Downs After Dark

Downs After Dark

Saturday May 16 | 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. Learn More!

Ticket Options Available Now:

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

Event Details:

Not over Derby yet? Keep the celebration going at Downs After Dark – your chance to step back into the thrill of the track. Dress to impress, sip signature bourbon cocktails, and place your bets under the lights. With bowties, big energy, and all the pageantry you love, Downs After Dark: Bourbon, Bets & Bowties is where the Derby spirit rides on – with a country twist.

Event Highlights:

What to Wear:

• Bowties & Fashionable Dresses – Break your derby best back out, or go country chic!

Stage Lineup (Second Floor Paddock Terrace Stage):

• 5:00pm: DJ Junior
  • Get ready to hit the dance floor as DJ Junior brings the energy to Downs After Dark: Bourbon, Bets & Bowties – spinning crowd-favorite hits to get the party started!
• 8:00pm: Murphy 500
  • Put on your dancing boots for Murphy 500! Bringing a blend of top country hits and throwbacks, you'll be two-steppin’ all night to a high-energy show you won’t want to miss.

National Anthem: Rising country star, Alex Miller from Lancaster, Kentucky and American Idol alum – brings his powerful voice, heartfelt style, and classic country roots to every stage. With charting singles, a Grand Ole Opry debut, and a fast-growing national following.

Bourbon with Heart Art Exhibit: Experience the Bourbon with Heart Exhibit, a dynamic collaboration celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Featuring 10 local artists, reclaimed bourbon barrels are transformed into stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art. This inspiring initiative showcases how Bourbon with Heart is leveraging the spirit and legacy of bourbon to fuel Kentucky’s vibrant arts scene and expand access to world-class creative experiences for audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Old Forester Bourbon Bars: Enjoy a specialty bourbon cocktail from the Old Forester Clubhouse Bar (1st Floor outside of Club SI) or satellite bourbon bars located on the Second Floor Paddock Terrace

• The Perfecta: 1.5 oz Old Forester 86/1 oz pineapple/3 oz Q Mixer Ginger Beer/Garnish with lime & mint

Big Board Highlights:

• Bourbon, Bets & Bowties Trivia: Test your knowledge of the Three B’s for a chance to take home prizes from vineyard vines!

Stakes Races:

• The 89th Running of The Louisville

Event Information

Downs After Dark, Saturday | May 16 & June 21 | Gates Open 5 p.m.

Saturdays, May 16 | Gates Open: 5 p.m. ET

Prohibited Items

• Security screening will be required for all guests and horsemen. All bags will be inspected before entry.
• Outside alcohol, as well as food and beverages, is strictly prohibited. Please review our complete list of prohibited items.
• Wristbands Required for Alcohol: Be sure to have your ID checked and pick up a wristband to purchase alcoholic beverages. ID check and wristband stations will be located at the Paddock Gate, VIP Gate, and on the 2nd floor of the Clubhouse tower. Wristbands will be required for alcohol purchases at concession stands and bars on Downs After Dark.
• Cashless Concessions: All food and beverage vendors are cashless—credit/debit cards and mobile payments only.

Additional Information: 

• Cash is still king at the wagering windows.
• Don’t forget to pick up a Race Day program when you enter the gates. The program stands are located just inside each entry point.

View Additional Event Information >

Travel & Parking

• Free Onsite Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the Green, Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Turquoise Parking Lots.
• Rideshare: Rideshare drop-off is available at the Barbaro auto-court for the East side of the property (by the Kentucky Derby Museum) or the VIP Gate for the West side of the property.

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

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

Event Details:

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

Event Highlights:

Coming Soon!

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 Now:

Coming Soon!

Event Details:

Coming Soon!

Event Highlights:

Coming Soon!