Downs After Dark- The Big Easy

presented by Budweiser

Downs After Dark returns Saturday with The Big Easy! Dress in New Orleans-inspired purple, green or gold and stroll down Bourbon Street! Drink New Orleans-inspired cocktails, listen to live New Orleans-style music from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and watch 11 thrilling thoroughbred races under the lights, including two Breeders' Cup "Win & You're in" Challenge Series races.

    Event Highlights Include:
  • What to Wear: New Orleans inspired purple, green and gold
  • Live Music on the Plaza Stage: Dirty Dozen Brass Band 8:30pm-11:30pm; West Market Street Stompers 6pm-8pm; DJ Matt Anthony 5pm-6pm
  • New Orleans Style Street Performers
  • 146 Kentucky Derby Logo Reveal on BIg Board
  • 145 Kentucky Derby trophy presentation and photo opportunity
  • Jackson Square Style Marketplace: Local Artists, Dirty Dozen Brass Band Merchandise and Churchill Downs Store
  • Stakes Races: Stephen Foster(II), Fleur de Lis (II), Wise Dan (II), Matt Winn (III), Regret (III)& President of the UAE CUP (I)
  • Churchill Downs Betting Challenge:$1,500 Live Money Handicapping Contest-Email Gary Palmisano to register at [email protected]

For groups of 24+, please call group sales at 502-636-4450

Race Day Information

Admission includes 1 racing program**.


General Admission & First Floor Seating$12
Reserved Seating$27
Reserved Dining*$69
Gates Open5:00pm
Race 16:02pm
Race 26:30pm
Race 36:57pm
Race 47:33pm
Race 58:03pm
Race 68:38pm
Race 79:13pm
Race 89:48pm
Race 910:20pm
Race 1010:48pm
Race 1111:17pm

* Pricing based on what dining rooms are initially available for regular race days.
** Complimentary racing program available at entry gates while supplies last.