Churchill Downs News Release: Kentucky Derby Week, Spring Meet Tickets Go On Sale Thursday at Noon

Jan 29, 2025

Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the entire 43-day Spring Meet at Churchill Downs go on sale Thursday at noon (all times Eastern). The 151st Spring Meet at the historic Louisville racetrack spans nine weeks from April 26-June 29.

 

Kentucky Derby Week special events go on sale at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/derbyweek and they include:

 

Opening Night powered by LG&E in partnership with Louisville Tourism – The Great Gatsby, A Louisville Legacy (Saturday, April 26) – Celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws with a lavish twist as we channel the spirit of the Roaring Twenties with a Great Gatsby-inspired evening. Louisville’s rich history and cultural treasures, from the Kentucky Derby Museum to the scenic Waterfront Botanical Gardens and the iconic Belle of Louisville Riverboats, add a timeless allure to this glamorous tale. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire for a night that sets the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition and celebration.
Dawn at the Downs Dining (Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28) – A favorite for decades, guests can watch the Thoroughbreds train while enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast in the Stakes Room or Millionaires Row. Gates open at 7 a.m. and there is an exclusive training window only for Derby (yellow saddle towels) and Oaks (pink saddle towels) participants from 7:30-7:45 a.m. Training continues for all other horses until 10 a.m., notwithstanding renovation breaks from 7-7:30 a.m. and 8:30-9 a.m.
502’sDay: Celebrating Ali, Louisville’s Greatest, in partnership with the Muhammad Ali Center (Tuesday, April 29) – 502’sDay returns for its third year, shining the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. This year, we pay tribute to Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali, whose unwavering pride and profound love for Louisville mirror our community's spirit. Join us in honoring his legendary impact and the vibrant energy that pulses through our city. Come be part of an unforgettable celebration of all that makes us great. General Admission is just $5.
Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good (Wednesday, April 30) – New for 2025 is “Winsday,” which debuts as a day to shine the spotlight on Louisville’s robust nonprofit community. 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 tickets through partner nonprofits, guests will directly contribute to these vital agencies, with a portion of each ticket sale to benefit their incredible work. More details to come in the following weeks.
Thurby x Frazier History Museum: Cool Kentucky presented by Old Forester (Thursday, May 1) – In partnership with Frazier History Museum, Churchill Downs will transform into a showcase of Kentucky’s rich heritage with an exploration into the Commonwealth’s storied past and lively present. A must-attend for history buffs, music lovers and racing enthusiasts alike, this event encapsulates Kentucky’s rich culture, spirited music and deep-rooted traditions.
Taste of Derby (Thursday, May 1) – The 16th annual Taste of Derby culinary experience is an evening of exquisite cuisine and exceptional Jackson Family Wines paired and created by nationally renowned chefs from 7-10 p.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Derby Week general admission tickets are $24 on Opening Night and Winsday; $41 on Thurby; and a special $5 offering for 502’sDay. Reserved box seats range from $32-$39 for Derby Week and $55-$71 for Thurby depending on the location.

 

Guests attending Churchill Downs on Thurby will see the debut of the new Starting Gate Courtyard. The redesigned area will feature new, padded stadium-style seating that overlooks the dirt and turf racetracks. Tickets in the new Starting Gate Courtyard are $169 on Thurby for an all-inclusive experience.

 

Tickets for the 151st Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on May 2-3 are available by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com or by calling (502) 636-4447 to be a part of the most extraordinary Kentucky Derby yet.

 

Churchill Downs also provides a secure, official resale marketplace to purchase Derby and Oaks tickets via the Churchill Downs Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange on www.KentuckyDerby.com.

 

In addition to Kentucky Derby Week events, tickets for all other Spring Meet racing days will go on sale at https://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets/. Other key Spring Meet dates of note include:

 

Twilight Thursdays featuring $2 select domestic beer, live music and food trucks (every Thursday, May 8-June 26)
Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11)
Preakness Stakes Simulcast and Downs After Dark (Saturday, May 17)
Stephen Foster Preview Day (Saturday, May 31)
Belmont Stakes Simulcast (Saturday, June 7)
Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15)
Downs After Dark (Saturday, June 21)
Stephen Foster Day (Saturday, June 28)