Your Kentucky Oaks & Derby Weekend

May 3 - 4, 2024

Churchill Downs® | Lousiville, Kentucky

Primary Event Contact: guestservices@derbyexperiences.com

Important Information

2024 Kentucky Derby Physical vs. Digital Items:

Below is a list of physical items you may receive in your package with Derby Experiences:

  • Affirmed Lounge Oaks & Derby Day Ticket
  • Barnstable Brown Party Ticket
  • Brown Lot Parking Pass for Backstretch Tours
  • Churchill Downs Parking Passes
  • Derby Experiences Lanyard (VIP Fast Access)
  • Fillies and Lilies Ticket
  • Mansion Veranda Ticket
  • Motorcoach Transportation Credential
  • Silks Parking Pass
  • Semi-Private Transportation Credential
  • Taste of Derby Credential
  • Track Experience Credential
  • Suite Tickets (RFID Wristband) (Starting Gate Suite, Jockey Club Suite)
  • Winner's Party Ticket

Note: QR codes will be activated after Monday, April 22nd.


Below is a list of digital tickets you may receive in your package with Derby Experiences:

  •  Aristides Loft Oaks & Derby Day Ticket
  • Aristides Lounge Oaks & Derby Day Ticket
  • Clubhouse Black/Diamond/Emerald/Gold/Pink/Purple/Mint/Navy/Silver/Yellow
  • Club SI
  • Derby Room
  • Finish Line Suites Terrace
  • First Turn Club Dining/First Turn ADA
  • First Turn All Inclusive
  • Grandstand Amber/Blue/Burgundy/Orange/Red/Rose/Sapphire
  • Homestretch Rail Lounges of 10
  • Homestretch Terrace
  • Homestretch Club - Club Seating
  • Matt Winn’s Steakhouse
  • Millionaires Row
  • Oaks Room
  • Spires Terrace
  • Stakes Room
  • Starting Gate Dining
  • Triple Crown Balcony
  • Trophy Room
  • Turf Club Roses
  • Turf Club

Tickets are mobile and will be emailed to you via Ticketmaster by Friday, April 19th. You can manage and download your tickets to a mobile device once you receive them.   

Click here to view the Churchill Downs Mobile Ticket Guide. We recommend using the Churchill Downs Racetrack Mobile App and downloading your tickets to a digital wallet (i.e., Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) before arriving at Churchill Downs. Printouts and screenshots will not be accepted at entry.

Note: To access your ticket, you must log in to Ticketmaster or the Churchill Downs Racetrack Mobile App using the email address to which the tickets were sent. 

Ordered On/Before April 14th

  • Your package, containing the items needed to access your experiences in Louisville, will be shipped via FedEx and has an expected delivery date of no later than Wednesday, April 24th.

Ordered On/After April 15th

  • If you placed your order or paid in full on or after April 15th, your package will be set to pick-up.

Packages will be available for pick-up if:

  • Your billing address is a PO Box
  • You request pick-up or other special circumstances
  • If your order is placed on or after April 15th 


Guests Staying at Galt House

Location: 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY 40202

  • Thursday, May 2nd: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.  | Second Floor Registration Desk

Note: If you cannot make it during the above hours, your package will be left at the front desk. You will be able to pick up your package by 9:00 p.m. 




All Other Derby Experiences Purchased Hotels

  • You can pick up your package from your hotel front desk beginning at 8 PM on Wednesday, May 1st.

Packages will be available for pick-up if:

  • Your billing address is a PO Box
  • You request pick-up or other special circumstances
  • If your order is placed on or after April 15th

Guests that did not purchase a Derby Experiences hotel:

  • Thursday, May 2nd:  12 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Galt House | Second Floor Registration Desk

If you wish to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our guest services representatives, click here. Please choose a 15-minute time slot that will work best for you.

Oaks Day Friday | May 3rd

Race 1: 10:30 a.m.

Race 2: 11:00 a.m.

Race 3: 11:30 a.m.

Race 4: 12:05 p.m.

Race 5: 12:43 p.m.

Race 6: 1:26 p.m.

Race 7: 2:09 p.m.

Race 8: 3:03 p.m.

