7 Ways to Make The Most of Your Derby Weekend

Taste of Derby

When: Thursday before Derby

Where: Kentucky International Convention Center

Taste of Derby offers an unforgettable evening of live entertainment and gourmet dishes from talented celebrity chefs! Experience an exciting and exclusive atmosphere with live music performances, sensational food, and a top-shelf open bar. Have the chance to enter on the red carpet, mingle with other partygoers, and pose for photos to commemorate this amazing night! General admission and VIP tickets are available.

Fillies & Lilies

When: Friday before Derby

Where: Kentucky Derby Museum

As the official kickoff party of the Kentucky Derby®, Fillies and Lilies is a Derby Experiences exclusive event! This sought-after ticket is the place to be before Saturday's race. Get exclusive access to the Kentucky Derby Museum and indulge in a premium open bar, gourmet food buffets, and a private bourbon lounge. At Fillies and Lilies, there is no shortage of entertainment with live music and interactive experiences, guaranteeing a thrilling Derby-eve is had!

Horse Country Tour

Take in Kentucky’s bluegrass horse country at Hermitage Farm and Kismet Thoroughbred Farms. Go behind the scenes at these working horse farms to explore the grounds, learn how they operate, and visit the stallions.

Plus, indulge in southern-inspired cuisine at an all-inclusive sit-down lunch at a local restaurant!

Churchill Downs® Backstretch Tour

A Derby Experiences exclusive walking tour, starting at Stable Gate off South 4th Street next to Churchill Downs. Join an expert guide as you explore the iconic track, learning about the history and traditions of Churchill Downs. Plus, witness the excitement of the Thoroughbreds completing their morning workout from the same position as their trainers.

The Best of Kentucky

Experience everything that Kentucky has to offer with The Best of Kentucky Tour. Take a tour of a world-class private horse farm and get a behind-the-scenes look at why some of the best horses in the world come from Kentucky. Then, take a tour of a legendary Kentucky bourbon distillery and have a bourbon tasting. Finish with an all-inclusive lunch at a local restaurant and indulge in Kentucky-famous cuisine!

Bourbon Distillery Tour

Take a full-day tour of a legendary Kentucky bourbon distillery! Learn the behind-the-scenes skills it takes to perfect the art and science of the Master Distiller. Have the chance to have a true-Kentucky bourbon tasting and an all-inclusive lunch at a local restaurant, and indulge in the great Kentucky cuisine.

Paddock Tour 

Get the ultimate behind-the-scenes experiences on Oaks Day or Derby Day as you explore the iconic paddock where legends are made. Join an expert guide as you learn the history and traditions of race day, and gain exclusive access to the heart of the pre-race action as horses are saddled and prepped to take the track. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the race and capture unforgettable moments before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby.