First things first, before you do anything else you need to secure the basics for your Derby experience. The two most important things are 1. Securing reliable tickets 2. Make sure you have somewhere to stay if you are not local to the area.
1. Buying Tickets Early: Buy your tickets early! Sign up for Churchill Downs email list and be the first to know when tickets for the Derby week events go on sale. You always want to try to purchase directly on Churchill Downs website or through Ticketmaster. There are a lot of scams out there, don’t get caught up in one!
2. Book your Place to Stay: Just be prepared, hotel’s, Airbnbs, campsites, everything goes up in price for the Kentucky Derby. If you want a quality place to stay, DO NOT WAIT! Book your place early. Several people book the same place year over year, and many corporations book huge blocks of rooms at hotels so inventory can run out quickly. There are so many places to stay in Louisville, but you do not want to risk not having somewhere to stay or stay somewhere…less than appealing. When looking for places to stay, your best bet is somewhere within a couple miles of Churchill Downs, hotels downtown are the center of the action and also great choices.
3. Book Airfair: If applicable, book your flights. Louisville has their Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). If you fly in, you’ll be greeted with tastings and all the Derby swag! But don’t forget that Louisville is VERY centrally located to many major cities and airports. Cincinnati’s airport (CVG) is only about 1.5 hours away, Lexington (LEX) is also about 1.5 hours away, Indianapolis (IND) is less than two hours, and Nashville (BNA) is less than 3 hours away.
There are SEVERAL companies based in Louisville that will book all of these things for you. Or in the very least will book your hotel, transportation and tickets. A few include: Derby Experiences and Mint Julep Experiences.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which earn me a small commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog!
Phew, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into some of the other more fun tips.
4. The outfit: We say the outfit, because at Derby make sure you come dressed to impress. Colorful vibrant outfits are always in-style. Grab a beautiful hat or fascinator (the bigger the better) or for you males, grab your vibrant suites and hats as well! If you need to grab a hat when you are in town? Here is a list of places to grab a last minute hat or fascinator for Derby. You really can’t go wrong with what to wear to the Kentucky Derby, you will see some WILD outfits. But a classy fitted dress, sundress, men's nice slacks and shirts are always a good idea. Think southern style, that’s what you are going for. And the bigger the hat, or fascinator, the better! Wear comfortable shoes, no matter where you sit, there will be a lot of walking, even just in and out of the track, there will be MANY women walking around barefoot because of their heels, you don’t want to be that girl, or pack a pair of flats in your bag!
5. What to bring:
- A Poncho! Trust me. There’s about a 50/50 chance that it will be either pouring rain, or hotter than hell. Sometimes even both. Grab a $5 plastic clear poncho that folds up really small and put it in your bag.
- Similarly, bring plenty of sunscreen and chapstick. Many ticket options are in full sun so you want to be protected.
- Ladies, if you are in the infield, bring a little bit of toilet paper. Yes they run out. You don’t want to be in that situation.
- Extra flats, again for my ladies. If you opt for heels, pack a pair of flip flops or comfortable flats. That walk to the car, shuttle or wherever you need to go after isn’t fun barefoot or if your feet are killing you!
6. What NOT to bring:
- An umbrella, hence the poncho recommendation. No umbrellas are allowed in Churchill Downs.
- Backpacks
- Any signs or banners
- Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
- Collapsible Chairs (Exceptions only for infield)
- Coolers
- There’s actually a big list, but everything else is self-explanatory. But if you have questions, view the full list on Churchill Downs website here.
7. Check your bag: This is its own tip because it’s very important. Churchill Downs Racetrack will enforce a restricted bag policy from Saturday, April 27th, 2024 through Derby Day (Saturday, May 4th, 2024). Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Make sure you follow this rule! It does not have to be clear, but it has to be the correct size.
8. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. The Kentucky Derby is a huge party, often hot, with lots of alcoholic beverages consumed. There are over 150,000 people that attend The Kentucky Derby each year. It can be overwhelming, so drink your water, take a time out or seat when you need it. Be smart!
9. Explore the grounds: Once you are in Churchill Downs, you can actually access quite a bit. Anyone can access the Infield and the Paddock, no matter where your ticket is. There are photo opps and brand activations at every turn. Walk around and explore the iconic and historic race track.
