It’s Kentucky Derby season and the countdown is on to the 151st Run for the Roses.Whether you’re local or coming to Louisville from somewhere across the globe, here’s what you need to know.The basicsEvery year, around 150,000 people crowd the historic Churchill Downs donning their best hats and outfits to watch and bet on horses.Date: Saturday, May 3Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky. | 700 Central Ave. Time: Races start at 11 a.m., Kentucky Derby race (Race 12) is at 6:57 p.m.Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, will be giving the “Riders up!” call that signals the jockeys to mount their horses.Grammy-nominated Grace Potter will sing the National Anthem.How to get tickets 🎟️Explore ticket options here: TICKETMASTER | SEATGEEK | STUBHUB | VIVID SEATSThe race and the horses 🏇The Kentucky Derby pits 20 of the best 3-year-old thoroughbreds against each other on a 10-furlong track (1.25 miles).The race lasts around two minutes, which is why it is classically known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”This year’s purse is $5 million, the same as last year, and the highest ever.The chart below will be updated as Derby approaches. If no horses drop out between now and the race, the top 20 here will run.The pill pull, or post position draw, happens on Saturday night, April 26 — Opening night (read more about that further down).Get in-depth coverage of the horses, trainers and more from Jody Demling:How to bet 💵Betting for the Kentucky Derby can be done online through TwinSpires.com or on their app. There’s also information about how to bet and who the experts are picking. Click here for more information on betting.If you’re going to the track, you can bet in person at the betting windows.How to get there and parking 🅿️Here’s a map of Churchill Downs:(Can’t see the map? Click here.)Parking at the track is already sold out, but there always are tons of people in the surrounding area selling parking. If you plan to do ridesharing (Uber, Lyft, taxi, etc.), you will get dropped off and picked up at the Bronze Lot of L&N Stadium (where the UofL football team plays).Weather 🌤️Get the latest forecast details here.The rest of the weekOpening NightSaturday, April 26 | Gates Open: 4 p.m. | First Race: 5 p.m.Kick off Derby week with a Great Gatsby-inspired night at the races.Get tickets here502’sDayTuesday, April 29 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.In its third year, the day dedicated to the city will honor Muhammad Ali.Tickets are $5 | Get tickets hereWinsdayWednesday, April 30 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.”New for 2025, Winsday debuts as a day to shine the spotlight on Louisville’s robust nonprofit community.”Get tickets hereThurbyThursday, May 1 | Gates Open: 10:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.”Experience the essence of Kentucky at Thurby’s ‘Cool Kentucky’, a vibrant celebration of bourbon, music, and thoroughbred racing.”Get tickets here.Kentucky OaksFriday, May 2 | Gates Open 9 a.m. | First Race 11 a.m.The day before Derby, it’s the girls’ turn to take the track. This is the day the fillies race, and many of the track-goers don their best pink outfitsGet tickets hereWant to watch the horses practice?Dawn at the Downs is Thursday, April 24 to Wednesday, April 30. You can watch the horses practice from 6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Oaks and Derby horses are only from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m.You can also eat while there on the 27th and 28th.More details here.What to bring and leave at home If you’re going to the track, here are some things you should leave at home: alcohol, backpacks, cameras with detachable lenses, coolers, weapons, umbrellas and more.See the full list here. BAG POLICY | Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″You can bring baby/diaper bags that are bigger if a child is present, as well as a stroller. Other exceptions can be found in the link above.What to wear 👒Fashion is a passion of the Kentucky Derby. The outfits span the spectrum of vibrant, elegant, chic and fun with an elaborate hat or fascinator. Many are playful and creative with their fits!See some examples from Derby’s past:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —It’s Kentucky Derby season and the countdown is on to the 151st Run for the Roses.
Whether you’re local or coming to Louisville from somewhere across the globe, here’s what you need to know.
The basics
Every year, around 150,000 people crowd the historic Churchill Downs donning their best hats and outfits to watch and bet on horses.
- Date: Saturday, May 3
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky. | 700 Central Ave.
- Time: Races start at 11 a.m., Kentucky Derby race (Race 12) is at 6:57 p.m.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, will be giving the “Riders up!” call that signals the jockeys to mount their horses.
Grammy-nominated Grace Potter will sing the National Anthem.
How to get tickets 🎟️
Explore ticket options here: TICKETMASTER | SEATGEEK | STUBHUB | VIVID SEATS
The race and the horses 🏇
The Kentucky Derby pits 20 of the best 3-year-old thoroughbreds against each other on a 10-furlong track (1.25 miles).
The race lasts around two minutes, which is why it is classically known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
This year’s purse is $5 million, the same as last year, and the highest ever.
The chart below will be updated as Derby approaches. If no horses drop out between now and the race, the top 20 here will run.
The pill pull, or post position draw, happens on Saturday night, April 26 — Opening night (read more about that further down).
Get in-depth coverage of the horses, trainers and more from Jody Demling:
How to bet 💵
Betting for the Kentucky Derby can be done online through TwinSpires.com or on their app. There’s also information about how to bet and who the experts are picking. Click here for more information on betting.
If you’re going to the track, you can bet in person at the betting windows.
How to get there and parking 🅿️
Here’s a map of Churchill Downs:
(Can’t see the map? Click here.)
Parking at the track is already sold out, but there always are tons of people in the surrounding area selling parking.
If you plan to do ridesharing (Uber, Lyft, taxi, etc.), you will get dropped off and picked up at the Bronze Lot of L&N Stadium (where the UofL football team plays).
Weather 🌤️
Get the latest forecast details here.
The rest of the week
Opening Night
- Saturday, April 26 | Gates Open: 4 p.m. | First Race: 5 p.m.
- Kick off Derby week with a Great Gatsby-inspired night at the races.
- Get tickets here
502’sDay
- Tuesday, April 29 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.
- In its third year, the day dedicated to the city will honor Muhammad Ali.
- Tickets are $5 | Get tickets here
Winsday
- Wednesday, April 30 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.
- “New for 2025, Winsday debuts as a day to shine the spotlight on Louisville’s robust nonprofit community.”
- Get tickets here
Thurby
- Thursday, May 1 | Gates Open: 10:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.
- “Experience the essence of Kentucky at Thurby’s ‘Cool Kentucky’, a vibrant celebration of bourbon, music, and thoroughbred racing.”
- Get tickets here.
Kentucky Oaks
- Friday, May 2 | Gates Open 9 a.m. | First Race 11 a.m.
- The day before Derby, it’s the girls’ turn to take the track. This is the day the fillies race, and many of the track-goers don their best pink outfits
- Get tickets here
Want to watch the horses practice?
Dawn at the Downs is Thursday, April 24 to Wednesday, April 30. You can watch the horses practice from 6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Oaks and Derby horses are only from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m.
You can also eat while there on the 27th and 28th.
What to bring and leave at home
If you’re going to the track, here are some things you should leave at home: alcohol, backpacks, cameras with detachable lenses, coolers, weapons, umbrellas and more.
BAG POLICY | Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
You can bring baby/diaper bags that are bigger if a child is present, as well as a stroller. Other exceptions can be found in the link above.
What to wear 👒
Fashion is a passion of the Kentucky Derby.
The outfits span the spectrum of vibrant, elegant, chic and fun with an elaborate hat or fascinator.
Many are playful and creative with their fits!
See some examples from Derby’s past:
