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

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.

Live Music

🔗 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.

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.

America250KY | 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 | 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.

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

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

Highlights from Downs After Dark on Saturday, May 16

Burnham Square romps in the Grade III Louisville Stakes >>

'Burnham Square crushed them!'

Burnham Square to win the Louisville Stakes (GIII)! pic.twitter.com/DeA5FQisfo

— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 17, 2026

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:

Tickets will be available on June 18 on Ticketmaster.

Event Details:

Coming Soon!

Event Highlights:

Coming Soon!