Kentucky Derby Week and Kentucky Derby Day Schedules

Mar 01, 2024

The lead up to the Kentucky Derby ends at the presentation of a full, rich opening night at Churchill Downs April 27, which happens to be the new day to catch the Kentucky Derby post position draw! Kentucky Derby week holds significant importance and exclusive, new events in honor of 150 years of the Derby.

• Kentucky Derby Key Calendar Dates

  • April 27, Saturday: Opening Night; Derby Through the Decades, Kentucky Derby Draw
  • April 28, Sunday: Dawn at the Downs, starts 7am ET
  • April 29, Monday: Dawn at the Downs, starts 7am ET
  • April 30, Tuesday: 502’s Day; Celebrating 150 Years of Louisville Businesses
  • May 1, Wednesday: Champions Day; Celebrating Kentucky’s Champions
  • May 2, Thursday: Thurby
  • May 3, Friday: Kentucky Oaks
  • May 4, Saturday: Kentucky Derby

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What is Churchill Down’s opening night?

• Saturday, April 27, 2024
• Gates Open 5 p.m.
• First Race 6 p.m.

Kick-off the celebration of the 150th Run of the Kentucky Derby in unparalleled style!

Embark on a journey through time as we kick off the Derby Week festivities. Join us for a unique experience, including the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby post position draw – now open to the general public on Opening Night for the first time. It's a night to set the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!
Must be 18+ to enter, or accompanied by a responsible adult.

EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

2024 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw

Watch with excitement as your favorite horse, and connections, find out their Derby and Oaks positions. Don't miss this historic moment – be there to experience the anticipation and the thrill of the draw!

Rodes For Him | For Her Fashion Experience

Be a part of the glamour as Rodes For Him I For Her presents an exclusive style show, offering a sneak peek into the Kentucky Derby trends that will make you stand out for this year’s iconic event.

Historic Fashion Pieces provided by the Kentucky Derby Museum

Explore the rich tapestry of Derby fashion history as curated pieces from various decades take center stage throughout our premium dining areas.

Artistic pieces from 'Runway for the Roses' – brought to you by KMAC Couture

Three talented regional artists will showcase their Derby-inspired original couture pieces from the highly anticipated KMAC Couture 2024 “Runway for the Roses”.

Receive style tips from featured Kentucky Derby Milliners

Elevate your fashion game with expert style tips from the featured Kentucky Derby milliners. Discover the timeless allure of a well-coordinated ensemble where the hat takes center stage as your ultimate accessory.

Stakes Races:

• Roxelana Overnight Stakes

More opening day information here.

 

What is 502’s Day at Churchill Downs?

• Tuesday April 30, 2024
• Gates Open 11:30 a.m.
• First Race 12:45 p.m.

502'sDay returns for its second year, keeping the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community.

As we commemorate the 150th Kentucky Derby, our special focus this year is on recognizing the enduring contributions of Louisville businesses that have been at the heart of our community for over a century and a half.

Grab your $5 General Admission ticket and join us in celebrating these essential pillars of our community.

EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

$5 General Admission

Louisville Business First Collaboration:

In partnership with Louisville Business First, we are proud to shine a spotlight on and celebrate businesses in Louisville that have been integral parts of the community for over 150 years.

Louisville businesses being acknowledged will be presented with two complimentary tickets, along with the opportunity to secure a table at a special discounted rate. This is our way of expressing gratitude for their contribution and offering an exclusive experience to further engage in this celebratory event.

Big Board Highlights:

How familiar are you with Louisville's iconic businesses? Try our 502’sDay trivia!

Meet the wonderful people behind these amazing businesses through interviews and featured highlights on the big board throughout the day.

More 502’s day information here.

 

What is Champion’s Day at Churchill Downs?

• Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Gates Open 11:30 a.m.
• First Race 12:45 p.m.

Champions Day shines a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing. This year, we're setting the stage for an even more expansive celebration, paying tribute to the extraordinary Kentucky champions who have excelled across a diverse spectrum of sports.

Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame:

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees Announcement

We are thrilled to unveil the distinguished individuals set to join the ranks of Kentucky's sporting legends as they are officially inducted into the prestigious Kentucky Hall of Fame. This momentous occasion is a celebration of their outstanding contributions to the world of sports, and the inductees have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of 16 sports media professionals from across the Commonwealth.

Big Board Highlights:

Champions Day Big Board Highlights:

Exclusive Interviews: Hear firsthand from the legends themselves, discover the stories behind their remarkable journeys and the moments that defined their careers.

Video Segments: Relive iconic moments, unforgettable plays, and the triumphs that have etched these Champions into the annals of the state's athletic legacy.

Special Video recognition moments for legendary Kentucky sports champions

Trivia: Test your knowledge of Kentucky sports

Stakes Races:

• William Walker
• Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes

More Champions Day information here.

 

What is Thurby at Churchill Downs?

• Thursday, May 4, 2023
• Gates Open 11:00 a.m.
• First Race 12:45 p.m.

Thurby celebrates the heart of Kentucky's culture, bringing together the trifecta of bourbon, Bluegrass, and thoroughbred racing. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Bluegrass State!

EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Live Entertainment at Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza Stage:

Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as the stage comes alive with the soulful tunes of Bluegrass – experience live performances that will set the perfect rhythm for your day. Music entertainment to be announced soon!

Old Forester Activations:

Indulge in the rich heritage of Old Forester with exclusive activations that promise to elevate your spirits.

Big Board Integration:

Thurby will celebrate all things Kentucky with interviews, video segments, trivia and more

Stakes Races:

• Opening Verse
• Kentucky Juvenile
• St. Matthews Overnight Stakes

More Thurby information here.