Kentucky Derby

KENTUCKY DERBY: RUN FOR THE ROSES®

PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Gates Open: 9 a.m. ET | First Race: 11:00 a.m. ET

No other entertainment event is as alluring, captivating, and thrilling as the Kentucky Derby. Call it what you will—the Run for the Roses®, the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®, or America's Race. This year marks the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than just a horse race, it’s a tradition steeped in history and held in the heart of America. It’s a way of life, representing the hopes and dreams of millions across the globe.

EVENT DAY DETAILS

FOOD SERVICE TIMES-KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

Dining Room Spaces

The Chef's Table will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m. on Kentucky Derby Day. Desserts will remain available until the call to the post of the second-to-last race.

For full menus, consult your seating areas page >

ALL-INCLUSIVE FOOD AND BEVERAGE

All Frontside Guests

All reserved-seat tickets will include food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. You can grab a drink or a snack anywhere you have access to in the facility-whether it's right as you walk in the gates or later in the day when you want to check out the crowds in the Paddock, no concessionaire is off limits!

KENTUCKY DERBY | SATURDAY, MAY 2

Gates Open: 9 a.m. ET | First Post: 11:00 a.m. ET

View Post Times & Wagering >  Handicapping & Betting >

Where to Watch

View broadcast schedules and get the latest updates on where watch or listen to the Kentucky Derby. Watch and Follow the Kentucky Derby

EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Style Under the Spires: Derby Week Fashion Contest

How to Enter:

• Scan the QR code displayed on the big board, enter your name and phone number, and send us a photo of your outfit.
• Our stylists behind the scenes are reviewing entries and will select the top 10 looks.
• The top 10 finalists will be contacted between Races 5 and 6.
• The fashion contest will take place between Races 9 and 10 at the Red Carpet
• The winner will receive a prize!

PARKING INFORMATION

Onsite Parking

• Onsite parking is sold out.
• For those with passes, lots open at 8:00 am on Oaks and Derby days.
• Some tickets include parking (e.g., The Mansion, Spires Terrace, Woodford Reserve Paddock Club, Suites, Matt Winn’s, and select dining rooms).
• Passes are vehicle-specific (car, limo, mini-bus, motor coach). Wrong vehicle types will be denied entry.
• Follow directions to your assigned lot. Entry is unique to each lot.
• No shuttling within lots. No re-entry if you exit.
• Central Avenue will be CLOSED May 1–3. Visit kentuckyderbyparking.com for details.
• Buses and cars can pre-purchase a Derby Drive drop-off pass (Warren Ave between Queen & Thornberry). No pickups. Passes are collected at drop-off.

Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC)

• Shuttles run from 7:30 am on Oaks and Derby days. ADA parking and shuttles are available, but no wheelchair assistance at Churchill Downs.
• Enter through Gates 1 or 2.
• KEC shuttles are for frontside ticket holders only. No Infield ticket entry or drop-off.
• Frontside tickets include free shuttle access between KEC and Churchill Downs.

Rideshare & Pickup

• No onsite taxi or rideshare drop-off/pick-up. Use the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. No mobility assistance to/from Churchill Downs. Guests must shuttle to KEC for access.
• Paid parking at L&N Stadium begins on Thurby. Walk to Churchill Downs. Pay on-site (cash or card): $40 (car), $150 (RV), $200 (bus).

ADA Parking

During Derby Week, onsite parking at Churchill Downs is available for pre-purchase as long as inventory is available. Parking within each reserved lot is first-come, first-served including ADA spaces.  If you do not have pre-purchased parking onsite, the Kentucky Exposition Center will have free parking with free accessible shuttles to the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate.

Additional ADA Seating and Accommodations Information >

Maps and Directions can be found here:

View Parking & Maps >