Churchill Downs to kick off Kentucky Derby Week with Opening Day, return of Sunday Funday

The historic Louisville racetrack will be packed with people on Saturday, April 25, for the official start of Derby Week with a day full of races and something to do for everyone.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As Churchill Downs welcomes Derby Week this weekend, some free events are being brought back for the first time in more than 15 years.

The historic Louisville racetrack will be packed with people on Saturday, April 25, for the official start of Derby Week with a day full of races and something to do for everyone.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with the first of 10 races starting at 12:45 p.m. The final race is set for 6:16 p.m.

Oaks and Derby contenders will learn their post-positions for the races during the post-position draw at 2 p.m.

"It's a packed day," said Claudia Coffey, with Churchill Downs. "You can enjoy all the races of that day, but the highlight of the day is at two o'clock, where our fans can watch the post-position draw for the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby."

Officials said it's a day full of tradition, family fun, live entertainment and more, including RedBull Airforce Jumpers, an Opening Day poster signing with jockeys and trainers, VR horse racing, photo ops with a replica trophy, kids games and a Derby fashion contest.

Every day for the next week is a Derby day, Coffey said. On Sunday, Churchill Downs will bring back an old time tradition.

"Sunday Funday is back for the first time since 2010," said Coffey.

It's another full day of races, hat and bowtie making.

"You can experience the thrill of the jockey cam. You can step into the saddle, you can step into the shoes of a jockey and ride a simulator so you know exactly what it feels like to be a jockey coming down the home stretch in the Kentucky Derby," Coffey said.

Sunday Funday is free for those with a Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin.

"And then coming up on Tuesday, 502's Day, $5 general admission, there's a price point for you," said Coffey. "We want to make sure that the community gets to enjoy Kentucky Derby week in every way possible."

Even on Derby Day, Lee Wagner said there will be more for people to do at the famous Wagner's Pharmacy.

"We'll have (a) temporary liquor license," Wagner said. "We'll have drinks and a radio show out there. There will be some excitement every morning and every day for people that will be at Churchill Downs.

Before heading to the track, Coffey recommended making a plan.

"Plan your day, take advantage of free parking at the Kentucky Expo Center, shuttle on over and enjoy the day," she said. "We are excited to celebrate with the community and to kick off Kentucky Derby week and we can't wait to see everybody here."

For more information about Opening Day or to purchase tickets, click here. To learn more about Sunday Funday, click here.