LOUISVILLE, Ky. — From Dawn at the Downs to Thurby, with a new addition in 502'sDay, Derby Week is a jam-packed celebration of horse racing at Churchill Downs.

Derby Week consists of several exciting equine events: Dawn at the Downs, Opening Night, 502'sDay, Champions Day and Thurby. If you're planning on heading out to the track ahead of Oaks and Derby, here are some things you should know.

The Basics

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

Parking: The Kentucky Expo Center will offer free parking with free shuttles regularly running to and from Churchill Downs on Opening Night, 502’sDay, Champions Day, and Thurby.

Shuttle drop-off and pick-up will be in the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate. Parking at Churchill Downs is reserved for pass holders only. There is no access to Derby Drive off Central Ave throughout Derby Week.

Dawn at the Downs: April 27 – May 3 | 7 to 10 a.m. ET

Held early each morning for a week, Dawn at the Downs gives horse racing fans the opportunity to see Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders train for the big races while listening to expert commentary. Dawn at the Downs admission is free to the community!

From 7:30-7:45 a.m., jockeys train only on Derby (yellow saddle towels) and Oaks (pink saddle towels) contenders.

Dawn at the Downs Dining packages and upgrades can be purchased for April 30 and May 1 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.
  • Paddock Gates will open at 7:00 a.m.
  • Each vehicle will receive a dashboard placard identifying it as a Dawn at the Downs guest
  • Every vehicle must be removed from Churchill Downs by 10:30 a.m. each day

Opening Night: Saturday, April 29 | 5 p.m.

Kick-off Derby Week with the most stylish night in horse racing! See and be seen at Opening Night as you preview 2023 Kentucky Derby trends and enjoy an evening of racing.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the first race runs at 6 p.m.

Highlights:

  • Rodes For Him & For Her Fashion Experience (8:30 PM – Kentucky Derby Red Carpet)
  • View Official Kentucky Derby art-inspired fashions by local designers –  brought to you by KMAC (first floor – 5 to 10 p.m.)
  • Receive style tips from featured Kentucky Derby Milliners (first floor – Gates open to close)
  • Capture your Opening Night experience at a posh photo booth (first floor – Gates open to close)

DJ Chris U will provide entertainment at the Plaza Stage. The evening culminates with the Roxelana Overnight Stakes.

What to wear: Don’t hold back! From fabulous to sublime, Churchill Downs suggests wearing black and white with bold pops of color.

502’sDay: Tuesday, May 2 | 11:30 a.m.

Kentucky Derby Week’s newest experience, 502’sDay celebrates the local community, Louisville’s Kentucky Derby tradition-makers, inspiration-providers and fans.

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

Highlights:

  • $5 General Admission
  • Memorable Louisville Race Names: The Old Sears Building (Race 1), The Galleria (Race 2), The Brewery (Race 3), The Lynn’s Paradise Café (Race 4), The John E’s (Race 5), The Phoenix Hill Tavern (Race 6), The Dirt Bowl (Race 7), The Jim Porter’s Good Times Emporium (Race 8) and The Toy Tiger (Race 9).

Champions Day: Wednesday, May 3 | 11:30 a.m.

Champions Day highlights the history of the Kentucky Derby and the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Champions Day 2023 will celebrate Secretariat’s 50th Anniversary of winning not only the Kentucky Derby but the coveted Triple Crown.

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

Highlights:

  • National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Traveling Secretariat Exhibition: (first floor – Gates open to close)
  • Kentucky Derby Museum Exhibit Secretariat: America’s Horse (Big Board – Gates open to close)
  • Secretariat bronze monument display (first floor – Gates open to close)

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

What to wear: Celebrate Secretariat with your favorite blue and white attire. 

Thurby: Thursday, May 4 | 11 a.m.

The 10th edition of Thurby should be an unforgettable showcase of all things Kentucky. Thurby continues to celebrate Kentucky’s culture: bourbon, music and racing!

Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first race takes off at 12:45 p.m.

Highlights:

  • Stage performances curated by Kentucky cellist and singer-songwriter, Ben Sollee, featuring musicians Eli Ruth, Otis Junior, and Scott T. Smith  (first floor – Gates open to close)
  • Old Forester cocktail demonstrations (first floor – Gates open to close)

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

What to wear: Whatever reflects your Kentucky spirit – from casual to Derby-inspired!

Oaks Day is Friday, May 5, and Derby Day is Saturday, May 6.

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