LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The COVID-19 mandates are being lifted Friday and Churchill Downs is ready to party. The racetrack hosts its final Downs After Dark of the Spring Meet.
Saturday night's theme is "Rock the Downs" and guests are encouraged to wear their best rock clothing — leather jackets, band T-shirts, grunge plaid or you could even go 70s glam.
Saturday will have an 11-race card for the evening beginning at 6 p.m.
Party central will be the plaza which is adjacent to the paddock. Live music will be playing throughout the night kicking off with Amos Hopkins & Friends from 5:30 p.m. — 8 p.m. Then Rock United will take over from 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. playing classics from Aerosmith to ZZ Top.
But there will be more than music at the track to keep racing fans entertained. CirqueLouis Stilt Walkers, LED Jugglers and three between-race music performances will take place at the Pagoda where local actors will perform songs from the musical We Will Rock You.
It wouldn't be a party at Churchill Downs without signature cocktails and Saturday there will be two. "All Started With the Blues' is a tribute to blues guitarist Robert Johnson and features Old Forester, Sweet Tea, Lemonade, triple sec and a lemon and mint garnish. The second drink, "The Wolfman" honors legendary rock disc jockey Wolfman Jack and it's made with Finlandia Vodka, Chambord, Lemonade and a blackberry garnish.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and the first race is at 6 p.m. Besides the rock party, fans will be treated to some tremendous horse racing including the $150,000 Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes (Grade III) for fillies and mares.
General admission is $12 and no one under 18 will be admitted to the track unless they are accompanied by a parent or other adult. You can get tickets online.
Churchill Downs will be back to normal with no restrictions starting Friday as the Commonwealth of Kentucky is slated to allow Kentucky businesses, venues and events to return to full capacity.