Calendar Events

Kick-off the celebration of the 150th Run of the Kentucky Derby in unparalleled style!

Embark on a journey through time as we kick off the Derby Week festivities. Join us for a unique experience, including the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby post position draw – now open to the general public on Opening Night for the first time. It's a night to set the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!

Everyone’s favorite behind-the-scenes tradition. Spend your morning at Churchill Downs to watch your favorite Derby and Oaks contenders warm up on the track while listening to expert commentary.

Thursday April 25th -- Wednesday May 1st
Time: 7:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 a.m. ET

Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 28th and 29th | 7 a.m. ET to 10 a.m ET

502'sDay returns for its second year, keeping the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community.

As we commemorate the 150th Kentucky Derby, our special focus this year is on recognizing the enduring contributions of Louisville businesses that have been at the heart of our community for over a century and a half.

Grab your $5 General Admission ticket and join us in celebrating these essential pillars of our community.

Champions Day shines a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing. This year, we're setting the stage for an even more expansive celebration, paying tribute to the extraordinary Kentucky champions who have excelled across a diverse spectrum of sports.

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

Enjoy a thrilling day of racing under the iconic Twin Spires and over 15 kid-friendly activities. Suitable for children under 12, this event promises festive fun and delightful surprises for everyone!

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

Watch the 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships on the Big Board while enjoying 10 live thoroughbred races every day.

Thurby celebrates the heart of Kentucky's culture, bringing together the trifecta of bourbon, Bluegrass, and thoroughbred racing. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Bluegrass State!

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is where the finest 3-year-old fillies take the stage in a quest for glory. It's a day filled with adrenaline, elegance, and a powerful message.

The 150TH Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the world’s Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®.

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!

Military Appreciation Day: September 11th Observance | Thursday, September 12 | Gates Open 4:00 p.m. |  First Race 5:00 p.m.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Watch the 2024 Belmont Stakes the Third Leg of the Triple Crown on the Big Board while enjoying 11 live thoroughbred races every day.

Senior Day | Gates Open Noon |  First Race 1:00 p.m. | Chef's Table Noon-3:00 p.m.

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!

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.

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

Family Adventure Day is the perfect event for everyone in the family to enjoy a fun-filled day under the iconic Twin Spires. Get ready for thrilling horse racing and a variety of over 15 kid-friendly activities. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children under 12 to explore and enjoy:

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.

Also get your Kentucky Rivalry Day tickets now! Add a University of Louisville or Kentucky hat with your ticket purchase at checkout for only $25

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!

Also get your Kentucky Rivalry Day tickets now! Add a University of Louisville or Kentucky hat with your ticket purchase at checkout for only $25

Downs After Dark: Oktoberfest | Gates Open 5:00 p.m. |  First Race 6:00 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!

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

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 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m. 

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

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

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

Stakes Room Brunch | Gates Open Noon | First Post 1:00 p.m. | Chef's Table Noon-3:00 p.m.

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