Kick off Kentucky Derby Week in style as Churchill Downs combines the Thrill of Racing and the Best of Louisville Arts. Opening Night is a "Dress to Impress" occasion. Ladies are encouraged to wear party and cocktail dresses and men are encouraged to wear sharp pants and a dress shirt; a tie is optional. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., the first live race is at 6:00 p.m.
Watch the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts while enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast. Dawn at the Downs is a popular tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors, giving Kentucky Derby fans the opportunity to see the contenders train for the big race, while listening to expert commentary.
Held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Day is a celebration of ladies - amd America’s most premier 3-year-old fillies horse race, to ladies walking the runway in PINK in the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest and parading on the racetrack in the Survivors Parade presented by Kroger. Be a part of Kentucky Oaks Day and the fans that celebrate fillies, fashion and fundraising for women’s critical health issues.
A trip to the Kentucky Derby is an unforgettable experience! Watch one of the world’s top rank horse races, known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”, while immersing yourself in the iconic southern Derby traditions - sipping a mint julep, donning a beautiful hat, and joining fellow race fans in singing “My Old Kentucky Home”.