Race 9: 4:04 p.m.

Race 10: 4:51 p.m.

Race 11: 5:51 p.m. (Kentucky Oaks)

Race 12: 6:27 p.m.

Race 13: 7:02 p.m.

Derby Day Saturday | May 4th

Race 1: 10:30 a.m.

Race 2: 11:01 a.m.

Race 3: 11:31 a.m.

Race 4: 12:04 p.m.

Race 5: 12:36 p.m.

Race 6: 1:14 p.m.

Race 7: 1:56 p.m.

Race 8: 2:46 p.m.

Race 9: 3:40 p.m.

Race 10: 4:31 p.m.

Race 11: 5:27 p.m.

Race 12: 6:57 p.m. (Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve)

Race 13: 8:00 p.m.

Race 14: 8:35 p.m. 

Click here to view more details on post times. 

*post times are subject to change. 

Gate & Post Times: Times are still being confirmed, please check back for updates. 

Bag Policy: Click here to view Churchill Downs® bag policy and a list of prohibited items. 

Weather: Races run rain or shine, though lightning could delay races. Spring temperatures in Louisville tend to be warm; we recommend lightweight fabrics and a rain jacket, as the track prohibits umbrellas. 

Parking: All reserved tickets included access to parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, by showing their tickets at the Parking Lot gate. Shuttles will be running to Churchill Downs and back to the Exposition through the entirety of each Derby Week event day, including Kentucky Derby & Oaks days.

Wagering: There are betting windows and self-service kiosks available for placing bets. TwinSpires is the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. Download their app before arriving at the facility to avoid connectivity issues at the track.

ATMs: While ATMs are plentiful throughout our facility, lines can be long at peak wagering times. We do recommend bringing cash as it will save you time and allow you to place bets more quickly. 

Note: Due to state law, bets may not be placed using a credit card.


As part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens of around 40 countries are able to travel to the United States for up to 90 days on tourism or business without obtaining a visa. If your country is not part of the VWP, you will need to obtain a visa in advance from your closest American consulate. Learn more here.

Please note that regardless of visa status, all travellers planning to visit the USA must receive a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. More information about the ESTA can be found here.

Currency: USD

Language: English

Time Zone: Eastern Daylight Time Louisville, Kentucky (GMT-4)

In an Emergency: Dial 911

Power Sockets: Plug Type A and Plug Type B. Standard supply voltage is 120V and standard frequency is 60Hz

Weather: Spring temperatures in Louisville, Kentucky average between 75.7°F (24.3°C) and 57.2°F (14°C). You can expect 9 hours of sunlight each day and a moderate chance of rainfall.

Package Details

Please select your Official Ticket Package below to learn more about your access throughout the weekend.

*Dates, times, appearances, and locations are subject to change.

Package Add-Ons' Information

Please refer to your Official Ticket Package inclusions for which items you have access to. The following are not included in all packages. If you’d like to check on the availability of adding a tour or party to your package, please visit our website here.

Tour Details

Tour Date & Time Details
Backstretch Tours Click here to view your selected day for this experience.

Tour Time: The times will be shared soon.

  • Location: Stable Gate at Churchill Downs | Brown Lot Parking
  • Parking: Your package includes a physical parking pass for the Brown Lot, right next to the Stable Gates at Churchill Downs. If you park here, don’t forget your parking pass!

    Access: Present a valid form of ID and this email to the Derby Experiences representative outside Churchill Downs.


    Things to Know:

    Inclement Weather: Rain or shine

    Attire: Guests should wear rain boots or comfortable shoes.

    Transportation: Although official transportation to/from the Backstretch Tour is not provided, guests can park in the Brown Lot.

  • Parking passes will be included in your package. If using ride share, guests can be dropped off at the Brown Lot or outside the Stable Gates off S. 4th St.
  • Note: There is no designated seating during breakfast or on the tour. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes or rain boots and to dress for the elements!

    Best of Kentucky Click here to view your selected day for this experience.
  • Refer to your order for your tour’s exact start time. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to check-in.
  • Meeting Location: Mint Julep Experiences Hub in Falls City Market at the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to check-in.

