Kentucky Derby

In Louisville, we turn the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" into a month-long celebration of special events, distinct culinary traditions, and of course... Bourbon.

In fact, the city celebrates the iconic Derby cocktail for 30 entire days with Mint Julep Month every April. We also celebrate the spirit of the Derby all year with the culture and tradition of the Sport of Kings and many other opportunities to be at the legendary track.

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About the Kentucky Derby

What is the Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is America's most prestigious annual horse race and the first jewel of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Held at Churchill Downs every year since 1875, the Kentucky Derby is just one 2-minute race but brings people from around the world for a week of races, excitement, spectacle, and suspense, all leading up to the first Saturday in May.

Planning Your Kentucky Derby Trip

When is the Derby?

The modern Kentucky Derby is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May (with two notable exceptions: for World War II, when it was held in June, and during the global pandemic of 2020, when it was held in September). The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

Where is the Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is held in Louisville at Churchill Downs, a National Historic Landmark and legendary horse-racing track located at 700 Central Ave.

How do I get tickets?

While Millionaire’s Row seats may be elusive, there are various other ticket options to see the Run for the Roses. Reserved seating tickets for the Kentucky Derby are offered in various outdoor seat locations along the historic racetrack's first turn, the finishing stretch, and other various seating types, such as stadium-style seats and bleacher-style seats in the Grandstand. You can register to purchase Kentucky Derby tickets sold as a 2-day package, including both Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks days, online here.

You may also wait to purchase General Admission tickets at the gates on the day of the event.

What should I wear?

Fashion is on display at the Kentucky Derby, from bow ties and seersucker suits to Spring dresses and colorful hats. Whether you plan to attend the races or a Derby-themed party, it's never too early to start thinking about your outfit!

Learn more about Derby style here.

Kentucky Derby Events and Activities

Kentucky Derby Festival

The Kentucky Derby Festival has been called the “Super Bowl and Mardi Gras rolled into one.” What started as a week-long celebration for locals in 1956 has evolved into a month-long season of festivities and Spring traditions that prepare the city for its most iconic event.

Some of the festival's signature events include: Thunder Over Louisville, the largest annual fireworks display in North America, featuring extravagant fireworks and a world-class air show on the banks of the Ohio River; the Great Steamboat Race; a full and half marathon; and a parade.

Kentucky Oaks

The Longines Kentucky Oaks, or simply “the Oaks,” is considered by some to be one of the most popular horse races in America, attracting about 100,000 people each year.

Modeled after the British Epsom Oaks, the Kentucky Oaks race is held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby (May 1, 2026). The winner receives a $1.5M purse, a large garland of lilies (affectionately called the “Lilies for the Fillies”) and a silver Kentucky Oaks Trophy.

Don't forget to wear your pink! Spectators of the Oaks traditionally wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. They even drink pink - with the official cocktail of Oaks being the magenta-hued Lily.

Insider Tip

If the cost of rooms and tickets is not leaving you much betting money, consider coming another time during Derby Week or another weekend during the Spring or Fall meets.

Churchill Downs offers live racing beginning the last Saturday in April through the Fourth of July weekend. A special September meet is held during Bourbon Heritage Month. The Fall meet begins the last Sunday in October and runs through December 1st, including Thanksgiving weekend. All meets offer a colorful “Derby-like experience” with locals in hats and southern finery. You can still place a wager, have a slice of Derby Pie® and drink a Mint Julep. Check the full racing calendar here.

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs, located on Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the…

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Kentucky Derby Museum

The Museum provides a one-of-a-kind setting to host galas, corporate events, meetings, cocktail receptions, and seminars up to 2,000 guests, day and night. The Museum boasts customizable indoor space and an all-weather…

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Views From The Derby