LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The fun and excitement begins with Opening Night: Through the Decades and culminates with the greatest two minutes in sports.

Derby Week features fun for everyone from Dawn at the Downs, 502'sDay to Thurby, the week will celebrate 150 amazing years of horse racing at historic Churchill Downs. Here's what you need to know before heading to the track.

The Basics

Location: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave. Louisville, KY 40208

Parking: Any onsite parking for Derby Week must be pre-purchased. Parking can be bought by going to Ticketmaster. Churchill Downs isn't selling any additional onsite parking.

The Kentucky Exposition Center will have free parking and free shuttles going to and from Churchill Downs on Opening Night, 502'sDay, Champions Day and Thurby. On Oaks and Derby days, if you do not already have parking, but have resevered seating with frontside access, parking is avaialble at the Kentucky Exposition Center and is included with your ticket. 

For more detailed information about parking for every day of Derby Week, the track has set up a special website to answer your questions. 

Opening Night: Derby Through the Decades: April 27

Derby Week gets started with Opening Night. Enjoy night racing at Churchill Downs and for the first time the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby post position draw will be open to the public. The track promises the night will set the stage for an excitement filled week celebrating everything horse racing has to offer.

Gate open at 5 p.m. and the first of 10 races is at 6 p.m.

The post positions will be drawn at 7:15 p.m. on the new Paddock Terrace.

Fans will also be treated to fashion experiences for both men and women and DJ Sam Sneed will have the party pumping on the stage. 

Dawn at the Downs: April 25 – May 1 | 7 to 10 a.m. ET

The behind-the-scene tradition is a favorite of horse racing fans. Every morning during the week, Dawn at the Downs gives fans a chance to see Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders train for the big races while listening to expert commentary. Admission to Dawn at the Downs is free and a great way to get up-close to the horses and trainers. 

Dawn at the Downs Dining packages and upgrades can be purchased for April 28 and April 29 only and must be purchased in advance. Limited tickets may be available on the day of the event, but are not guaranteed.

Free onsite parking is available for on a first come, first served basis:

  • Onsite parking lots will open at 6:00 a.m.
  • Every vehicle must leave Churchill Downs by 10:30 a.m. each day

502’sDay: Tuesday, April 30 | 11:30 a.m.

502'sDay returns for a second year focusing on what Churchill Downs says makes the city special—the community. 

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the first race is at 12:45 p.m.

Highlights:

  • $5 General Admission
  • In partnership with Louisville Business First, local businesses that have proven integral tothe Louisville community are being honored.

Champions Day: Wednesday, May 1 | 11:30 a.m.

Champions Day is just that—a day to celebrate Kentucky's champions. The track will shine a spotlight on thoroughbred racing and also pay tribute to champions who have excelled across the spectrum of sports. 

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the first race is at 12:45 p.m.

Highlights:

  • 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees Announcement
  • Exclusive Photo Opportunity with the PGA Championship Trophy from 1 to 3 p.m.. The PGA Championship at Valhalla takes place May 16-19.
  • Special Video recognition moments for legendary Kentucky sports champions

Stakes races on Champions Day include the Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes and William Walker. 

Thurby: Thursday, May 2 | 11 a.m.

The 11th edition of Thurby celebrates the spirit of the Bluegrass State: bourbon, Bluegrass and thoroughbred racing.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and the first race is at 12:45 p.m.

Highlights:

  • Live Entertainment at Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza Stage.
  • Old Foresterexclusive activations that promise to elevate your spirits.

Thurby stakes races include the Opening Verse, Kentucky Juvenile and St. Matthews Overnight Stakes

Oaks Day is Friday, May 3, and Derby Day is Saturday, May 4.

 

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