COME TO THE TRACK

Plan your visit to historic Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby.

FIRST TIME AT THE RACES?

Take our guided experience tour and learn more about planning your trip. Complete your check list to get ready to visit Churchill Downs!

SEPTEMBER MEET EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 12-29

Twilight Thursdays

Thursdays September 12, 19 & 26

Gates Open 4:00 p.m. |  First Race 5:00 p.m.

Twilight Thursdays return with Thoroughbred racing, $2 select domestic beer, live music and an array of locally popular food trucks in The Paddock Plaza each Thursday of the Spring Meet!
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Military Appreciation Day

Thursday September 12

Gates Open 4:00 p.m. |  First Race 5:00 p.m.

It’s Military Appreciation Day at the track, a day filled with gratitude, remembrance, and thrilling horse racing action.

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Senior Day

Friday, September 20

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing. On Senior Day, Churchill Downs invites guests 60 and older to enjoy lunch on Millionaires' Row for only $45 and can be purchased by calling 502-636-4450.*

* Pricing based on what dining rooms are initially available for regular race days.

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Family Adventure Day

Sunday, September 22

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

Activities end at the conclusion of last race

Family Adventure Day is the perfect event for the entire family to enjoy a day of fun under the Twin Spires. Thrilling racing, and over 20 activities that kids under 12 can enjoy.

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Downs After Dark

Saturday, September 28

Gates Open 5:00 p.m. |  First Race 6:00 p.m.

Get ready for an electrifying night of horse racing as the sun sets and the track comes alive with excitement! Downs After Dark is your ticket to an unforgettable evening filled with thrilling races under the dazzling lights.

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FALL MEET EVENTS: OCTOBER 27-DECEMBER 1

Family Adventure Day: Trick or Treat at the Track

Sunday, October 27

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

Trick or Treat at the Track at Family Adventure Day is the perfect event for the entire family to enjoy Halloween fun under the Twin Spires, a day of thrilling racing, and over 15 activities that kids under 12 can enjoy.

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Breeders' Cup Watch Party

Friday November 1 | Saturday November 2

Watch the 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships on the Big Board while enjoying 10 live thoroughbred races every day.

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Senior Day

Wednesdays November 6 & 20

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing. On Senior Day, Churchill Downs invites guests 60 and older to enjoy lunch on Millionaires' Row for only $34 and can be purchased by calling 502-636-4450.*

* Pricing based on what dining rooms are initially available for regular race days.

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Veterans Day: Military Appreciation Day

Sunday November 10

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

This Veterans Day, we celebrate and honor America’s service men and women for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to sacrifice for the common good. Active members and veterans of the military are invited to enjoy a day at the races.

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Thanksgiving and Closing Weekend

November 28th-December 1

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at the track with 6 exciting Stakes races, including up and coming Kentucky Derby hopefuls. The Clark (G1) and The Stars of Tomorrow II day help round out racing for the year at Churchill Downs.

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Thanksgiving | The Clark | Stars of Tomorrow II

 

PLAN YOUR VISIT

What to Expect

We’ve curated helpful suggestions to make the most of your experience at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Travel + Parking

Get directions and maps to historic Churchill Downs for your day of race experience or group outing.

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.

Kentucky Derby Events

Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Get event details and more information on Derby week race days.

Your Expert Guide to Louisville

Make the most of your visit to Churchill Downs home of the Kentucky Derby by exploring Louisville Kentucky.

Churchill Downs Virtual Venue

View various sections to familiarize yourself with historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Churchill Downs Grandstand

Churchill Downs Facility Map

Get ready for your day at the races with an updated facility map!

The Official Kentucky Derby Collection

Shop the lastest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles and more!

Visit the Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the region’s premier attractions, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality, and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please find our helpful guide to experiencing Churchill Downs.

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