5 Things to Know Before Attending Kentucky Oaks® Day
Posted by Julie Skaff on 10 مارس، 2020
Held each year on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby®, Kentucky Oaks® is an exciting, full day of racing at Churchill Downs®. Many people aren't aware of the magnitude of Kentucky Oaks day and the fun to be had while attending! Luckily, Derby Experiences Official Ticket Packages include access to this bonus day of racing.
Find out what you should know before you go:
1. Don’t Underestimate Oaks Day
With thousands of attendees, Oaks Day is not your typical day at the track. While it doesn’t garner the same level of popularity as Derby Day, Oaks Day at Churchill Downs is still full of spectators, fun activations and plenty of horse racing.
2. Wear Pink 
On Oaks Day, you will see pink everywhere you look at Churchill Downs. Decorations, drinks (see #3), hats, sunglasses, shoes and even hair are all purposely pink in order to bring awareness to and support the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. Make sure to pack accordingly to take part!
3. Drink a Lily
No, not the flower!
The Official Drink of the Kentucky Oaks is the Oaks Lily. You will see this everywhere you look at Churchill Downs and for good reason! This fruity cocktail is made with vodka, sweet and sour mix, triple sec and cranberry juice. You can’t leave without trying one!
4. Prepare for comfort
Hundreds of thousands of guests enter through the gates of Churchill Downs every year, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the place is huge. Combined with the fact that it’s a historic building with a lot o cobblestone walkways, we highly recommend preparing for comfort by bringing an extra set of walkable shoes – looking at you ladies coming in heels!
We can guarantee you’ll get your steps in throughout the weekend. Don’t risk ruining your Derby Day by not coming prepared on Oaks Day!
5. Prepare for weather
Looking at the weather forecast in advance is very important. The races take place in rain or shine, and based on recent history, either can happen! However, with a little preparation, you won’t have anything to worry about.
If the forecast shows rain, prepare to bring a rain jacket, an extra pair of socks and a waterproof bag to protect your belongings. Remember – umbrellas are NOT allowed in Churchill Downs! Most women will also bring a poncho to protect their hats – especially if they plan to wear the same hat on both days.
If it looks to be a hot and sunny day, remember to wear sunscreen and a hat and to drink plenty of water!
Attend the Kentucky Oaks
Be there for this bonus day of excitement and horse racing with a Derby Experiences Official Ticket Package. Most packages include a ticket to Oaks Day and Derby Day, along with 2-day hospitality and other insider extras.
If you are only interested in attending Oaks Day, ask about our Oaks Only packages!