Expect Racing Thrills and Can't-Miss Experiences for Visitors at the Churchill Downs September Meet

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2025) – Churchill Downs is set to welcome guests for its 13th annual September Meet, running from Thursday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 28. Beyond the thrill of live horse racing, the meet features a vibrant lineup of themed events that make it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

Twilight Thursdays – Thursday, Sept. 11, 18 and 25: On three Thursday evenings, Churchill Downs transforms into a lively social hub with Twilight Thursdays in the Paddock Plaza. Guests can enjoy live music from regional artists like Piper Madison, Ben Bernhard, and Kevin Neihoff, alongside a rotating selection of food trucks offering everything from Thai cuisine and Mexican to gourmet grilled cheese and hot dogs. Yard games and a festive atmosphere make this a perfect outing for friends and families.

College Day – Saturday, Sept. 13: College students are invited to a special day featuring scholarship giveaways, meet-and-greets with the Bellarmine University basketball team, and interactive activities with local equine education programs. Students can explore career paths in the horse racing industry and enjoy exclusive discounts and giveaways.

Stakes Room Brunch – Sundays: Each Sunday, guests can indulge in a Stakes Room Brunch, offering a wide array of Southern-inspired dishes in an elegant setting overlooking the track. It’s a perfect way to combine gourmet dining with the excitement of race day.

Senior Day – Friday, Sept. 19: Churchill Downs honors its senior guests with a dedicated Senior Day, featuring lunch and racing in the luxurious Millionaires Row. It’s a relaxed and social way to enjoy the historic venue.

Family Adventure Day – Sunday, Sept. 2: Families are encouraged to attend Family Adventure Day, which includes meet-and-greets with players from Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC, plus over 15 kid-friendly activities like face painting, inflatables, and crafts. Guests can also participate in a food drive benefiting Blessings in a Backpack.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Day – Saturday, Sept. 27: This special day celebrates retired racehorses and the organizations that care for them. Visitors can meet Golden Strike, the dam of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and learn about her life after racing. Eight aftercare organizations will be on-site to share their missions and offer interactive experiences.

To help with planning a trip to Louisville for the fall meet, fans can download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city's top attractions and bourbon distilleries.