LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — It's almost time for the "most exciting two minutes in sports" when the 152nd Kentucky Derby happens on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs.
All eyes will be on Louisville and the racetrack as the city comes to life Derby Week, all leading up to the Running of the Roses, adorning the winning thoroughbred with a Garland of Roses.
WDRB put together this guide for all things Derby, from the food to the celebrity galas and of course, the horses.
Derby on, everyone!
Watch WDRB Mornings live from the track
The WDRB Mornings team is live Derby Week from the Churchill Downs backside from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. each morning through Friday's Kentucky Oaks morning.
Join Candyce Clifft, Lindsay Allen, Chris Sutter, Jude Redfield, Keith Kaiser and the whole team on Kentucky Derby morning from 6 a.m. to noon. We will be getting you ready for the event talking to trainers and spotlighting the fashion, food and history of the 152st Run for the Roses.
Stream WDRB News
The full day of broadcasting will be on our WDRB.com, the WDRB News app, the WDRB+ TV anywhere app for your phone, and the WDRB+ streaming app on your Fire, Apple or Roku TV.
Here's a link to learn how to download the apps. Click here.
Get to know the Derby contenders
The road to the 152st Kentucky Derby took many horses across the United States. From New York to Florida to California and in between, trainers gear up their horses in prep races to build up points and qualify for a trip to Churchill Downs.
Here are videos of the most prominent Derby prep races with results and full replay videos. And to see the real-time Derby points standings, click here.
Derby week schedule at Churchill Downs
Opening night of the Spring Meet
- Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- First Race at 12:45 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $30 (plus tax & fees) for general admission
- Oaks and Derby Post Position draws on the 2nd Floor Terrace at 2 p.m.
- Derby week parking information
- There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
- There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.
Kick off Derby week in Louisville at Churchill Downs opening day, as the track honors old traditions and ignites new ones. Opening day brings the excitement with the post position draws for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
- Sunday, April 26
- Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- First Race at 12:45 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $30 (plus tax & fees) for general admission
- Derby week parking information
- There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
- There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.
Sunday racing at Churchill Downs is back for the first time since 2010, giving the community an extra day to soak in the tradition and excitement leading up the the 152 Running of the Roses.
- Thursday, April 23 to Wednesday, April 29
- Free of charge daily
- 6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Oaks (pink saddle towel) and Derby horses (yellow saddle towel) only from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
- Derby week parking information
- Guests will need to follow the facilities updated security parameters upon entry to Churchill Downs.
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.
Onsite Parking is available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis in the Yellow lot, access via Longfield Ave. Onsite parking lots will open at 5:45 am. Each vehicle must leave Churchill Downs by 10:30 a.m. that day. Additional maps and directions can be found here.
- Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- First Race at 12:45 p.m.
- Tickets: $5 general admission
- Derby week parking information
- There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
- There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.
502's Day is back as Louisville's day at the races. Guests this year are encouraged to "Shop Local" and wear outfits from local shops and boutiques.
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026
- Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- First Race at 12:45 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $30 (plus tax & fees) for general admission
- Derby week parking information
- Onsite parking sold out
- There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
- There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.
Winsday shines the spotlight on Louisville’s nonprofit community. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, local nonprofit organizations will be invited to fundraise and highlight the work they do. 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 work.
- Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Gates open at 10:30 a.m.
- First Race at 12:45 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $50 (plus tax & fees) for general admission
- Derby week parking information
- Onsite parking sold out
- There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
- There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby and walk to Churchill Downs
- Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
- Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.
Thurby is all about Kentucky and immersing in the spirit of the Bluegrass state. The event is a must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, encapsulating Kentucky's spirited music, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Friday, May 1, 2026
- Gates open at 11 a.m.
- First Race at 12:30 p.m.
- Kentucky Oaks Post time: 8:40 p.m. (13th race)
- Survivors Parade about 5:23 p.m. (between races 9 and 10)
- National Anthem by
- Riders Up! by
- Tickets
- Infield General Admission (no frontside access): Not available
- Infield Final Turn GA (no frontside access): $376.50
- Walkaround tickets (no seat with access to the frontside): $731.85 (plus tax & fees)
- Derby week parking information
- There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
- Paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby.
- This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.
- Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
- Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.
The 151st Kentucky Oaks is the 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. The event is filled with traditions including the "Pink Out" and Survivors Parade to highlight breast cancer awareness.
- Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Gates open at 9 a.m.
- First Race at 11 a.m.
- 152nd Kentucky Derby Post time: 6:57 p.m.
- National Anthem by
- Walkover begins at 6:15 p.m.
- Riders Up! by
- Call to Post at
- My Old Kentucky Home 6:47 p.m.
- Post parade begins 6:49 p.m.
- Derby week parking information
- Tickets
- Infield General Admission (no frontside access): Not available
- Infield Final Turn General Admission (no frontside access): $376.50
- Walkaround tickets (no seat with access to the frontside): $731.85 (verified resale) (plus tax & fees)
- There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
- Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
- Paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby.This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.
- Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
- Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.
Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs is a spectacle of colorful outfits, celebrities, betting and more than a few tasty beverages including the signature mint julep. The Run for the Roses pits 20 of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds against each other in the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Parking Derby Week, Oaks and Derby
All onsite parking at Churchill Downs is very limited, reserved in advance, and available for pre-purchase as long as inventory is available. Parking within each reserved lot is first-come, first-served including ADA spaces. If you do not have pre-purchased parking, you will not be able to purchase it onsite.
