The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race held in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. It's also known as “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Celebrities fly in from around the world and millions place wagers hoping to win big. Congratulations to Sovereignty, winner of the 2025 Derby!

Derby week 2026

• ThurbyApril 30, 2026
• Kentucky OaksMay 1, 2026
• Kentucky DerbyMay 2, 2026

Where to stay during the Derby

The Derby's economic impact on the region is estimated at $400 million. Local hotels usually sell out Thursday through Sunday, and even motel rooms that normally go for $50 a night get listed at $300–500+.

Most people don't actually stay within walking distance of the track, since there isn't much around it. An Uber or Lyft from The Highlands is fairly cheap, and you'll have restaurants and nightlife right outside your door.

How to get Derby tickets at face value

The official place to buy is KentuckyDerby.com.

A limited number of Derby & Oaks 2-day packages are sold through an online pre-sale. Registration usually closes in mid-October, followed by an intent-to-purchase survey in late October where pricing and sections are announced. Buyers are chosen at random and notified in early November. Anyone not selected can join the public on-sale in late November.

Multi-year tickets are available through a Personal Seat License or as a Season Box or Turf Club member, and large groups can book corporate hospitality. Otherwise, face-value box seats get hard to find as race day gets closer, and most people end up buying authentic tickets on resale sites such as Ticketmaster, StubHub or eBay.

The official Derby drink

The Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938: bourbon, mint, sugar and water over heaps of crushed ice in a silver or pewter cup. Here's the recipe:

• 8 mint leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• 2 oz bourbon, such as Rebel Yell or Ezra Brooks
• Crushed ice

What women wear to the Derby

A pantsuit, cocktail dress or business formal attire is recommended. Accessorize accordingly: pearls, a clutch and a stunning Derby hat are a must.

What men wear to the Derby

For the ladies it's the hats; for the gents it's the color palette. Pastels, tropical colors, plaids and stripes are all popular at Churchill Downs. For a classic look you can't go wrong with a seersucker suit. For something bolder, pair brightly colored pants with a matching dress shirt and don't be afraid of eye-catching patterns. Bring it together with a solid blazer, like navy.

The Oaks vs. the Derby

Both races are for three-year-old horses. The difference is that the Oaks, held the Friday before the Derby, is only for fillies (3-year-old female horses). Many people attend both.

On Oaks day the track is decorated in pink, and the 100,000+ guests are asked to wear pink to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.

The Oaks is significantly cheaper to attend. Many people on a budget buy box seats for the Oaks, then the next day buy infield tickets for the Derby (around $75) and join the huge outdoor party, watching the races on the big screens.

Seating chart