for valet.
SNL: Stay After the Awards Ceremony
One of the most fun traditions of the five-star competition during Saturday Night Lights is the post-competition celebration. After the awards ceremony, visitors are invited into the arena where free swag will be tossed and the grand prix winners will sign autographs before they head up to the Media Center for their press conference. It’s a memorable way to celebrate this exciting evening.
SNL: How to Watch the Grand Prix Live
If you can’t attend in person, there are several ways to watch the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix live:
- ESPN+
- Wellington International website
- Wellington International Facebook and YouTube
- USEF Network/ClipMyHorse.TV
Fans around the world tune in to watch this iconic event. The evening will kick off with the WEF Grand Prix Show hosted by Steven Wilde.
Sunday: The Grand Prix Action Continues
The excitement doesn’t end after Saturday. On Sunday, visitors can enjoy two additional grand prix events during the day, along with one of the most adorable moments of the week, the Leadline class, where the youngest riders take their turn in the International Arena spotlight between competitions. Don’t miss shopping in Vendor Village and The Farm Stand or lunch at the Tiki Hut. It’s the perfect way to close out an unforgettable season at the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival.
