Calendar Events

Opening Night: The Great Gatsby, A Louisville Legacy | Gates Open: TBD | First Race: TBD

Presented by LG&E and in partnership with Louisville Tourism, kick off Derby Week with a lavish twist during a Great Gatsby-inspired evening. As the inspiration for one of literature’s most enchanting stories, our city’s charm and history add an extra layer of allure to this glamorous affair. Dress in your finest 1920s attire and join us for a night that sets the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!

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

502'sDay | Gates Open: TBD | First Race: TBD

502’sDay returns for its third year, keeping the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. Grab your $5 General Admission ticket and join us as we celebrate the heart and spirit of our vibrant community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, enjoy, and honor what makes our city truly unique!

Winsday | Gates Open: TBD | First Race: TBD

Join us for a day of unity and giving at Churchill Downs on Wednesday of Derby Week! We are thrilled to spotlight the remarkable efforts of local nonprofit organizations through this unique event, celebrating the spirit of community and the impactful work of these vital agencies. Enhance the connections among us all, come be a part of something bigger, support the community, and enjoy a day at the races!

Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 p.m. 

Enjoy a thrilling day of racing under the iconic Twin Spires and over 15 kid-friendly activities. Suitable for children under 12, this event promises festive fun and delightful surprises for everyone!

Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 p.m. 

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

Thurby x Frazier History Museum: Celebrating Cool Kentucky
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 | Gates Open: 10:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

Presented by Old Forester and in partnership with Frazier History Museum, the venue transforms into an interactive showcase celebrating Kentucky’s rich heritage. This event is a must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, encapsulating Kentucky's rich culture, spirited music, and deep-rooted traditions. Join us for a day immersed in the true spirit of the Bluegrass State.

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.

The 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the world’s Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®.

Twilight Thursdays – September Meet | Gates Open 4 p.m. | First Race 5 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 September Meet!

Military Appreciation Day: Memorial Day | Monday, May 26 | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD

Military Appreciation Day: Flag Day | Friday, May 13 | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD

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

Active-Duty Military or Retired Veterans receive free admission with their Military ID

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

Experience College Day at the track! Get ready for an action-packed day filled with thrilling races, entertainment, and incredible opportunities to win scholarships. Plus, enjoy FREE admission and exclusive discounts at the Churchill Downs store with a valid college ID.

This Mother's Day, go beyond the ordinary and spoil Mom with a day full of thrills! Create cherished memories with Mom that will last a lifetime. It's a celebration fit for the queen she is!

Stephen Foster Preview Day | Saturday, May 31 | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD

A day filled with excitement as the thoroughbreds compete in six thrilling stakes races that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Feel the adrenaline, witness the skill, and be part of the racing action that promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 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.

BELMONT STAKES WATCH PARTY | Saturday June 7th | Gates Open TBD | First Race TBD

Watch the 2025 Belmont Stakes the Third Leg of the Triple Crown on the Big Board while enjoying 11 live thoroughbred races every day.

Senior Day | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD | Chef's Table TBD

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. Learn more!

Gates Open 10:00 a.m. | First Race 11:30 a.m. 

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at the track with 6 exciting Stakes races, including up and coming Kentucky Derby hopefuls.

Family Adventure Day | Gates Open TBD| First Race TBD

Family Adventure Day is the perfect event for everyone in the family to enjoy a fun-filled day under the iconic Twin Spires. Get ready for thrilling horse racing and a variety of over 15 kid-friendly activities. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children under 12 to explore and enjoy:

Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 p.m. 

Come out to the track for exciting live races including The Clark (GII) presented by Norton Healthcare.

Also get your Kentucky Rivalry Day tickets now! Add a University of Louisville or Kentucky hat with your ticket purchase at checkout for only $25

Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 p.m. 

Enjoy a great day of racing including Kentucky Derby and Oaks points races and other key stakes!

Also get your Kentucky Rivalry Day tickets now! Add a University of Louisville or Kentucky hat with your ticket purchase at checkout for only $25

Downs After Dark: Preakness | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD

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. Learn More!

Father's Day | Sunday, June 15 | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD p.m.

Join us for Father's Day at Churchill Downs, where tradition meets excitement, and dads are celebrated in true racing style!

Stephen Foster Day | Saturday, June 28 | Gates Open TBD |  First Race TBD

A day filled with excitement as the thoroughbreds compete in thrilling stakes races that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Feel the adrenaline, witness the skill, and be part of the racing action that promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

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

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.

Gates Open Noon | First Race 1:00 p.m. 

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing.

Stakes Room Brunch | Gates Open Noon | First Post 1:00 p.m. | Chef's Table Noon-3:00 p.m.

Come out to the track every Sunday during the Spring, September or Fall Meet to enjoy brunch & live racing in the renovated Stakes Room.