The Official 2026 Kentucky Derby Schedule & Guide to Derby Week

What time is the Kentucky Derby 2026?

  • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
  • Post time: Approximately 6:57 p.m. ET
  • Location: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
  • TV Coverage: NBC & Peacock

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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

Race Post Time Race Name
1 11:00 AM To be announced in late April!
2 11:32 AM To be announced in late April!
3 12:05 PM To be announced in late April!
4 12:38 PM To be announced in late April!
5 1:12 PM To be announced in late April!
6 1:53 PM To be announced in late April!
7 2:38 PM To be announced in late April!
8 3:23 PM To be announced in late April!
9 4:06 PM To be announced in late April!
10 4:50 PM To be announced in late April!
11 5:39 PM Old Forester Turf Classic
12 6:57 PM Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve
13 8:00 PM To be announced in late April!
14 8:33 PM To be announced in late April!

2026 Kentucky Derby Week Events

Explore the full calendar of Derby Week events leading up to the big race. Derby Week tickets are available for purchase now.

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OPENING DAY

Opening Day | Saturday, April 25th

Kick off Derby Week with a day of family-friendly fun! This day of celebration centers around the official post-position draws of the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, where each horse is assigned their starting gate for race weekend. Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon finishers will receive free general admission if they wear their medals to Opening Day. We encourage guests to join in the festivities and show your Derby spirit by coordinating outfits with family and friends.

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Opening Day Event Details > | Opening Day Tickets >

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Sunday Funday | Sunday, April 26th

Sunday Funday returns to Kentucky Derby Week for the first time since 2010! Join us for an extra day of fun and brunch at the track.

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Sunday Funday Event Details > | Sunday Funday Tickets >

DAWN AT THE DOWNS

Dawn at the Downs | Monday, April 27th

Dawn at the Downs is a favorite among both Louisvillians and visitors. Get a sneak peak of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby contenders take to the track for their morning workout. Oaks horses (pink saddle towels) and Derby horses (yellow saddle towels) train exclusively from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Training for all other horses continues until 10 a.m.

Dawn at the Down dining starts at 7 a.m. on Millionaires Row and in the Stakes room. Dawn at the Downs dining tickets should be purchased in advance as tickets may be limited the day of.

Dawn at the Downs Event Details > | Dawn at the Downs Dining Tickets >

502’SDAY

502’sDay | Tuesday, April 28th

Returning for its fourth year, 502’sDay is shining a light on what makes Louisville so special. Come celebrate the city by shopping from local vendors while sporting attire from local shops and boutiques to show your hometown pride. General admission is $5.

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

502'sDay Event Details > | 502'sDay Tickets >

WINSDAY

Winsday | Wednesday, April 29th

Winsday is all about giving back to the community while enjoying a day at the track. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, local nonprofit organizations are invited to raise funds and showcase the important work they do to make Louisville a more vibrant place to live, work, and play. Winsday tickets are available now. For every ticket purchased, $5 will go directly to your chosen nonprofit. Join us and turn a day at the races into a meaningful impact on the organizations making a difference in our city.

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Winsday Event Details > | Winsday Nonprofit Organization Tickets >

THURBY

Thurby | Thursday, April 30th

Celebrate the spirit of the Bluegrass State at Thurby, where Kentucky’s rich heritage takes center stage. In partnership with the Frazier History Museum, Churchill Downs transforms into a lively showcase of the Commonwealth’s history, culture, and traditions. History buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event highlighting Kentucky’s spirited music and deep-rooted traditions.

Gates Open 10:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 a.m.

Thurby Event Details > | Thurby Tickets >

KENTUCKY OAKS

Kentucky Oaks | Friday, May 1st

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies. Held each year the day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks offers a $1.5 million purse and awards the winner the iconic 'Lilies for the Fillies' garland. Kentucky Oaks isn’t just a day of racing, it is also a day dedicated to honoring breast and ovarian cancer survivors and raising awareness. The Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle as they march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack. If you plan on attending the Kentucky Oaks, we encourage you to artfully incorporate the color pink into your outfit.

Gates Open 11:oo a.m. | First Race 12:30 p.m.

Kentucky Oaks Event Details > | Kentucky Oaks Tickets > | Survivor Parade Details >

KENTUCKY DERBY

Kentucky Derby | Saturday, May 2nd

No other entertainment event is as alluring, captivating, and thrilling as the Kentucky Derby. Call it what you will—the Run for the Roses®, the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®, or America's Race. This year marks the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than just a horse race, it’s a tradition steeped in history and held in the heart of America. It’s a way of life, representing the hopes and dreams of millions across the globe.

Gates Open 9:00 a.m. | First Race 11:00 a.m.

Kentucky Derby Event Details > | Kentucky Derby Tickets >

How to Watch the Kentucky Derby From Home

Catch every moment of the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026 from the comfort of your own home. Tune into NBC for live TV coverage nationwide or stream the race on Peacock and FanDuel TV. With wall-to-wall coverage all day long, viewers can watch starting from the opening race until the very last horse crosses the finish line.

 

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.

 

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