Opening Night: Derby Through the Decades Powered by LG&E and KU

OPENING NIGHT: Derby Through the Decades

POWERED BY LG&E and KU

Saturday, April 27th, 2024
Kick-off the celebration of the 150th Run of the Kentucky Derby in unparalleled style!

Embark on a journey through time as we kick off the Derby Week festivities. Join us for a unique experience, including the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby post position draw – now open to the general public on Opening Night for the first time. It's a night to set the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!
Must be 18+ to enter, or accompanied by a responsible adult.

EVENT DAY DETAILS

Gates Open 5 p.m. | First Race 6 p.m.
Dining Room Guests Chef's Table 5-9 p.m. See All-Inclusive dining options below.

What to Wear: Unleash your Derby spirit and don't hold back! Flaunt your most magnificent Derby style with a bold fusion of black, gold, and, of course, the iconic rose red. View More fashion tips

View Visiting Information

EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

• 2024 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw
  • Watch with excitement as your favorite horse, and connections, find out their Derby and Oaks positions. Don't miss this historic moment – be there to experience the anticipation and the thrill of the draw!
  • Location: Second Floor Terrace | Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• Rodes For Him | For Her Fashion Experience
  • Be a part of the glamour as Rodes For Him I For Her presents an exclusive style show, offering a sneak peek into the Kentucky Derby trends that will make you stand out for this year’s iconic event.
  • Location: Kentucky Derby Red Carpet | Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
• Artistic pieces from 'Runway for the Roses' -- brought to you by KMAC Couture
  • Three talented regional artists will showcase their Derby-inspired original couture pieces from the highly anticipated KMAC Couture 2024 “Runway for the Roses”.
  • Location: Clubhouse Corridor
• Stage Entertainment Line Up:
  • DJ Sam Sneed
• Stakes Races:
  • Roxelana Overnight Stakes

ALL-INCLUSIVE SEATING OPTIONS

For Derby Week 2024, many of our Premium Dining Rooms will include food, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages. See the list below for the rooms intended to have All-Inclusive this year by day.

Opening Night (Saturday) Suites or Select Dining Rooms Include 4 Hours of Food and Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages from Gates Open to Last Call.

*Only available if suites or dining rooms are open and available for the day. Service begins when gates open for the amount of time listed.

All-Inclusive Suites (Chef's Table & Bar Package):

Select All-Inclusive Dining (Chef's Table & Bar Package):

Chef's Table Only Dining:

PARKING INFORMATION

For Derby Week events, excluding Dawn at the Downs, Kentucky Derby, and Kentucky Oaks, parking is available for purchase through Ticketmaster. Please note that onsite parking at Churchill Downs is extremely limited. As an alternative, parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is included with your ticket for each individual Derby Week day. It is essential to pre-purchase any onsite parking before April 15th. Upon purchase, your parking pass will be mailed to the address on file via UPS prior to the event. Please be aware that no additional onsite parking will be sold after this date, as complimentary parking and shuttle services are provided at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Entry to your specific lot is unique and directions to your lot should be followed closely. These maps and directions can be found here:

View parking and maps >