Derby Week at Churchill Downs

Opening Night

Presented by Budweiser

This event has been postponed. Revised date will be announced shortly.

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., and General Admission is just $19. Reserved seating starts at $36.

Champions Day

Presented by TwinSpires

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Champions Day will delight Kentucky Derby fans by celebrating the greatest moments in the sport’s history and honoring its legendary jockeys and trainers.

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Dawn at the Downs

Presented by LaCroix

Tuesday, September 1, 2020 and Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020

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.

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Thurby

Presented by Old Forester

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020

Celebrate the trifecta of Kentucky pride at Thurby, and enjoy the things that Kentucky is famous for – great horse racing, bourbon, and music! Tickets start at $22 for general admission access to the Paddock area, the Plaza, and the First Floor Grandstand.

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Oaks Day

Presented by Longines

Friday, September 4th, 2020

Held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Day is a celebration of ladies - from 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.

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Derby Day

Presented by Woodford Reserve

Saturday, September 5th, 2020

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”.

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