MAY 2, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
MAY 2, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May, but the experience builds over several days in Louisville. The days leading up to the main race are packed with fun activities and social events.
April 29
Thursday (often called “Thurby”), marks the informal start of Derby weekend. Racing is already underway at Churchill Downs, and the crowd is typically smaller than the days that follow, making it a good time to get familiar with the venue.
Across Louisville, the first wave of high-profile gatherings begins. Events such as the Taste of Derby bring together notable figures from the racing world alongside chefs and hosts from across the country, while smaller private dinners and brand-hosted events take place throughout the city.
April 30
Friday is centered around the Kentucky Oaks, a major race for three-year-old fillies held the day before the Derby. It’s one of the most important races of the weekend and draws a large crowd in its own right.
At Churchill Downs, the atmosphere is lively and social, with the long-standing “Pink Out” tradition encouraging guests to wear pink in support of women’s health causes. The day blends racing with fashion and fundraising, and many attendees treat it as a full-day event at the track.
In the evening, events continue across the city, including the Barnstable Brown Gala, a well-known invitation-only event that attracts celebrities, athletes, and figures from across entertainment and sports.
May 1
Saturday is the culmination of the week, focused on the Kentucky Derby itself. Churchill Downs fills early, with a full schedule of races leading up to the main event, which typically takes place around 6:30–7:00 PM ET.
Guests arrive dressed for the occasion, with hats and formalwear being a long-standing part of the tradition. While the race lasts only a few minutes, the day is built around the atmosphere, the crowd, and the lead-up to the main event.
After the race, celebrations continue across Louisville, including private gatherings and the Winner’s Party, where guests and participants come together to close out the weekend.
The On Point Events team works with you to create a customized itinerary aligned with your priorities across race days and Derby weekend events, along with accommodations and travel logistics, ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated experience.
+1 (713) 227-8888
2700 Post OAK Blvd 21st Floor Houston, TX 77056
info@onpointevents.com
Unless stated otherwise on this website, On Point Events is not the official box office for any of the sporting events listed. Additionally, we are not affiliated with ANY of the sports properties, sporting events themselves or any of the event venues listed on this site. We are an independent sports tour operator that specializes in providing sports travel packages and experiences to high demand events worldwide. Any use of trademarked terms on any pages of our website is used solely for descriptive purposes.
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