Your Guide to 2026 Derby Week Events

Feb 23, 2026 Kentucky Derby

Your Official Guide to Derby Week 2026 Events and How to Join the Excitement

The energy is building, the hats are being prepared, and the horses are ready to shine. As we count down to the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs and the city of Louisville are buzzing with unforgettable events, celebrations, and racing action.

Whether you’re a seasoned Derby-goer or a first-time visitor, here's your day-by-day guide to this week’s can’t-miss events—and how you can be part of the excitement leading up to the most thrilling two minutes in sports.

📅 Saturday, April 25 – Opening Day

Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. ET
First Race: 12:45 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: Celebrate family-friendly fun at Opening Day featuring the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws, plus free general admission for Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon finishers who wear their medals to the box office.

👉 Explore Opening Day Details

📅 Sunday, April 26 – Sunday Funday (New for 2026)

Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. ET
First Race: 12:45 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: Sunday racing returns to Kentucky Derby Week for the first time since 2010, offering a new family-friendly day of seasonal fun with exciting live racing and brunch options around the track.

👉 Learn more about Sunday Funday

📅 Monday, April 27 – Dawn at the Downs

Gates Open: 7 a.m. ET
Event Highlights: Wake up early for Dawn at the Downs, a beloved Kentucky Derby Week tradition where families and racing fans gather to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders train during morning workouts and pick their favorites for race weekend. Dining room options are available on Monday April 27 as well as the Kentucky Derby Stores will be open at the clubhouse gate for guests to stock up on their Derby 152 gear!

👉 Dawn at the Downs Information

📅 Tuesday, April 28 – 502’sDay Celebration

Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. ET
First Race: 12:45 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: Louisville locals and visitors alike celebrate the city's spirit with $5 general admission tickets. It’s a day filled with racing, local flavors, and community pride.

👉 Explore 502’sDay Details

📅 Wednesday, April 29 – Derby Week's Winsday

Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. ET
First Race: 12:45 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: Celebrate the impactful work of local nonprofit organizations during a day of racing, giving back, and making memories.

👉 WinsDay Information

📅 Thursday, April 30 – Thurby

Gates Open: 10:30 a.m. ET
First Race: 12:45 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: Delve into Kentucky's storied past and lively present with engaging photo ops and experiences that capture the essence of our rich culture. A must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, this event encapsulates Kentucky's spirited music, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant atmosphere.

👉 Learn More About Thurby

📅 Friday, May 1 – Kentucky Oaks Day

Gates Open: 11:00 a.m. ET
First Race: 12:30 p.m. ET
Kentucky Oaks Race: Approximately 8:40 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: A day dedicated to the finest 3-year-old fillies. Don’t forget to wear pink in support of breast and ovarian cancer awareness! Expect a full card of competitive racing and heartfelt traditions.

👉 Kentucky Oaks Day Details

📅 Saturday, May 2 – 152nd Kentucky Derby Day

Gates Open: 9:00 a.m. ET
First Race: 11:00 a.m. ET
Kentucky Derby Post Time: 6:57 p.m. ET
Event Highlights: The main event! Celebrate the 152nd Run for the Roses with a day packed with thrilling races, unforgettable fashion, and the electrifying atmosphere only Churchill Downs can deliver.

👉 All You Need for Derby Day

🎟️ How You Can Participate

Buy Tickets: A limited number of tickets are still available for select days.

👉 Purchase Official Derby Week Tickets

Watch Live: Can’t make it to Louisville? Tune in to NBC, USA Network, FanDuel TV, and stream on Peacock.

Join Official Events: From parties to events around the city, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in the tradition and thrill.

👉 Explore All Official Derby Week Events

Get Ready for the Week of a Lifetime!

Derby Week 2026 is packed with excitement, elegance, and tradition. From early morning workouts to the roar of the crowd on Derby Day, every moment is a memory in the making.

We’ll see you at the track, under the Twin Spires!