Shuttles from Expo Center:
The Kentucky Exposition Center will have free parking with free shuttles going to and from Churchill Downs on Opening Night, Sunday Funday, 502’sDay, Winsday, and Thurby. Enter through Gates 1 or 2.
On the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, if you do not already have onsite parking, but have reserved seating with frontside access, there is parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, which is included with your ticket. Please present your ticket upon entry. This includes FREE shuttle service to and from Churchill Downs with drop-off and pick-up in the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate.
Paid parking is available Thurby, Oaks and Derby at the L&N Stadium lots. Check Derby week parking information on the Churchill Downs site for complete information.
Churchill Downs has gone cashless
Bring your credit or debit card, if you plan to spend money at the track. Churchill Downs has gone cashless except for wagering.
The track is encouraging guests to have a credit card available as all food and beverage is now a cashless service. During the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby guests with frontside access will have an All-Inclusive Experience.
A facility map of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Courtesy Churchill Downs April 23, 2025
Security Information
All patrons are subject to metal detector scans before entry to the track on all of Derby Week (Opening Day-Derby Day). Oaks and Derby patrons are advised to arrive early to accommodate search procedures at all admission gates.
Guests will be required to return any prohibited items to their vehicles or discard them before entering the facility. Churchill Downs will not be responsible for any items left near the entrances and such items may be thrown away. There is no re-entry after exiting the facility; patrons are not permitted to leave Churchill Downs and return on the same ticket.
Patrons are reminded: 'If you see something, say something.' If you see something unusual please immediately call 502-636-4526 to report it.
This list is subject to change & any item deemed inappropriate or unsafe may be denied entry at any time.
Kentucky Derby Week Bag Policy
Churchill Downs Racetrack will enforce a restricted bag policy from Saturday, April 25th, 2026 through Derby Day (Saturday, May 2nd, 2026). Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
Prohibited Items at Churchill Downs
Items prohibited at Churchill Downs Derby Week (Opening Day-Derby Day)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- Balloons and inflatables
- Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
- Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
- Cans (any size or type)
- Collapsible chairs (Please see below exceptions for Infield Gate Only)
- Collapsible chairs with canopies
- Confetti
- Coolers
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
- Firearms
- Food (Opening Day-Thurby)
- Glass Bottles or containers
- Grills
- Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
- Illegal Substances
- Laser lights/pointers
- Luggage and duffle bags
- Noise makers, air horns and fireworks
- Personal music players without headphones
- Pets, except for trained service animals
- Poles or sticks of any size, including selfie sticks
- Portable speakers/sound systems
- Projectile items (i.e. Frisbees, balls)
- Seat cushions that are larger than 15″ X 15″ that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
- Tents and canopies
- Thermoses
- Tripods
- Umbrellas of any size
- Wagons (unless designed by manufacturer as a stroller – must be accompanied by a child)
- Weapons of any kind (i.e. chains, knives, pepper spray, etc.)
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
Notable Exceptions that are Allowed in the FRONTSIDE GATES: Derby Week
- Baby bag and diaper bags, if accompanied by a child (subject to search)
- Strollers and stroller wagons, if accompanied by a child
Notable Exceptions that are Allowed in the FRONTSIDE GATES: Kentucky Oaks & Derby
- Guests may bring boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12″ X 6″ X 12″). Items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag (no trash bags). Guests are restricted to one bag only–additional bags for food will not be permitted.
Notable Exceptions that are Allowed in the INFIELD GATE
- Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12″ X 6″ X 12″). Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag (no trash bags). Guests are restricted to one bag only – additional bags for food will not be permitted.
- Bottled water that is in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle- limit of two 24 oz. bottles per person
- Collapsible camping chairs without canopies (must be removed from bag during search)
- Tarpaulins (“Tarps”) and picnic blankets that are smaller than 10’ x 10’. Once inside the gate, tarps may not be secured to the infield fence or any other permanent structure.
"My Old Kentucky Home"
Whether you're from the Bluegrass or are visiting for the race, the state song plays an emotional part of Kentucky Derby Day. Many people get a little misty when the chorus starts with "Weep no more, my lady!"
The song is performed by the University of Louisville Marching Band for the crowd to singalong. It was written by Stephen Foster during the years before the Civil War. The original lyrics were changed in 1986 to what is performed today. Here are the lyrics you'll need to sing the song with the crowd of up to 150,00 at Churchill Downs.
My Old Kentucky Home by Stephen Collins Foster
The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.
The young folks roll on the little cabin floor
All merry, all happy and bright;
By 'n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!
Chorus:
Weep no more my lady.
Oh! Weep no more today!
We will sing one song
For my old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away.
Oaks, Derby Watch Parties
Paristown Derby Day Garden Party, Saturday, May 2
Watch all the races live under the Christy's Garden pavilion, 720 Brent St, Louisville, place your bets with insights from expert handicappers, and indulge in signature Derby cocktails.
- General Admission: $30
- Youth (ages 11–17) General Admission: $10
- Ages 10 & Under: Free
- Up to two children ages 10 & under free with each ticketed adult
- Official Program Pre-Order: $20
- Reserved Picnic Tables: $100
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