Spring Meet

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

Celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws, with a lavish twist, as we channel the spirit of the roaring twenties with a Great Gatsby-inspired evening. As the inspiration for one of literature's most enchanting stories, our city's charm and history add a layer of allure to this glamorous tale. 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!

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 24-Wednesday April 30
Time: 7:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 a.m. ET

Dawn at the Downs Dining
April 27 and 28 | 7 a.m. ET to 10 a.m ET

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

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

Be part of an unforgettable celebration of all that makes us great.

Grab your $5 General Admission ticket and join us for a celebration of Ali's enduring legacy and the spirit of Louisville!

Winsday | 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.

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.

Be a part of something bigger, support the community, and enjoy a day at the races!

Thurby x Frazier History Museum: Celebrating Cool Kentucky
Thursday, May 1, 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 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.

Join us for a day immersed in the true spirit of the Bluegrass State.

Experience the essence of Kentucky at Thurby's 'Cool Kentucky', a vibrant celebration of bourbon, music, and thoroughbred racing.

The Longines Kentucky Oaks, now celebrating its 151st 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 151st 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.

Twilight Thursdays – Spring 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 Spring Meet!

Mother's Day | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Tables TBD

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!

Downs After Dark: Preakness | Gates Open 5 p.m. |  First Race 6 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. Learn More!

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

Military Appreciation Day: Memorial Day | Monday, May 26 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

Military Appreciation Day: Flag Day | Friday, May 13 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

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

Stephen Foster Preview Day | Saturday, May 31 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

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.

Teacher Appreciation Day | Gates Open 4 p.m. |  First Race 5 p.m. | Chef's Table TBD

Come out to the track to watch exciting live thoroughbred racing. On Teacher Appreciation Day, Churchill Downs invites local educators to enjoy Millionaires' Row for only $45. Learn more!

BELMONT STAKES WATCH PARTY | Saturday June 7 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

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

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

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.

Father's Day | Sunday, June 15 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m |  First Race 12:45 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 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

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.

Stakes Room Brunch | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Post 12:45 p.m. | Chef's Table: TBD

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