    Parking: For a fee, you may park at the Omni Louisville Hotel Parking Garage.

    Access: Please bring a valid form of ID to access this tour.


    Things to Know:

    Tour Duration: 8-9 hours

    Inclement Weather: Rain or shine

    Attire: Causal with closed-toe shoes

    Transportation: This is provided from meeting point to the tour location.

    Walking: Light walking for up to an hour and a half at a time

    Food: A boxed lunch and bottled water will be provided. If you would like to pack your own snacks and beverages, you may bring a cooler which is 12” x 12” or smaller.

    Bourbon Tour Click here to view your selected day for this experience.
  • Refer to your order for your tour’s exact start time. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to check-in.
  • Meeting Location: Mint Julep Experiences Hub in Falls City Market at the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to check-in.

    Parking: For a fee, you may park at the Omni Louisville Hotel Parking Garage.

    Access: Please bring a valid form of ID to access this tour.


    Things to Know:

    Tour Duration: 8-9 hours

    Inclement Weather: Rain or shine

    Attire: Causal with closed-toe shoes

    Transportation: This is provided from meeting point to the tour location.

    Walking: Light walking for up to an hour and a half at a time

    Food: A boxed lunch and bottled water will be provided. If you would like to pack your own snacks and beverages, you may bring a cooler which is 12” x 12” or smaller.

    Horse Country Tour Click here to view your selected day for this experience.
  • Refer to your order for your tour’s exact start time. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to check-in.
  • Meeting Location: Mint Julep Experiences Hub in Falls City Market at the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to check-in.

    Parking: For a fee, you may park at the Omni Louisville Hotel Parking Garage.

    Access: Please bring a valid form of ID to access this tour.


    Things to Know:

    Tour Duration: 8-9 hours

    Inclement Weather: Rain or shine

    Attire: Causal with closed-toe shoes

    Transportation: This is provided from meeting point to the tour location.

    Walking: Light walking for up to an hour and a half at a time

    Food: A boxed lunch and bottled water will be provided. If you would like to pack your own snacks and beverages, you may bring a cooler which is 12” x 12” or smaller.

    Mint Julep Sunset Social Click here to view your selected day for this experience.

    Meeting Location: Mint Julep Experiences Hub in Falls City Market at the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please arrive 20 minutes early to check-in.

    Access: Please bring a valid form of ID to access this tour.

    Parking: For a fee, you may park at the Omni Louisville Hotel Parking Garage.


    Things to Know:

    Attire: Causal with closed-toe shoes

    Food: Enjoy a family-style dinner and a cash bar.

    Inclement Weather: Rain or shine

    Transportation: This is provided from meeting point to the tour location.

    Walking: Light walking during tour of horse farm

    Paddock Tours Click here to view your selected day and race for this experience.

    Meeting Location: Derby Experiences Information Booth outside the Paddock Gate

    Timing: You will receive an email from guestservices@derbyexperiences.com with your designated race/meeting time the week of the Derby! Be prepared to meet 45 min – 1 Hour prior to your scheduled race’s start.


    Things to Know:

    Inclement Weather: Rain or shine

    Attire: Oaks or Derby Day dress.

    Party Details

    Party Date & Time Details
    Derby Experiences Welcome Party Thursday, May 2nd

    Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    Location: Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs | 704 Central Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40208

    Parking:Guests can park at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Shuttles to and from the Black Lot at Churchill Downs will be readily available.


    Things to Know:

    Attire: Cocktail attire

    Seating:Upon check-in, you will receive a reserved table number.

    Food: Gourmet Food Stations

    Beverage Service: Premium Open Bar

    Apperances:Entertainment provided by the Mama Said String Band

    Track Experience Thursday, May 2nd

    Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Location: Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs | 704 Central Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40208

    Access: Your Track Experience credential is included in your package. Remember to keep your credential with you at all times to ensure access to your experience!

    Itinerary:

    • Cocktail Reception: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    • Track Walk: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Things to Know:

    Attire: Guests should wear rain boots or comfortable shoes. For those attending the Track Walk, it will not be grated at the time of your experience. We recommend bringing footwear that you won't mind getting dirty.

