Opening Night: Derby Through the Decades Powered by LG&E and KU
Kick-off the celebration of the 150th Run of the Kentucky Derby in unparalleled style!
Embark on a journey through time as we kick off the Derby Week festivities. Join us for a unique experience, including the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby post position draw – now open to the general public on Opening Night for the first time. It's a night to set the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!
Saturday, April 27th
Dawn at the Downs
Everyone’s favorite behind-the-scenes tradition. Spend your morning at Churchill Downs to watch your favorite Derby and Oaks contenders warm up on the track while listening to expert commentary.
Thursday April 25th -- Wednesday May 1st
Time: 7:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 a.m. ET
Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 28th and 29th | 7 a.m. ET to 10 a.m ET
Sunday, April 28th
Monday, April 29th
502'sDay: Celebrating 150 Years of Louisville Businesses
502'sDay returns for its second year, keeping the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community.
As we commemorate the 150th Kentucky Derby, our special focus this year is on recognizing the enduring contributions of Louisville businesses that have been at the heart of our community for over a century and a half.
Grab your $5 General Admission ticket and join us in celebrating these essential pillars of our community.
Tuesday, April 30th
Champions Day: Celebrating Kentucky's Champions
Champions Day shines a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing. This year, we're setting the stage for an even more expansive celebration, paying tribute to the extraordinary Kentucky champions who have excelled across a diverse spectrum of sports.
Wednesday, May 1st
Thurby
Thurby celebrates the heart of Kentucky's culture, bringing together the trifecta of bourbon, Bluegrass, and thoroughbred racing. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Bluegrass State!
Thursday, May 2nd
Kentucky Oaks
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is where the finest 3-year-old fillies take the stage in a quest for glory. It's a day filled with adrenaline, elegance, and a powerful message.
Friday, May 3rd
Kentucky Derby
The 150TH Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the world’s Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®.
Saturday, May 4th
Twilight Thursdays
Twilight Thursdays – Spring Meet
Twilight Thursdays return with Thoroughbred racing, $2 select domestic beer, live music and an array of locally popular food trucks in The Grove each Thursday of the Spring Meet!
Every Thursday from Thursday, May 9th to Thursday, June 27th
Mother's Day
This Mother's Day, go beyond the ordinary and spoil Mom with a day full of thrills! Create cherished memories with Mom that will last a lifetime. It's a celebration fit for the queen she is!
Sunday, May 12th
Downs After Dark
Get ready for an electrifying night of horse racing as the sun sets and the track comes alive with excitement! Downs After Dark is your ticket to an unforgettable evening filled with thrilling races under the dazzling lights.
Saturday, May 18th
Saturday, June 15th
Senior Day
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing. On Senior Day, Churchill Downs invites guests 60 and older to enjoy lunch on Millionaires' Row for only $45 and can be purchased by calling 502-636-4450.*
* Pricing based on what dining rooms are initially available for regular race days.
Friday, May 24th
Friday, June 7th
Military Appreciation Day
It’s Military Appreciation Day at the track, a day filled with gratitude, remembrance, and thrilling horse racing action.
Monday, May 27th
Friday, June 14th
Family Adventure Day
Family Adventure Day is the perfect event for the entire family to enjoy a day of fun under the Twin Spires. Thrilling racing, and over 20 activities that kids under 12 can enjoy.
Sunday, June 9th
Father's Day
Join us for Father's Day at Churchill Downs, where tradition meets excitement, and dads are celebrated in true racing style!
Sunday, June 16th
Stephen Foster Day
A day filled with excitement as the thoroughbreds compete in thrilling stakes races that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Feel the adrenaline, witness the skill, and be part of the racing action that promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
Saturday, June 29th
Stakes Room Brunch
Come out to the track every Sunday during the Spring, September or Fall Meet to enjoy brunch & live racing in the renovated Stakes Room.
Every Sunday from Sunday, May 19th to Sunday, June 30th
Stakes Room Brunch
Come out to the track every Sunday during the Spring, September or Fall Meet to enjoy brunch & live racing in the renovated Stakes Room.
Every Sunday from Sunday, May 19th to Sunday, June 30th
Stakes Room Brunch
Come out to the track every Sunday during the Spring, September or Fall Meet to enjoy brunch & live racing in the renovated Stakes Room.
Every Sunday from Sunday, May 19th to Sunday, June 30th
Official Kentucky Derby Store
Shop the latest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles and more!
Visit the Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the region’s premier attractions, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality, and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby.
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