10. Budget: Be prepared to spend. I mean, it’s the Kentucky Derby. Prepare yourself and budget beforehand to spend some money. Drinks are expensive. Signature drinks like the Mint Julep and The Lilly can run you $20. Even beer can be a pretty penny upwards of $10. They sell a ton of different food options, it’s pretty comparable to any sporting event you’d go to. If you plan to eat at the track, prepare to spend $20+ for a meal (at least). The more you are prepared, the less shocked you’ll be at the track.
11. Place your bets: There are several ways to bet on the Kentucky Derby. You can bet online via the Twinspires App. Download this in advance, service can be spotty with that many people in one spot. There are several other options to bet at the track, there will be wagering windows all over Churchill Downs. When walking up to a wagering window, be ready with your money (Cash) and what horse you want to bet on. The folks at the windows are very kind and patient, and will help you through it, but there are hundreds of people trying to place bets. Be prepared. You will get a book when you walk in that gives you all the stats for each horse for each race. This will be your go-to guide when placing your bets. The last way to bet are kiosks at Churchill Downs. Typically these are only available in suites. They are very self-explanatory. Your best bet is to download the Twinspires app or go to a betting window. Advanced warning that betting window lines get long!
12. Bring cash: Save time literally in all lines by bringing cash. Some lines are even cash only for drinks and they are typically a lot shorter. There are also tons of ATM’s around Churchill Downs in case you forget, but avoid those ATM fees and bring some from the start.
13. When to get there: Races go all day at the Kentucky Derby. Gates open at 9am, the first race posts at 11 and the actual Kentucky Derby race posts at 6:57pm. There are 14 races the day of the derby, note the Kentucky Derby Race is not the last one. It is race 12! So it’s up to you when to get there. If you are ready to party, go around noon or earlier. It really starts getting packed anytime after that, but if you know you won't be able to make it all day, go around 2 and leave after the Derby race.
14. Make your entrance: If you choose to park in a nearby area and walk to the track, be prepared for what you’ll experience on the way in. From people trying to sell you EVERYTHING, I will say one year I bought a poncho on the way in, best purchase ever, BUT typically it’s junk. Also, this is a primarily gambling and beverage consumption event. Some people look down on those activities, and will very loudly with megaphones be giving speeches about it. Just ignore them and walk on by. Just be prepared to see them. If you choose to take a shuttle in, you don't have to worry about this. They will drop you off as close as you can get to the entrance!
15. Expect Crowds: Over 150,000 people attend the Kentucky Derby each year. It is huge, likely larger than any other sporting event you’ve ever been to. Expect crowds, expect lines, go to the bathroom BEFORE it's an emergency because there will be a line. Just take it in and have fun.
16. Where to park: If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I am a STRONG advocate for parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center and taking the shuttle over. I am serious, it’s the best. I have gone to the track every year during Derby week since i’ve lived in the area (so since 2015, 10 YEARS!). I’ve tried it all, I’ve parked in some sketchy persons back yard, I’ve parked in a public parking lot a mile away thinking the walk "isn't that bad” (spoiler: it’s worse), I’ve done Uber/Lyft and I’ve done the Free parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center and taken the FREE shuttle in. The shuttle and Expo center win every time. Lines to get on the shuttle can be long, so prepare for that, or go early. But it’s better than walking, trying to fight the traffic around Churchill Downs and dodging the other 150,000 people trying to get to or leave at the same time.
17. Have your digital ticket: Your ticket is digital is the only way to enter and they do not reissue lost or stolen tickets. You also are not allowed to leave Churchill Downs and re-enter. Prepare accordingly.
18. Take in the experience: The Kentucky Derby is a bucket list experience for so many people. Take it all in. Try the drinks, place the bets, rock your outfit, and HAVE FUN!
Here's a few extra frequently asked questions:
When is the main Kentucky Derby race? It is always the first Saturday in May! The only exception was in 2020, when it was moved to September. In 2025 it is the 12th race of the day on May 3, 2025. The Kentucky Derby Race will post at 6:57pm.
Where is the Kentucky Derby held? The historic Churchill Downs racetrack located at 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Want more Kentucky Derby? Check out some of these great resources.
Derby Week: Your Ultimate Guide
10 things to do in Louisville while visiting for the Kentucky Derby
What ticket to buy for the Kentucky Derby (Coming Soon)
Best hotels and places to stay for the Kentucky Derby (Coming Soon)
The Kentucky Derby: A Guide to the Infield (Coming Soon)
Places to buy a last minute Kentucky Derby hat or fascinator (Coming Soon)
