Calendar Events

Opening Day | Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. | First Race: 12:45 p.m.

Opening Day centers around family-friendly fun for the entire community. Celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws. New for this year, Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon finishers will receive free admission if they wear their medals to Opening Day. Wear your medal to the box office and receive a free general admission ticket. Guests are encouraged to coordinate their attire with their family members, friends or significant others.

Opening Day | Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. | First Race: 12:45 p.m.

Sunday racing returns to Kentucky Derby Week for the first time since 2010, which gives the community an extra day to celebrate the seasonal fun with brunch options around the track.

Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.

Dawn at the Downs is a cherished tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors alike. Racing fans gather to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders during their morning workouts, all while selecting their favorites for the weekend's races.

Thursday April 23rd-Wednesday April 29th
Time: 7 a.m.

Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 27th | 7 a.m.

502'sDay | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

502’sDay returns for its fourth year, shining the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. General Admission is $5. Guests are encouraged to “Shop Local” and wear outfits from Louisville’s local shops and boutiques.

Winsday | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, local nonprofit organizations will be invited to fundraise and highlight the work they do to make Louisville a more vibrant place to live, work and play.  By purchasing Winsday tickets through a registered nonprofit, guests will directly contribute to these vital agencies, with a portion of each ticket sale benefiting their incredible work.

Family Adventure Day: Trick or Treat at the Track | Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 p.m.

Calling all little ghouls and goblins! Churchill Downs invites you to a spook-tacular Trick-or-Treat at the Track during Family Adventure Day. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day under the iconic Twin Spires, featuring over 15 kid-friendly stations, including candy stops so your little ones can trick-or-treat along the way, exciting racing action, festive activities for children under 12, and games, crafts, and surprises that will make this a Halloween to remember!

Breeders' Cup Watch Party | Gates Open: 11:15 a.m. | First Race: 1:00 p.m.

Watch the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships on the Big Board while enjoying 10 live thoroughbred races every day.

Thurby | Gates Open: 10:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

In partnership with the Frazier History Museum, Churchill Downs will transform into a vibrant display of the state's rich heritage. Delve into Kentucky's storied past and lively present with engaging photo ops and experiences that capture the essence of our rich culture. A must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, this event encapsulates Kentucky's spirited music, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant atmosphere.

Military Appreciation Day: Veterans Day | Gates Open: Noon | First Race: 1:00 p.m. 

This Veterans Day, we celebrate and honor America’s service men and women for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to sacrifice for the common good. Active members and veterans of the military are invited to enjoy a day at the races.

The Longines Kentucky Oaks, now celebrating its 152nd running, is America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies. Held each year the day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks offers a $1.5 million purse and awards the winner the iconic 'Lilies for the Fillies' garland. As one of the longest-running sporting events in U.S. history, the Oaks is steeped in tradition and meaning. Oaks Day is also a celebration of breast cancer awareness, with fans embracing the 'Pink Out' tradition by wearing shades of pink to honor this meaningful cause.

No other entertainment event is as alluring, captivating, and thrilling as the Kentucky Derby. Call it what you will—the Run for the Roses®, the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®, or America's Race. This year marks the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than just a horse race, it’s a tradition steeped in history and held in the heart of America. It’s a way of life, representing the hopes and dreams of millions across the globe.

Twilight Thursdays – Spring 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 Spring Meet!

First Responders Day | Thursday, September 11 | Gates Open 4 p.m. |  First Race 5 p.m.

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.

College Day | Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Experience College Day at the track! Get ready for an action-packed day filled with thrilling races, entertainment, and incredible opportunities to win scholarships. Plus, enjoy FREE admission and exclusive discounts at the Churchill Downs store with a valid college ID.

Mother's Day | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Tables TBD

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!

Claiming Crown | Gates Open: Noon | First Race: 1:00 p.m.

Celebrate the heart and hustle of Thoroughbred racing at the 27th running of the Claiming Crown. This special event honors the sport’s hardest-working horses and offers thrilling, competitive racing with full fields and high-stakes action. With contenders from coast to coast and stories fans can truly connect with, it's a must-attend day for racing enthusiasts. Don’t miss your chance to witness the grit, glory, and greatness of the Claiming Crown!

Holiday Cheer with Santa & Mrs. Claus | Gates Open: Noon | First Race: 1:00 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit at Churchill Downs! Join us for a festive afternoon filled with story time with Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts for kids, and a special visit from Santa himself. Bring your little ones and make memories that’ll last all season long.

Thanksgiving Day | Gates Open: 10:00 a.m. | First Race: 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at the track with 6 exciting Stakes races, including up and coming Kentucky Derby hopefuls.

The Clark | Gates Open: Noon | First Race: 1:00 p.m.

Come out to the track for exciting live races including The Clark (GII) presented by Norton Healthcare.

Stars of Tomorrow II | Gates Open: Noon | First Race: 1:00 p.m.

Enjoy a great day of racing including Kentucky Derby and Oaks points races and other key stakes!

Thoroughbred Aftercare Day | Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Join us for Aftercare Day at Churchill Downs, where we celebrate the incredible organizations dedicated to caring for our equine athletes after retirement. Discover their stories and learn how they continue to support these champions beyond the finish line.

It's a day to honor their legacy and the people who ensure their well-being long after their racing days.

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!

Senior Day | Gates Open Noon |  First Race 1:00 p.m. | Chef's Table Noon

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. Learn more!

Military Appreciation Day | Monday, May 25 & Sunday, June 14 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

It’s Military Appreciation Day at the track, a day filled with gratitude, remembrance, and thrilling horse racing action.

We proudly celebrate and honor America’s servicemen and women for their unwavering patriotism, dedication to our country, and sacrifice for the greater good.

Active-Duty Military or Retired Veterans receive free admission with their Military ID. Learn more

Stephen Foster Preview Day | Saturday, May 30 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

A day filled with excitement as the thoroughbreds compete in six 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.

Teacher Appreciation Day | Gates Open 4 p.m. |  First Race 5 p.m. | Chef's Table TBD

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing. On Teacher Appreciation Day, Churchill Downs invites local educators to enjoy Millionaires' Row for only $45. Learn more!

BELMONT STAKES WATCH PARTY | Saturday June 6 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Watch the 2026 Belmont Stakes the Third Leg of the Triple Crown on the Big Board while enjoying 11 live thoroughbred races every day.

Family Adventure Day | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Family Adventure Day is the perfect event for the entire family to enjoy a day of fun under the Twin Spires. Join us under the iconic Twin Spires for a day of live racing, thrilling action, and over 15 kid-friendly activities.

Father's Day | Sunday, June 21 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

Join us for Father's Day at Churchill Downs, where tradition meets excitement, and dads are celebrated in true racing style!

Stephen Foster Day | Saturday, June 27 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

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.

Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

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.

Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.

Stakes Room Brunch | Gates Open Noon |  First Race 1:00 p.m. | Chef's Table Noon

Come out to the track every Sunday during the September and Fall Meet to enjoy brunch & live racing in the renovated Stakes Room.