CHURCHILL DOWNS® RACETRACK

HOME OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY®

2026 Ticket Opportunities!

Experience the thrill of live racing at Churchill Downs during the 2026 Race Meet. Secure your tickets today for unforgettable moments, heart-pounding finishes, and world-class hospitality. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the tradition.

View our available 2026 Spring Meet tickets below or contact our team to plan your visit to Churchill Downs!

 

'Run for the Roses Package' – Your All-Access GA Pass for Derby Week! Experience the thrill of Derby Week with our brand-new General Admission 'Run for the Roses Package'! This exclusive offer includes GA tickets to all six of Churchill Downs’ most exciting events:

Opening Night
502'sDay
Winsday
Thurby
Kentucky Oaks
Kentucky Derby
Celebrate the full Derby Week experience for $268. Whether you're a local tradition-keeper or a first-time visitor, this package is your ticket to unforgettable racing moments all week long. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today and run for the roses with us!

New Partial Season Plans Available Now! Get ready for seven incredible premium race days with key features.

Opening Day centers around family-friendly fun for the entire community. Celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws. New for this year, Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon finishers will receive free admission if they wear their medals to Opening Day. Wear your medal to the box office and receive a free general admission ticket. Guests are encouraged to coordinate their attire with their family members, friends or significant others.

Sunday racing returns to Kentucky Derby Week for the first time since 2010, which gives the community an extra day to celebrate the seasonal fun with brunch options around the track.

Dawn at the Downs is a cherished tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors alike. Racing fans gather to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders during their morning workouts, all while selecting their favorites for the weekend's races.

Thursday April 23rd-Wednesday April 29th
Time: 7 a.m.

Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 27th | 7 a.m.

502’sDay returns for its fourth year, shining the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. General Admission is $5. Guests are encouraged to “Shop Local” and wear outfits from Louisville’s local shops and boutiques.

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 Winsday tickets through a registered nonprofit, guests will directly contribute to these vital agencies, with a portion of each ticket sale benefiting their incredible work.

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.

The Longines Kentucky Oaks, now celebrating its 152nd running, is America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies. Held each year the day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks offers a $1.5 million purse and awards the winner the iconic 'Lilies for the Fillies' garland. As one of the longest-running sporting events in U.S. history, the Oaks is steeped in tradition and meaning. Oaks Day is also a celebration of breast cancer awareness, with fans embracing the 'Pink Out' tradition by wearing shades of pink to honor this meaningful cause.

No other entertainment event is as alluring, captivating, and thrilling as the Kentucky Derby. Call it what you will—the Run for the Roses®, the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®, or America's Race. This year marks the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than just a horse race, it’s a tradition steeped in history and held in the heart of America. It’s a way of life, representing the hopes and dreams of millions across the globe.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Experience the thrills of Thoroughbred horse racing at legendary Churchill Downs racetrack.

VISIT US

Get ready for your visit to historic Churchill Downs with helpful tips and event information.

CALENDAR

With more than 70 plus live racing days throughout the year, check out all opportunities you have to watch the thrills of live racing. Plus, opportunities to get tours of the facility, watch horse racing via simulcast or bet at our Race & Sports Book.

GROUPS & OCCASIONS

Check an item off your guests' bucket lists at Louisville's must-visit venue. Let our team help you plan an unforgettable experience.

FAQ’s

Please find our helpful guide to experiencing Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs App

The new and improved Churchill Downs app has everything you need to enjoy your day at the races. Both Android and iOS apps are now available!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Latest News January 21, 2026

Triple Crown News Release: Early Nominations for 2026 Triple Crown Series Due Monday

Nominations are open for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2026 Triple Crown with an early $600 payment that is due Monday (Jan. 26) at www.thetriplecrown.com.
 
The 2026 Triple Crown series begins Saturday, May 2 with the 152nd...

Stakes Recap November 30, 2025

Churchill Downs Closing Day Stakes Recap and Quotes: Moonlight Wins $249,835 Cherokee Mile on Closing Day at Churchill Downs

Moonlight rallied past 6-5 pacesetting favorite Dragoon Guard in deep stretch to win Sunday’s second running of the $249,835 Cherokee Mile at Churchill Downs on closing day of the 136th Fall Meet by 1 ½ lengths.
 
Moonlight, a 4-year-old son of...

Stakes Advance November 23, 2025

Churchill Downs Update and Stakes Advance: Scotland Returns to Defend Title in Closing Day's $250,000 Cherokee Mile

LNJ Foxwoods’ Scotland will return to Churchill Downs and defend his title when he takes on nine rivals entered in next Sunday’s second running of the $250,000 Cherokee Mile, the featured race on closing day of the 2025 Fall Meet.
Sunday’s 12-race...

Official Kentucky Derby Store

Shop the latest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles, and more!

Toteboard & Replays

Stay up to date with the latest race details and watch all racing action.

Featured Events

Experience more excitement at our upcoming promotions and events.

FOLLOW FOR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVES

Missed something? Catch up on past Churchill Downs news