Twilight Thursdays | September Meet

Twilight Thursdays – September Meet

Thursdays, September 24

Gates Open 4 p.m. | First Race 5 p.m.

Spend Thursday evening at Churchill Downs with live Thoroughbred racing during the 2026 September Meet. Twilight Thursdays return September 10, 17 and 24 with gates opening at 4 p.m. and the first race at 5 p.m. Enjoy $2 select domestic beer track-wide, $8 select cocktails, live music and local food at one of Louisville’s most iconic destinations.

Ticket Options Available Now:

Buy Tickets >

College Student Discount

Calling all students! Get your tickets early and receive discounted General Admission or Reserved Box seating for all three Twilight Thursdays in September (must purchase in advance through FEVO | Valid .edu email address is required for purchase and ticket delivery)

September 24 | Buy Now

Event Details:

• $2 select domestic beer
  • Location: All GA Concessions Bars + Turf Club/Roses/Boxes, Finish Line Suites, Triple Crown Room, Champions/Gold Room
• $8 select cocktails
  • Location: 1st & 2nd Floor Paddock Bars
• Live music | Location: 2nd Floor Paddock Terrace
  • Sept 24: Kevin Jaggers
• Local Food Vendors | Location: 2nd Floor Paddock Terrace
  • Sept 24: Lotsa Pasta, Big Nita's Cheesecake
• Trackside Smokehouse | Location: Champions Overlook Concessions

Event Information:

Sept. 24 | Twilight Thursday

• College Student Tickets ($8 GA Admission/$15.95 Reserved Seating with valid .edu email address | Must be purchased in advance (links close at midnight on September 23)
  • Buy Now
• KTA/KHBPA College Scholarships (2nd Floor Paddock Terrace): Enter on-site for your chance to win a $6,000 college scholarship! One winner will be selected in partnership with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) and the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (KHBPA). (Must be enrolled full-time at a college or university | Must be present to win)
• Spin to Win (2nd Floor Paddock Terrace) Enter to win exclusive Churchill Downs merchandise and prizes!

Traffic Alert: September 24–27

Guests traveling to Churchill Downs Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27 should plan for increased traffic and congestion along Crittenden Drive and Central Avenue due to multiple events taking place in the area.

Saturday, September 26 is expected to see particularly heavy traffic with Bourbon & Beyond at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, with gates opening at 11 a.m., and the University of Louisville vs. Wake Forest football game at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, which kicks off at noon ET.

Guests are encouraged to use I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and Taylor Boulevard to access Churchill Downs’ frontside parking lots and allow additional time for arrival.

Horsemen traveling to the Stable Gate should use Southern Parkway or Taylor Boulevard to Longfield Avenue.

For current road and traffic conditions, please consult TRIMARC or the Waze app before traveling.

Gates & Post Times

Twilight Thursdays | September 17, 24 | Gates Open 4 p.m.

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Travel & Parking

View the most up to date parking information for your day at the races here >