Opening Night
Kick-off the celebration of the 151st 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 151st Kentucky Oaks and 151st Kentucky Derby post position draw – now open to the general public on Opening Night. It's a night to set the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!
Saturday, April 26th
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/opening-night-1-640x427.jpg)
Dawn at the Downs
Everyone’s favorite behind-the-scenes tradition. Spend your morning at Churchill Downs to watch your favorite Derby and Oaks contenders warm up on the track while listening to expert commentary.
Thursday April 24th-Wednesday April 30th
Time: 7:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 a.m. ET
Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 27th and 28th | 7 a.m. ET to 10 a.m ET
Sunday, April 27th
Monday, April 28th
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/down-at-the-dawns-640x427.jpg)
502'sDay
502'sDay returns, keeping the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community.
Grab your $5 General Admission ticket and join us in celebrating these essential pillars of our community.
Tuesday, April 29th
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/502-day-640x427.jpg)
Champions Day
Champions Day shines a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing.
Wednesday, April 30th
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/guided-exp-640x427.jpg)
Thurby
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!
Thursday, May 1st
![Thurby](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/thurby-640x427.jpg)
Kentucky Oaks
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is where the finest 3-year-old fillies take the stage in a quest for glory. It's a day filled with adrenaline, elegance, and a powerful message.
Friday, May 2nd
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/kd-oaks-event-640x427.jpg)
Kentucky Derby
The 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the world’s Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®.
Saturday, May 3rd
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/kd-trophy-640x512.jpg)
Official Kentucky Derby Collection
Shop the latest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles and more!
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/kenntucky-derby-shop.jpg)
Derby Week Events
Make it an unforgettable experience by joining in the festivities that surround the lead up to the Kentucky Derby.
![Thurby](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/thurby-640x427.jpg)
Visiting Information
Find everything you need to perfect your Derby Experience from expert guides to the best of what Louisville has to offer.
![](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/visiting-info-640x427.jpg)
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