Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens

06/03/2026

IT’S HERE! Steeplechase revealed their 2026 Race Art this evening at a private preview party on the stage of the new PATIO Theatre at Springer Opera House. The annual kickoff event introduced this year’s Race Director Leigh Anne Smith, Race Committee members, and featured artist Austin Williams.

This beautiful work — entitled “Neck and Neck” — will be available via silent auction on Race Day at Callaway Gardens on November 7, 2026. Proceeds from Steeplechase benefit the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Springer Opera House, Callaway Gardens, The Columbus Museum, and Historic Columbus.

Stay tuned for more information as we gear up to Race for the Arts!

05/20/2026

Steeplechase is proud to support incredible beneficiaries like RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. This special partnership with helps strengthen the arts and bring our community together through culture and entertainment.

This year, RiverCenter is celebrating its 25th Anniversary! It is reclaiming its place on the national touring map with major tours, renowned artists, and dynamic productions that will bring renewed energy to the stage, Uptown, and the community.

Pictured on the second slide: Steeplechase Race Chairman Mason Hardaway Lampton presenting the check to RiverCenter Executive Director Lee Foster and Director of Development Amanda Donaldson.

05/15/2026

Meet the 2026 Race Director: Leigh Anne Smith

A Columbus native and longtime Steeplechase attendee, Leigh Anne is honored to give back to an event that has been a cherished part of her family’s traditions for generations.

Leigh Anne has spent the past 12 years working with Turner Broadcasting and Warner Bros. Alongside her husband, Eric, and their three children, she is excited to continue sharing the magic and tradition of Steeplechase with the next generation!

05/08/2026

Another Steeplechase throwback! Take a look back at Race Day programs from the past 42 years. More memories coming soon… stay tuned!

Race Day Art & Race Director:
1996 - "Royal Silks" by Nan Cunningham, Director Tammy Beck
1998 - Artist Peter Williams, Director Faye Melton
1999 - "The Chase" by Marge Tillery, Director Barbara Kamensky
2000 - Cover by Sam Beman, Director Mary Lou Swift

05/06/2026

For more than 20 years, Steeplechase has proudly partnered with the , helping support this incredible National Historic Landmark - right here in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Pictured on the second slide: Steeplechase Executive Director Brooke Neville and Race Chairman Mason Hardaway Lampton presenting the check to Springer CEO & Executive Producer Danielle Patterson-Varner and Director of Development Jordan Beck.

05/02/2026

05/01/2026

✨ Sponsor Spotlight: Blade & Bow ✨

Thank you to for being such a valued partner of Steeplechase! Your generosity and support make a lasting impact on our event and its mission. From the fabulous Guarantor Tent to the Blade & Bow Pavilion, your presence at Steeplechase is always top-notch, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of it all!

04/29/2026

We love our Steeplechase families! This year, we’re introducing a brand new Family Package, perfect for tailgating with your kids and enjoying the races together.

Stay tuned for the full announcement… you won’t want to miss what we have in store! The fun returns November 7th.

Ticket renewals open June 1, and general ticket sales begin July 1, so mark your calendars!

04/24/2026

Steeplechase has always valued tradition and the history behind it. Supporting and preserving our local history is one meaningful piece of our broader mission, and we’re proud to announce the Historic Columbus Foundation as one of our 2026 beneficiaries.

A community partner since 1984, the HCF's work is vital to our city, from preserving endangered homes and revitalizing neighborhoods to educational programs that connect the next generation to Columbus’s rich history.

Pictured on the second slide: Steeplechase Executive Director Brooke Neville with HCF Executive Director Elizabeth Walden and HCF President Cal Evans at the check presentation.