The Official 2026 Kentucky Derby Schedule & Guide to Derby Week

The Official Kentucky Derby 2026 Race Day Schedule

On Kentucky Derby Day, fans won’t just witness the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®. The entire day is a celebration full of world-class racing and tradition. The following undercard features the full Derby Day schedule of 14 races showcasing the most impressive Thoroughbreds in the sport. The 12th race of the day is the Kentucky Derby which takes place on May 2nd at 6:57 p.m. (ET).

Derby Undercard Races 12:00-2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock & NBCSN | 152nd Kentucky Derby Coverage 2:30-7:30 p.m. ET on NBC & Peacock

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

Plan Your Visit to Churchill Downs

Purchasing Kentucky Derby Tickets

There are a variety of seating experiences available at Churchill Downs including general admission, reserved seating, dining, suites, and private rooms. 2026 Kentucky Derby tickets can be purchased online or over the phone. Due to high demand, it is strongly recommended to purchase tickets as early as possible as many sections sell out in advance. For large group ticket purchases, please contact a ticket representative at sales@kyderby.com or 502-636-4447.

Derby Week Travel Guide

If you’re traveling to Louisville, for the Derby, make sure to book your flight and hotel rooms as early as possible. For guests flying into Kentucky, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is conveniently located only three miles from Churchill Downs, and has non-stop service from nearly every major city in the country. For more airfare options, travelers can also consider flying into Cincinnati or Lexington since both cities are less than a two-hour drive from Louisville.

If you prefer road trips, Churchill Downs is only two hours from Indianapolis, IN and three hours from Nashville, TN and Columbus, OH. St. Louis, MO is a bit of a longer drive at four hours, but still reasonably close for a weekend road trip.

Regarding hotel accommodations, keep in mind that the majority of hotels require a minimum stay of three nights during Kentucky Derby weekend and often sell out months in advance. Booking a hotel in Downtown Louisville is a popular choice for many tourists. It’s a walkable area and full of restaurants, bars, and retail stores, so when you’re not at the track there’s plenty to explore.

Among popular hotel choices, Derby City Hotel and Gaming stands out for its proximity and amenities. The Churchill Downs sister property features 123 luxurious rooms, multiple restaurants, an entertainment venue, and a casino floor with 1,300 games. Guests get free shuttle service to and from Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks and Derby days. But what really sets this hotel apart from other options is Churchill Downs Trackside. This is a second racetrack where contenders train each morning before heading to the main track. If you’re up early, you’ll get a front row view of the horses each morning.

Derby Fashion: What to Wear to the Track

The Kentucky Derby is as much a fashion spectacle as it is a world-class racing event. It’s all about bold elegance and Southern flair where bright colors and statement pieces create truly unforgettable fashion moments.

Hats and fascinators are the crowning glory of Derby Day fashion. Whether large and dramatic bursting with feathers and flowers, or brimless and paired down, headwear is a defining accessory and long-standing Kentucky Derby tradition. Pair headwear with a spring palette, striking silhouettes, floral frocks, or chic sundresses.

In terms of footwear, be sure that your choice of shoe is not only fashionable, but comfortable and practical as most of Derby Day is spent on your feet. Block heels, wedges, loafers, and ballet flats keep it stylish without sacrificing comfort.

For men, this is the moment to embrace tradition with personality. Think seersucker suits, pastel trousers, light linen blazers, and daring ties or bow ties. Fedoras, porkpie hats, newsboy caps, and flat caps are all popular finishing touches to pull the entire look together.

Keep in mind that different dress codes are required based on your seating experience. Be sure to take this into consideration when planning your outfit.

Wagering on Horses

Guests can bet at staffed mutuel windows or use self-service machines located throughout Churchill Downs. If you’re watching the Kentucky Derby at home, you can still place live bets through our official wagering platform Twinspires. New to wagering? Get more details on handicapping, explore expert picks, and learn how to bet on horses in our Beginner's Guide.