    Transportation: Although official transportation to/from the Track Experience is not provided, guests can park at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

  • Parking passes will not be required. From there shuttles to/from the black lot will be readily available.
  • Seating: No designated seating at the cocktail reception.

    Beverage Service: Full bar, including beer, wine, & spirits.

    Taste of Derby Thursday, May 2nd

    Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.*

    *Note: Guests with VIP can enter at 6:30 p.m.

    Location: Kentucky International Convention Center | 221 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202

    Access: Please keep your Taste of Derby Credential with you at all times to ensure access and to participate in the raffle.*


    Things to Know:

    Attire: Cocktail attire

    Transportation: Transportation to/from Taste of Derby not provided.

    Food Provided: Food Tastings

    Beverage Service: Wine Pairings and Premium Open Bar

    Seating: Flow seating based on a first come, first served basis

    Note: *Your credential includes spaces for stickers from each chef station as well as the Red Carpet & Trophy Photoshoot and the Sullivan Cookoff Station. Complete the sticker collection and bring it to one of the registration desks for a chance to win a raffle basket!

    Fillies & Lilies Friday, May 3rd

    Time: 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Location: Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs | 704 Central Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40208


    Things to Know:

    Attire: Cocktail or Kentucky Oaks attire

    Transportation: Guests who purchased hotel & transportation through Derby Experiences will be brought back to their hotel via motor coach when the party is over

    Seating: Flow seating based on a first come, first served basis

    Beverage Service: Premium Open Bar

    Food: Gourmet Food Stations

    Note: Guests attending Oaks Day or Derby day should plan to head straight to those events at their start times./

    Unbridled Eve Derby Gala Friday, May 3rd

    Time: 7:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

    Location: Galt House Hotel | 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY 40202

    Parking: Your purchase includes Complimentary Valet Parking.

    Join us for an evening of southern grace, glamour, and hospitality! The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala is a party with a purpose, benefitting numerous charitable causes through the Unbridled Charitable Foundation. Spend your evening at the Galt House Hotel, making your grand entrance on the red carpet, and mingling with an array of celebrity guests.

    Things to Know:

    Access:You will be mailed your physical access ticket.

    Food:Gourmet Food Stations

    Beverage Service:Premium Open Bar

    Silent Auction:Auction information and bidding will be done through mobile text messaging.

    Unbridled Eve Derby Gala | Dance Party Only Friday, May 3rd

    Time: 10:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

    Location: Galt House Hotel | 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY 40202

    Parking: Your purchase includes Complimentary Valet Parking.

    Things to Know:

    Access:You will be mailed your physical access ticket.

    Silent Auction:Auction information and bidding will be done through mobile text messaging.

    Barnstable Brown Gala Friday, May 3rd

    Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

    Location: Barnstable Brown Mansion | 1700 Spring Dr, Louisville, Kentucky 40205

    Access: Barnstable Brown official invitation card included in your package.


    Things to Know:

    Attire: Black-tie

    Transportation: Transportation to/from the Barnstable Brown Gala not provided.

    Seating: Seating varies by ticket type - please refer to your invitation.

    Winner's Party Saturday, May 4th

    Time: Immediately following the Kentucky Derby Race

    Location: Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs | 704 Central Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40208


    Things to Know:

    Attire: Cocktail or Kentucky Derby attire

    Transportation: Guests who purchased hotel & transportation through Derby Experiences will be brought back to their hotel via motor coach when the party is over.

    Party Duration: Approximately 2 hours

    Seating: No designated seating at the party

    Food: Heavy Hors d'oeuvres

    Beverage Service: Champage Toast & Wine

    Hotel & Transportation Information

    Transfer times are for guests who purchased hotel and transportation with Derby Experiences only.

    Note: If you purchased a pre or post-night hotel stay, please refer to your contract for your check-in and check-out dates.

    Maps & Directions

    Track Map

    Click on the map below to view larger and download a full PDF

    How to get to Churchill Downs®

    Since the Kentucky Derby is a highly attended event, it is important to plan out your transportation before heading to Churchill Downs.

    The following transportation items must have been purchased through Derby Experiences.

