CALENDAR
With more than 70 plus live racing days throughout the year, check out all opportunities you have to watch the thrills of live racing. Plus, opportunities to get tours of the facility, watch horse racing via simulcast.
September 2026
Live RacingStakes racingSimulcastDerby Museum ToursFeatured Events
Twilight Thursdays – September Meet | Gates Open 4 p.m. | First Race 5 p.m.
Twilight Thursdays return with Thoroughbred racing, $2 select domestic beer, live music and an array of locally popular food trucks in the Paddock Plaza each Thursday of the September Meet!
First Responders Day | Friday, September 11 | Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD
Churchill Downs is proud to celebrate the courage, commitment, and selfless service of our community’s first responders.
We welcome all first responders and their families to a day at the races with our heartfelt gratitude. From firefighters and police officers to EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers, this day is dedicated to those who stand on the front lines to protect and serve our communities every day.
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
Twilight Thursdays – September Meet | Gates Open 4 p.m. | First Race 5 p.m.
Twilight Thursdays return with Thoroughbred racing, $2 select domestic beer, live music and an array of locally popular food trucks in the Paddock Plaza each Thursday of the September Meet!
Senior Day | Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD | Chef's Table TBD
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 $50. Learn more!
Downs After Dark | Gates Open 5 p.m. | First Race 6 p.m.
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. Learn More!
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
Twilight Thursdays – September Meet | Gates Open 4 p.m. | First Race 5 p.m.
Twilight Thursdays return with Thoroughbred racing, $2 select domestic beer, live music and an array of locally popular food trucks in the Paddock Plaza each Thursday of the September Meet!
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
September Meet Racing at Churchill Downs
Gates Open 11:30 a.m.* | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table 11:30 a.m.**
*First post and Gates Open remain the same for Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. Thursdays Gates Open at 4 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays
**Chef's Table is only applicable for guests who purchased all-inclusive dining tickets
Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.
Official Kentucky Derby Collection
Shop the latest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles, and more!
Visiting Information
Get ready for your visit to historic Churchill Downs with helpful tips and event information.
Featured Events
Get out to the track for the thrills of live racing and the fun events at Churchill Downs.
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