What to Wear
Derby attire is dressy, colorful, and fun—especially hats and fascinators. Comfort matters: there’s walking, lines, and stairs.
Women
- Spring dress or elegant separates; statement hat or fascinator.
- Comfortable block heels, wedges, or dressy flats.
- Light layers; a shawl or blazer for cooler mornings/evenings.
- Small bag that complies with venue policies (see Security).
Men
- Lightweight suit or blazer + dress shirt; Derby colors welcome.
- Loafers or oxfords you can stand/walk in comfortably.
- Pocket square/tie for flair; sunglasses recommended.
- Weather-appropriate outer layer for early/late hours.
Tickets & Seating (Overview)
| Category | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Infield atmosphere; festive, standing/grass areas. | Bring layers/poncho; limited views without screens. |
| Reserved Seating | Grandstand/clubhouse seats with defined sightlines. | Weather exposure varies; some covered tiers. |
| Premium Clubs | Elevated food & beverage; lounge access. | Dress codes may apply; great for entertaining. |
| Suites/Hospitality | Private spaces, premium inclusions, service staff. | Ideal for groups & VIP hosting; limited inventory. |
Tip: Seat numbers/rows matter for cover/views. Ask us to sanity-check before you buy.
Getting to Churchill Downs
Traffic controls and security checkpoints mean timing is everything. We’ll guide you on pick-up windows and post-race meet points.
Private Transfers
Sedans/SUVs for couples and small groups; Sprinters/mini-coaches for larger parties. Easiest door-to-door option on busy days.
Ride-Share & Taxi
Expect geofenced pick-up/drop-off zones and waits after the Derby. Have a backup meeting point.
Parking
Parking passes are limited and sell out. If you’re driving, plan early and arrive ahead of peak times.
Walkable Options
Some hotels offer quicker pedestrian routes to shuttles/entries. Ask which entrances suit your seats.
Race Week Schedule (Typical Flow)
- Thu: Arrivals, check-in, welcome drinks, early dinner.
- Fri (Oaks Day): Timed morning transfer; afternoon racing; evening dine-around.
- Sat (Derby Day): Early transfer window; post-race pickup guidance; celebration dinner.
- Sun: Breakfast and departures.
Exact times vary year to year—use this as a planning template.
Security & Bag Policy
- Allow extra time for screening; lines build quickly pre-post time.
- Small, clear, or policy-compliant bags only; avoid metal items/liquids where restricted.
- Medication and essential items should be in original packaging.
Dining & Nightlife
Downtown
Steakhouses, classic lounges, riverfront spots; easy to taxi/ride-share.
NuLu / Butchertown
Trendy restaurants, craft cocktails, galleries—great for dine-arounds.
Old Louisville
Charming blocks with quieter, local gems for smaller groups.
Reservations fill up quickly—tell us your cuisine preferences and timing; we’ll handle holds.
Weather & Packing
- Early May can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons—pack smart layers.
- Bring a compact rain layer/poncho and consider a hat with a secure fit.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a portable phone charger are day-savers.
Budgeting Your Trip
Core
- Hotel (room/suite, taxes/fees)
- Tickets/seating or hospitality
- Transfers (race day, airport)
Optional
- Dining experiences & night-out budgets
- Upgrades (club access, premium vehicles)
- Additional nights and early check-in/late check-out
We’ll quote clearly with cancellation terms, so you can choose flexible vs. non-refundable savings.
Accessibility
- Request ADA rooms and accessible routes at the time of booking.
- Let us know about mobility needs—we can arrange accessible vehicles and staging.
- Confirm venue accessibility for your specific seating/hospitality area.
Frequently Asked Questions
