Calendar Events

Opening Night: Derby Through the Decades Powered by LG&E and KU

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!

Saturday, April 27th

Dawn at the Downs

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

Sunday, April 28th
Monday, April 29th

502'sDay: Celebrating 150 Years of Louisville Businesses

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.

Tuesday, April 30th

Champions Day: Celebrating Kentucky's Champions

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.

Wednesday, May 1st

Trick or Treat at the Track

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!

Sunday, October 27th

Breeders’ Cup Watch Party

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.

Friday, November 1st
Saturday, November 2nd

Thurby

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!

Thursday, May 2nd

Kentucky Oaks

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.

Friday, May 3rd

Kentucky Derby

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

Saturday, May 4th

Twilight Thursdays

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!

Every Thursday from Thursday, September 12th to Thursday, September 26th

Twilight Thursdays at Churchill Downs

Military Appreciation Day

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

Thursday, September 12th

College 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.

Saturday, September 14th

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Mother's Day

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!

Sunday, May 12th

Stephen Foster Preview Day

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.

Saturday, June 1st

Senior 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!

Wednesday, November 6th
Wednesday, November 20th

Veterans Day: Military Appreciation 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.

Sunday, November 10th

Belmont Stakes Watch and Wager

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

Saturday, June 8th

Thanksgiving

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.

Thursday, November 28th

Family Adventure Day

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:

Sunday, September 22nd

Downs After Dark

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!

Saturday, September 28th

Father's Day

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

Sunday, June 16th

Stephen Foster Day

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.

Saturday, June 29th

Live Racing | Spring Meet June

Every week - Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Saturday, June 1st to Sunday, June 30th

Churchill Downs

Live Racing | Spring Meet May

Every week - Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Thursday, May 9th to Friday, May 31st

Churchill Downs

Live Racing | September Meet

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

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

Every week - Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Thursday, September 12th to Sunday, September 29th

Churchill Downs

Live Racing | Fall Meet

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

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

Every week - Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Sunday, October 27th to Sunday, December 1st

Churchill Downs

Simulcast

Monday, January 1st
Monday, January 15th

Churchill Downs

Closing Weekend

Daily from Friday, November 24th to Sunday, November 26th

Churchill Downs

Race & Sports Book

Every week - Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Monday, September 2nd to Sunday, December 1st

Churchill Downs

Simulcast

Every week - Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Wednesday, September 4th to Sunday, December 1st

Churchill Downs

Live Racing

Every week - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Wednesday, November 1st to Wednesday, November 22nd

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs Tours

Daily from Sunday, January 1st to Tuesday, December 31st

Churchill Downs

Official Kentucky Derby Store

Shop the latest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles and more!

Visit the Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the region’s premier attractions, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality, and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby.

Visiting Information

Learn more on what to expect during your visit to Churchill Downs.

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