    - Motorcoach Transportation: This is a one-time, round-trip motorcoach transfer to and from your hotel that you’ve selected through Derby Experiences. Our trip directors will be onsite at your hotel at your designated time to ensure you are sent on the right bus and your transportation is taken care of.

    Note: Check your hotel listing above for specific times and details for your one-time, pick-up and departure.

    - Semi-Private Transportation: Through our semi-private option, you can secure round-trip transfers from Derby Experiences’ designated downtown hotels to and from Churchill Downs in a 14-person passenger van. The drop-off and pick-up location for the van is a few blocks from the Paddock Gate.

    - Private Transportation: Through Derby Experiences’ partnerships with several local transportation companies, you can arrange private travel throughout the entire weekend to ensure you’re on your own schedule.

    Parking: All reserved tickets included access to parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, by showing their tickets at the Parking Lot gate. Shuttles will be running to Churchill Downs and back to the Exposition through the entirety of each Derby Week event day, including Kentucky Derby & Oaks days.

    Ride Sharing & Taxis: Ride Share and Taxi services are available from Uber, Lyft, and Yellow Cab (502-636-5511), the official taxicab of Churchill Downs.

    All ride share and taxi options are to pick-up and drop-off in the Cardinal Stadium Bronze Lot: 2800 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY 40209

    Common Questions

    Kentucky Derby® Must Have Items
    READ MORE
    Wagering at the Kentucky Derby® 101
    READ MORE
    What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby®
    READ MORE
    Guide to Dining in Louisville
    READ MORE

    Prohibited Items:

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Backpacks, duffel bags and luggage
    • Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
    • Balloons and inflatables
    • Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
    • Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
    • Canopies and tents
    • Cans (any size or type), glass bottles or containers
    • Collapsible Chairs (Please see below exceptions for Infield Gate Only)
    • Confetti
    • Coolers
    • Drones and remote controlled aircraft
    • Fireworks, noise makers, air horns, laser lights/pointers, mace or pepper spray
    • Food & Beverage*
    • Grills
    • Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
    • Illegal Substances
    • Personal music players without head-phones, portable speakers/sound systems
    • Pets, except for trained service animals
    • Poles or sticks of any size
    • Projectile Items, balls, and Frisbees
    • Seat Cushions that are larger than 15″ X 15″ that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
    • Selfie Sticks
    • Thermoses
    • Tripods
    • Umbrellas of any size
    • Wagons
    • Weapons (including guns, knives, and cigar cutters)
    • Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

    To see a full list of prohibited items and more information, click here.

    No umbrellas of any size are allowed at Churchill Downs.

    Churchill Downs Racetrack will enforce a restricted bag policy through your Kentucky Oaks & Derby week. Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12" x 6" X 12".

    Stolen, destroyed or lost tickets cannot be replaced.

    The Kentucky Derby® and Kentucky Oaks® are run rain or shine. The only thing that would delay the races is lightning.

    In some reserved areas of Churchill Downs there is a dress code.

    TIP FOR THE LADIES! While high heels are certainly part of the total Derby ensemble, experienced Derby divas also pack a pair of fashionable yet comfortable flats or flip flops to wear home. Who says the high price of fashion has to include blisters?

    Churchill Downs accepts card and cash payments (some vendors may only accept one or the other). While ATMs are plentiful throughout our facility, lines can be long at peak wagering times.

    Note: Due to state law, bets may not be placed using a credit card.

    Churchill Downs has not offered ADA assistance since 2021. We strongly encourage those with limited mobility to bring a wheelchair or assistance device with them to the event.

    There are betting windows and self-service kiosks available for placing bets.

    Please Note: Due to state law, bets may not be placed using a credit card.TwinSpires is the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. Download their app and begin wagering on all of the races. Download the app and sign up before arriving at the facility to avoid connectivity issues at the track.

    Please do not use screen shots or photographs of barcodes as they will likely not scan valid at the entry gates and delay your entry into Churchill Downs Racetrack on the event day.

    All reserved tickets included access to parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, by showing their tickets at the Parking Lot gate. Shuttles will be running to Churchill Downs and back to the Exposition through the entirety of each Derby Week event day, including Kentucky Derby & Oaks days.