Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the full spring racing season at Churchill Downs will be available starting Thursday at noon ET, featuring extra race days in celebration of this year’s Derby Week.
For the first time since 2010, the Derby Week opener will return to an afternoon start instead of being held under the lights in the evening as it has been from 2011 to 2025. Opening Day, sponsored by LG&E and KU, takes place on Saturday, April 25th, with post time set for 12:45 p.m. ET.
Churchill Downs is also bringing back Sunday racing to Derby Week for the first time in 15 years, with the program on Sunday, April 26th starting at 12:45 p.m.
The 152nd Spring Meeting at the historic Louisville Racecourse runs nine weeks, from April 25th through June 28th, offering 44 race days. Derby Week itself is extended from six to seven days, running from April 25th to May 2nd, though there will be no racing on Monday, April 27th.
Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs, said, “Starting the Spring Meet and Derby Week in the afternoon and reintroducing Sunday racing during Derby Week for the first time in 16 years will offer a strong horse racing product that resonates well with the local community, the national horse racing audience, and jockeys.”
Tickets for all special Kentucky Derby Week events go on sale Thursday at noon via https://www.kentuckyderby.com/derbyweek and include:
Opening Day with LG&E and KU (Saturday, April 25th): A family-friendly event welcoming the whole community while celebrating the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Oaks post-position draw. Marathon and mini-marathon finishers get free admission when wearing their medals — simply bring your medal to the box office to claim your free general admission ticket.
Sunday Funday (Sunday, April 26): Marking the return of Sunday racing during Derby Week since 2010, this day offers an extra chance for fans to enjoy the season with brunch options throughout the circuit.
Dawn at the Downs Dining (Monday, April 27): A beloved tradition allowing guests to watch Derby and Oaks contenders train while savoring a buffet breakfast. Gates open at 7 a.m., with exclusive training slots for Derby and Oaks horses from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m.
Community Shopping Day (Monday, April 27): The Kentucky Derby Store at the Clubhouse Gate will be open to the public from 6:45 a.m. to noon without the need for a ticket; entry is through the clubhouse gate.
502’s Day (Tuesday, April 28): Returning for its fourth year to highlight Louisville’s strong community spirit. General admission is $5, and attendees are encouraged to support local businesses by wearing apparel purchased from local Louisville stores.
Winsday Presented by Resolute Racing (Wednesday, April 29): This fundraiser spotlights Louisville’s nonprofit organizations. By purchasing tickets through partner nonprofits, guests directly support their endeavors. Attendees are encouraged to wear bold prints.
Old Forester Introducing Surby: Cool Kentucky (Thursday, April 30): In partnership with the Frazier Historical Museum, this event will celebrate Kentucky’s rich heritage, music, and traditions. Guests are encouraged to dress in vintage attire.
Taste of Derby (Thursday, April 30): The 17th annual culinary event held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, featuring acclaimed chefs. VIP gates open at 6:30 p.m., general admission at 7 p.m., with the event concluding at 10 p.m.
Ticket prices for general admission during Derby Week are $30 for Opening Day, Sunday Funday, and Winsday, $50 for Surby, and just $5 for 502’s Day. Reserved box seats range from $39 to $45 during Derby Week and $70 to $85 for Surby, depending on seating location.
Tickets for the 152nd Annual Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on May 1-2 are available at www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com or by calling (502) 636-4447. Churchill Downs also provides a secure official resale platform via Ticketmaster’s Ticket Exchange at www.KentuckyDerby.com.
Additionally, tickets for other spring meet race days can be purchased at https://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets/. Highlights include:
- Twilight Thursdays (every Thursday, May 7 – June 25) featuring domestic beers, live music, and food trucks for $2
- Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10)
- Preakness Stakes simulcast and Downs After Dark (Saturday, May 16)
- Stephen Foster Preview Day (Saturday, May 30)
- Belmont Stakes simulcast (Saturday, June 6)
- Downs After Dark (Saturday, June 20)
- Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21)
- Stephen Foster Day (Saturday, June 27)
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on February 4, 2026.
Fan Take:
This lineup not only revives cherished Derby Week traditions like afternoon starts and Sunday racing but also broadens community engagement through diverse events. For horse racing enthusiasts, these changes signal a revitalized and more inclusive atmosphere that could attract new fans and deepen connections within the sport.
