Derby Week Events

'Run for the Roses Package' – Your All-Access GA Pass for Derby Week! Experience the thrill of Derby Week with our brand-new General Admission 'Run for the Roses Package'! This exclusive offer includes GA tickets to all six of Churchill Downs’ most exciting events:

• Opening Day
• Sunday Funday
• 502'sDay
• Winsday
• Thurby
• Kentucky Oaks
• Kentucky Derby

Celebrate the full Derby Week experience for $296. Whether you're a local tradition-keeper or a first-time visitor, this package is your ticket to unforgettable racing moments all week long. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today and run for the roses with us!

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

Opening Day centers around family-friendly fun for the entire community. Celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws. New for this year, Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon finishers will receive free admission if they wear their medals to Opening Day. Wear your medal to the box office and receive a free general admission ticket. Guests are encouraged to coordinate their attire with their family members, friends or significant others.

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

Sunday racing returns to Kentucky Derby Week for the first time since 2010, which gives the community an extra day to celebrate the seasonal fun with brunch options around the track.

Dawn at the Downs is a cherished tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors alike. Racing fans gather to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders during their morning workouts, all while selecting their favorites for the weekend's races.

Thursday April 23rd-Wednesday April 29th
Time: 7 a.m.

Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 27th | 7 a.m.

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

502’sDay returns for its fourth year, shining the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. General Admission is $5. Guests are encouraged to “Shop Local” and wear outfits from Louisville’s local shops and boutiques.

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

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, local nonprofit organizations will be invited to fundraise and highlight the work they do to make Louisville a more vibrant place to live, work and play.  By purchasing Winsday tickets through a registered nonprofit, guests will directly contribute to these vital agencies, with a portion of each ticket sale benefiting their incredible work.

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

In partnership with the Frazier History Museum, Churchill Downs will transform into a vibrant display of the state's rich heritage. 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.

Kentucky Oaks | Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

The Longines Kentucky Oaks, now celebrating its 152nd running, 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. As one of the longest-running sporting events in U.S. history, the Oaks is steeped in tradition and meaning. Oaks Day is also a celebration of breast cancer awareness, with fans embracing the 'Pink Out' tradition by wearing shades of pink to honor this meaningful cause.

Kentucky Derby | Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

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.