Churchill Downs Racetrack Announces Derby Week 2025 Itinerary

Everything Guests Need to Know About Derby Week Events at the Track

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, April 23, 2023) – Churchill Downs has announced everything guests need to know about each Kentucky Derby Week event. This year, Derby Week consists of seven exciting events: Dawn at the Downs; Opening Night powered by LG&E and KU; 502’sDay, Winsday presented by Resolute Racing; Thurby presented by Old Forester; and, of course, Oaks and Derby. Derby Week race-day tickets are available for purchase at www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/derby-week-events.

General Info For The Week Preceding Oaks and Derby:

Location: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave. Louisville, KY 40208

Parking: All Derby Week parking on property is reserved for pass holders only. Kentucky Exposition Center will have free parking with free shuttles regularly running to and from Churchill Downs on Opening Night, 502’sDay, Winsday, and Thurby. Shuttle drop-off and pick-up will be in the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate.

Venue & Arrival Info: Churchill Downs is located at 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208. Your recommended entry gate is the Woodford Reserve Paddock Gate. We encourage guests to arrive early due to traffic and security screening.

Tickets & Entry: All tickets are digital and can be accessed through the Churchill Downs app. Please download your tickets to your phone’s wallet before arriving to avoid delays at the gate due to poor service or long login times.

Dress Code: Churchill Downs has a wide variety of spaces, and dress expectations vary by location.

Be sure to review the dress guidelines for your specific area here: Churchill Downs Dress Code Guide.

Facility Map: Churchill Downs Facility Map (PDF)

Accessibility Services

• Accessibility Info
• ADA Seating Guide

Ticket Management & FAQ: Ticket Info Hub

NEW Style Under the Spires Daily Fashion Contest: Set to debut during Derby Week 2025, Style Under the Spires is a new daily fashion showcase at Churchill Downs, inviting guests to participate in themed style moments for a chance to win exclusive prizes and be featured on the venue’s iconic Big Board.

DAWN AT THE DOWNS

What: Join us for the opportunity to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders train for the big races while listening to expert commentary. Dawn at the Downs admission is free to the community.

When: April 24-30. 6:45-10 a.m. EDT

7:15-7:30 a.m. – Enjoy an exclusive training window only for Derby (yellow saddle towels) and Oaks (pink saddle towels) contenders.

Dining: Upgrade your Dawn at the Downs experience with a delicious buffet breakfast on Millionaires Row. Dawn at the Downs Dining may be purchased only for April 27-28 and must be purchased in advance. Limited tickets may be available on the day of the event but are not guaranteed. Purchase dining tickets in advance at KentuckyDerby.com/DawnDining.

Parking: FREE onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Onsite parking lots will open at 5 a.m.
• Clubhouse Gates will open at 6:45 a.m.
• Every vehicle must be removed Churchill Downs by 10:30 a.m. each day

Merchandise: The Kentucky Derby Stores will be open to the community on Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28 at the Clubhouse location between 7 a.m and 12 p.m. 

OPENING NIGHT POWERED BY LG&E AND KU

What: Celebrate the 151^st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws with a lavish twist as Churchill Downs channels the spirit of the Roaring ’20s with a Great Gatsby-inspired evening. As the inspiration for one of literature’s most enchanting stories, Louisville’s charm and history adds a layer of allure to this glamorous tale. Dress in your finest 1920s attire and join Churchill Downs for a night that sets the stage for a week filled with thrills, tradition, and celebration.

When: Saturday, April 26

Gates open: 4 p.m. EDT

First race: 5 p.m. EDT

General Admission, Reserved Seating, and Premium Dining available at KentuckyDerby.com/OpeningNight

Event Highlights:

• 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Post Position Draw Presented by Ford: Don’t miss this historic opportunity to witness the thrill of the draw amidst the glamour of the 1920s. The draw will take place between Races 5-6 from 7-8 p.m. ET.
• The Great Gatsby Experience brought to you by Louisville Tourism: Immerse yourself in the elegance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” beautifully intertwined with Louisville’s historic charm. This special activation features collaborations with the Belle of Louisville, Kentucky Derby Museum, and Waterfront Botanical Gardens, promising an unforgettable journey into the past.
• LG&E and KU Mirror Ball Activation: Experience the glamour and glitz of a golden era as you pose with our spectacular gold mirror ball. This dazzling installation, inspired by the opulence of The Great Gatsby, casts a golden glow, creating the perfect backdrop for your photos.
• The Great Gatsby Cocktail featuring Old Forester (available at select locations): A timeless tribute to the elegance and allure of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby combines smooth Old Forester with the tart refreshment of lemonade, finished with a splash of Chambord for a rich raspberry twist.
• Special Pagoda Performance: Churchill Downs is thrilled to present Louisville’s own Kayla Pecchioni, understudy for Daisy in the Broadway production of “The Great Gatsby.”
• Vintage Car Displays brought to you by Ford: Travel back in time with our Vintage Car Display, proudly presented by Ford. Marvel at an exquisite collection of 1920s automobiles that capture the spirit and splendor of the Gatsby era.

Paddock Terrace Stage Entertainment: DJ K-Dogg

Stakes Races: The Roxelana presented by LG&E

Style Under the Spires: Derby Week Fashion Contest: Step back in time and dive into the elegance of the 1920s with our Great Gatsby-inspired fashion contest. This glamorous event invites participants to showcase their best flapper dresses, dapper suits and sparkling accessories that embody the opulence and style of the Jazz Age. Whether it’s the lavish beading, feathered headbands, or the iconic cloche hats, each ensemble should reflect the extravagant fashion trends that F. Scott Fitzgerald vividly described in his literary masterpiece. 

