Opening Day

OPENING DAY: Powered by LG&E-KU

Saturday, April 24, 2027 | Gates Open: TBD | First Race: TBD

Kentucky Derby Week begins here. Celebrate the 153rd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws at Churchill Downs Opening Day, a day to honor old traditions and spark new ones. Opening Day kicks things off with exciting racing and family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and plenty of room to soak in the springtime buzz. It’s a warm, spirited, and inviting start to Derby Week for the whole family to enjoy!

EVENT DAY DETAILS

Opening Day | Saturday, April 24

Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

View visiting information >

EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Coming Soon!

ALL-INCLUSIVE SEATING OPTIONS

Indulge in exquisite dining for Derby Week! Enjoy gourmet meals, fine beverages, and an unforgettable culinary experience.

*Tickets include all-inclusive chef's table buffet, alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, offsite parking, and shuttle to the venue.

Coming Soon!

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking Information for Opening Day 2027 will be available at a later time

Derby Week parking passes once purchased, can be accessed digitally through Ticketmaster or the Churchill Downs app. All parking passes will be validated prior to entry into the lot. When you approach your place of entry, please have your mobile or printed parking pass ready for our staff to scan. Parking is first-come, first-served within each reserved lot, including ADA spaces. No onsite sales if you don’t have a reservation.

ADA Parking

During Derby Week, onsite parking at Churchill Downs is available for pre-purchase as long as inventory is available. Parking within each reserved lot is first-come, first-served including ADA spaces.  If you do not have pre-purchased parking onsite, the Kentucky Exposition Center will have free parking with free accessible shuttles to the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate.

Additional ADA Seating and Accommodations Information >

Maps and Directions can be found here:

View parking and maps >