Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26

Gates Open: 10 a.m. | First Race: 11:30 a.m. | Chef's Table 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Make this Thanksgiving about quality time with loved ones. On Thursday, November 26, 2026, Churchill Downs serves a Thanksgiving buffet in its dining rooms, from $99 per person, alongside 12 live races beneath the Twin Spires. Thanksgiving Day at the track has been a Louisville tradition since 1969. Dining tickets are on sale now.

Ticket Options Available Now:

Dining | Reserved Seating | General Admission | Suite Options & Dining Packages: Buy Now

For Thanksgiving 2026, buffet dining at Churchill Downs starts at $99 per person, fees included, plus tax. The 'Starting at' prices on the Churchill Downs dining rooms pages are for other race days. The Ford First Turn Club and the Triple Crown Room are on sale now.

First Turn Club, from $99. An indoor room with communal tables, tables for eight and a wraparound LED video board, plus an outdoor railside terrace. Before racing, watch the horses walk along the track to the Paddock. Dress code: Track Casual.

Triple Crown Room is also available. An indoor dining room in the Jockey Club Tower. Dress code: Smart Casual.

A First Turn Club dining ticket includes the Chef's Table buffet, unlimited soft drinks (alcohol at the cash bar), a seat in the dining room and a racing program (while supplies last). Triple Crown Room tickets include the same. Dining tickets also include admission to the day's racing.

* Pricing based on what dining rooms are initially available for regular race days.

Thanksgiving for Groups of 12 or More

For groups of 12+, please contact group sales at 502-636-4450 or fill out our Group Request Form. You can also email groupsales@kyderby.com.

Private, climate-controlled Jockey Club Suites seat families and office parties of 24 or more guests, with food and drink included on Thanksgiving.

Group sales form

Thanksgiving Buffet Menu

The 2026 Chef's Table buffet:

Entrées: Herb-roasted turkey, Kentucky smoked pit ham with bourbon mustard, cranberry sauce and sage gravy

Sides: Green bean casserole with mushrooms and fried onions, Southern homestyle stuffing, macaroni and cheese, whipped potatoes and dinner rolls

Salads: Farro apple crunch salad with pecans; wild rice, kale and sweet potato salad; garden salad

Dessert: Assorted pies and cookies

All items are subject to change. Common allergens (egg, milk, wheat, soy, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish) are present in our facility. Cross-contact is more likely at self-serve stations. Guests with an allergy or dietary need should speak with a manager first.

Download the 2026 Thanksgiving menu (PDF) | Download the 2026 Thanksgiving menu for Matt Winn's & Paddock Club (PDF)

Skip the Cooking This Year

Book Thanksgiving dinner in Louisville at Churchill Downs, and nobody in your family has to shop, cook, host or wash a dish. The buffet is set up in your dining room, so you can go back for seconds between races.

Bring everyone. A party of eight can book its own table in the First Turn Club. For a bigger family, our group sales team can help you plan the day or book you a private suite.

Some families celebrate over more than one day. The track races again on Friday, November 27, with The Clark, a $700,000 stakes race, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Gates open at noon, and the first race is at 1 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day Race Schedule

Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Gates Open: 10:00 a.m.

View Additional Event Information >

Travel & Parking

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

Please follow all additional instructions on the Travel & Parking page.

Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs FAQ

How much is Thanksgiving dinner at Churchill Downs?

On Thanksgiving 2026, Thursday, November 26, dinner at Churchill Downs starts at $99 per person, fees included, plus tax. A First Turn Club dining ticket includes the Chef's Table buffet, unlimited soft drinks, a seat in the dining room and a racing program while supplies last.

What is on the Thanksgiving buffet menu?

The 2026 Thanksgiving buffet at Churchill Downs serves herb-roasted turkey, Kentucky smoked pit ham with bourbon mustard, sage gravy and cranberry sauce. Sides include macaroni and cheese, Southern homestyle stuffing, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole and dinner rolls. There are three salads, and dessert is assorted pies and cookies. Select premium dining rooms such as Matt Winn's and Woodford Reserve Paddock Club getting an elevated dining experience.

All items are subject to change.

What time is Thanksgiving dinner served?

Thanksgiving dinner at Churchill Downs is a buffet served in the track's dining rooms on Thursday, November 26, 2026 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.. Gates open at 10 a.m., and the first of 12 races starts at 11:30 a.m. The Chef's Table buffet is included with every dining ticket with premium dining rooms.

Is dinner included with general admission?

General Admission and Reserved Seating tickets do not include dinner on Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs. Dinner comes with dining-room and suite tickets. A Thanksgiving dining ticket starts at $99 per person and includes the Chef's Table buffet and a seat in the dining room.

Are there discounts for kids?

Children are welcome at Churchill Downs on Thanksgiving Day. Every First Turn Club dining ticket includes the Chef's Table buffet and unlimited soft drinks. Guests under 18 may not place wagers, but they can watch all 12 races with the family.

Is there racing the rest of Thanksgiving weekend?

Churchill Downs in Louisville races Friday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, with gates open at noon and the first race at 1 p.m. Friday, November 27, has The Clark and Holiday Cheer with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Saturday, November 28, is Stars of Tomorrow II, with Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks points races. Sunday, November 29, closes the Fall Meet.

See the Kentucky Derby in Person

Tickets for the 153rd Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2027 are on sale now. Plan your Oaks and Derby weekend at Churchill Downs, starting at $166.

ON SALE NOW

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