502’SDAY

What: 502’sDay returns for its third year, shining the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. This year, Churchill Downs will pay tribute to Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali, whose unwavering pride and profound love for Louisville mirrors the community’s spirit. Join Churchill Downs in honoring his legendary impact and the vibrant energy that pulses through our city.

When: Tuesday, April 29

Gates open: 11:30 a.m. EDT

First race: 12:45 a.m. EDT

General admission tickets are just $5 and available now at KentuckyDerby.com/502s-Day. Reserved seating and dining upgrades are also available while supplies last.

Event Highlights:

• “Float Like a Butterfly” Live Art: Join Churchill Downs for a community art project inspired by Ali’s iconic words, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” Local artist Braylyn Stewart will guide attendees in creating a collaborative mural celebrating Ali’s spirit and resilience.
• Community Champions Recognition: Celebrate local leaders who embody Muhammad Ali’s principles of courage and compassion. Throughout the day, hear inspiring stories of resilience, generosity and confidence from community members who strive to “Be Like Ali.”
• Youth Boxing Demonstration: Experience the power of mentorship and discipline with live youth boxing demonstrations from local gyms. Discover how Ali’s legacy inspires young athletes to achieve greatness through dedication and hard work.

Style Under the Spires: Derby Week Fashion Contest: “Shop Local” and showcase the best of our local stores and designers. Flaunt your finest pieces from neighborhood shops and encourage others to explore and support our local talent.

NEW IN 2025! WINSDAY: GREAT THRILLS FOR THE GREATER GOOD PRESENTED BY RESOLUTE RACING

What: New for 2025, Winsday debuts as a day to shine the spotlight on Louisville’s nonprofit community. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, local nonprofit organizations have been invited to fundraise and highlight the work they do to make Louisville a more vibrant place to live, work and play. By purchasing Winsday tickets through a registered nonprofit, guests will directly contribute to these agencies, with a portion of each ticket sale benefiting their incredible work.

When: Wednesday, April 30

Gates: 11:30 a.m. EDT

First race: 12:45 a.m. EDT

Purchase Winsday tickets through participating nonprofits at KentuckyDerby.com/Winsday to give back.

Event Highlights:

• Charity Post Draw: It’s the Derby Post Draw but with a heartwarming twist. Twenty lucky nonprofits from the 50 registered organizations will be randomly drawn and paired with a Kentucky Derby contender for a chance to win a portion of the Derby Week 50/50 Raffle.
• Second Chance Drawings: Organizations that don’t make it into the “Starting Gate” will still have a shot at financial support with opportunities to win $2,000 for their cause.
• Supporter Drawings: Every ticket purchased through registered nonprofits also enters guests into a special drawing. Seize the chance to donate $2,000 for the nonprofit you champion.

Stakes Races: The Isaac Murphy Marathon presented by Resolute Racing and The William Walker presented by Resolute Racing.

Style Under the Spires: Derby Week Fashion Contest: Winsday is all about bold patterns. Don’t just come to the track to support your favorite nonprofit—stand out and be bold by wearing your best bold patterns. This isn’t just a day at the races; it’s a chance to make a splash with your most vibrant, eye-catching attire. 

THURBY PRESENTED BY OLD FORESTER

What: In partnership with the Frazier History Museum, Churchill Downs will transform into a vibrant display of the state’s rich heritage. Delve into Kentucky’s storied past and lively present with engaging photo ops and experiences that capture the essence of our rich culture. A must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, this event encapsulates Kentucky’s spirited music, deep-rooted traditions and vibrant atmosphere.

When: Thursday, May 1

Gates open: 10:30 a.m. EDT

First Race: 12:45 p.m. EDT

Purchase Thurby tickets at KentuckyDerby.com/Thurby.

Event Highlights:

• PRINT GIVEAWAY: 250 “Thurby x Frazier History Museum: Cool Kentucky” prints will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with an additional 3,000 posters.
  • Distribution Location: Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Churchill Downs will showcase the rich and diverse musical heritage of Kentucky, featuring artists represented in the Frazier’s 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit: Phoebe White (Laurel County), the award-winning “yodeling cowgirl”; Venezuelan-American pop artist Asly Toro (Jefferson County); and acclaimed country musician Kelsey Waldon (Ballard County). In Churchill Downs’ premium dining rooms, guests will enjoy the handcrafted Native American flute music of Fred Nez Keams (Mercer County), blending art, culture and storytelling.
• RECOGNITION MOMENTS: Join Churchill Downs in paying tribute to local legends—Tori Murden McClure, the fearless adventurer and “ear X-tacy’s” John Timmons, the iconic music visionary. Churchill Downs will honor their remarkable contributions to the Louisville community.
• Cool Kentucky Photo Ops: Explore immersive experiences, including the “ear X-tacy” Legacy activation by local artist Bri Bowers, which will feature the 120: Cool KY Counties playlist, and a Mirror Ball activation by Omega Mirror Products.
• Roving Actors: Meet Kentucky icons Colonel Sanders and Loretta Lynn

Stakes Races:  The St. Matthews Overnight Stakes, The Kentucky Juvenile, The Opening Verse

Style Under the Spires: Derby Week Fashion Contest: Guests are encouraged to step out in style with their best race-day vintage look and enter the Fashion Contest. Showcase timeless elegance for a chance to win incredible prizes.

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 call (502) 636-4447 to be a part of the most extraordinary Kentucky Derby yet.