Downs After Dark

Downs After Dark

Saturday June 20 | Gates Open 5 p.m. |  First Race 6 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.

Ticket Options Available Now:

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

Smokehouse VIP Ticket Package

Downs After Dark Smokehouse Package Smoke, suds, and racing under the summer sun! Get your Downs After Dark ticket plus a Trackside Smokehouse meal and TEN20 beer (21+) or Tractor RTD starting at just $39. Only 500 packages are available, and the first 250 guests to purchase and redeem their meal will be guaranteed an America250 commemorative bandana. Packages must be purchased by June 18 at 11:59 p.m. Vouchers & bandanas available for on-site pickup at Ticket Central next to the Paddock Gate.

Choose from two distinct seating options, each providing unique access to the heart of the action, and both include a delectable Smokehouse meal and a Raceday Program.

1. General Admission: Access to the 100 level Box Seats, the Paddock, and the remainder of the first floor.

2. 3rd Floor Clubhouse Reserved Seat: Access to the 3rd Floor Reserved Box Seats, the Paddock, and the first through third floors.

Each package includes a voucher for:

Your choice of one entree:

• Smoked Brisket
• Smoked Pork
• Smoked Chicken Leg

Your choice of one side:

• Mac & Cheese
• Baked Beans
• Pimento Potato Salad
• Coleslaw

Your choice of one drink:

• TEN20 Beer (for guests 21+)
• Non-alcoholic option

Buy Now

Event Details:

Stars & Stripes: America250

Celebrate in red, white, and blue as we honor 250 years of the American spirit. Guests can enjoy thrilling live racing, festive drinks, standout style, and an electric atmosphere filled with all-American energy! This special edition of Downs After Dark brings together the excitement of the track and the celebration of a historic milestone for one spectacular summer night.

What to Wear | Show off your style with festive casual looks perfect for a summer night at the track. Think breezy sundresses, classic polos, denim, khakis, stylish sneakers, and elevated separates accented with patriotic flair. Easygoing yet polished attire is encouraged -- lightweight layers, relaxed fits, and standout accessories that bring a modern twist to timeless Americana and celebrate the spirit of America250.

Live Music

5:00pm: Murphy 500 | Celebrate America250 with live music from Murphy 500! Known for their high-energy performances and mix of today’s top country hits and original music, the southern Illinois band brings the perfect soundtrack for a night of live racing, patriotic fun, and summer nightlife at Churchill Downs.

8:00pm: DJ GudGroove | Get ready for a high-energy set from GudGroove, the 19-year-old Louisville DJ and producer making waves in electronic dance music. With appearances alongside Illenium, Diplo, MK, and Tiësto, GudGroove is bringing his signature tech house sound and nonstop grooves to the stage. Catch him live and hear his latest release, “Take Me Back to Kentucky.”

Event Highlights

Churchill Downs America250 Bandana Giveaway | (First 500 Guests to visit the 2nd Floor Photo Op) Featuring classic Americana flair, this limited-edition keepsake is the perfect accessory for honoring America’s milestone celebration. Grab yours while supplies last and show off your American spirit all night long.

America250KY | (Location: 1st Floor Outside of Club SI) Want to keep the celebration going? Visit our America250KY community partners throughout the night to learn more about upcoming Louisville celebrations, community events, and ways to join the statewide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Churchill Downs Patriotic Pop-Up Shop | (Location: 2nd Floor Paddock Terrace) Gear up in red, white, and blue – Churchill Downs style! Your one-stop destination for festive apparel, accessories, and track-ready style.

Stars & Stripes Photo Op | (Location: 2nd Floor Paddock Terrace) Snap a pic and step into the spirit of America250 with a patriotic backdrop designed for picture-perfect memories!

America250 Field Flag Presentation At Downs After Dark | Stars & Stripes, the ceremonial unfurling of an America250 flag will serve as a powerful race-day centerpiece – an unforgettable moment where tradition, patriotism, and spectacle meet. This shared moment of pride will be a defining visual statement, elevating the race day into a landmark America250 celebration on one of the nation’s most historic sporting stages.

Food & Beverage:

• Trackside Smoker | (Location: 1st Floor Near Paddock Gate) Nothing says America like BBQ. Stop by the Trackside Smoker for slow-smoked favorites and pair your meal with a refreshing beverage from Ten20 Craft Brewery or Tractor Beverage.

Specialty Cocktails

• Old Forester Perfecta (Paddock Terrace Satellite Bars, Paddock East/West 2nd Floor)
  • 1.5 oz Old Forester 86/1 oz pineapple/3 oz Q Mixer Ginger Beer/Garnish with lime & mint
• Paddock Paloma (Paddock Terrace Satellite Bars, Paddock East/West 2nd Floor)
  • 1 pt. Herradura Reposado/2 pt. Q Mixers Sparkling Grapefruit/Garnish with lime

Big Board Highlights:

• Americana Trivia: Test your knowledge of American artifacts, culture and traditions for a chance to take home prizes from vineyard vines!

Stakes Races:

• The Chicago (GII)

Event Information:

Saturday, June 20 | Gates Open: 5 p.m. ET

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Travel & Parking

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

Downs After Dark

Saturday September 19 | Gates Open 5 p.m. |  First Race 6 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.

Ticket Options Available on June 18:

Dining | Reserved Seating | General Admission | Suite Options Coming Soon

Event Details:

Coming Soon!

Event Highlights:

Coming Soon!