7768
AC Marriott Louisville Downtown
Address: 727 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 568-6880
Check-In Time: 3:00 p.m.
Check-Out Time: 12:00 p.m.
Website: View here
May 1 - 2, 2026 | Churchill Downs® | Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Derby® 2026
Important Information
Details on how to access your mobile tickets will be shared once they are finalized. Please check back closer to the event for the latest information.
Additional details about package contents and expected shipment dates will be shared closer to the event.
Details including locations and times will be shared once confirmed. Check back closer to the event for the latest information.
Opening Day | Saturday, April 25th
Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Race
1: 12:45 p.m.
2: 1:20 p.m.
3: 1:56 p.m.
4: 3:05 p.m.
5: 3:38 p.m.
6: 4:12 p.m.
7: 4:44 p.m.
8: 5:15 p.m.
9: 5:46 p.m.
10: 6:16 p.m.
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Sunday Funday | Sunday, April 26th
Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Race
1: 12:45 p.m.
2: 1:14 p.m.
3: 1:43 p.m.
4: 2:14 p.m.
5: 2:47 p.m.
6: 3:20 p.m.
7: 3:51 p.m.
8: 4:24 p.m.
9: 4:56 p.m.
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502'sDay | Tuesday, April 28th
Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Race
1: 12:45 p.m.
2: 1:14 p.m.
3: 1:43 p.m.
4: 2:14 p.m.
5: 2:47 p.m.
6: 3:20 p.m.
7: 3:51 p.m.
8: 4:24 p.m.
9: 4:56 p.m.
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Winsday | Wednesday, April 29th
Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Race
1: 12:45 p.m.
2: 1:15 p.m.
3: 1:45 p.m.
4: 2:16 p.m.
5: 2:47 p.m.
6: 3:20 p.m.
7: 3:52 p.m.
8: 4:25 p.m.
9: 4:56 p.m.
10: 5:27 p.m.
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Thurby | Thursday, April 30th
Gates Open: 10:30 a.m.
Race
1: 12:45 p.m.
2: 1:15 p.m.
3: 1:45 p.m.
4: 2:18 p.m.
5: 2:52 p.m.
6: 3:29 p.m.
7: 4:03 p.m.
8: 4:40 p.m.
9: 5:14 p.m.
10: 5:50 p.m.
11: 6:22 p.m.
12: 6:53 p.m.
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Kentucky Oaks | Friday, May 1st
Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
Race
1: 12:30 p.m.
2: 1:00 p.m.
3: 1:30 p.m.
4: 2:00 p.m.
5: 2:35 p.m.
6: 3:12 p.m.
7: 3:48 p.m.
8: 4:30 p.m.
9: 5:12 p.m.
10: 6:01 p.m.
11: 6:56 p.m.
12: 7:40 p.m.
13: 8:40 p.m. (Longines Kentucky Oaks)
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Kentucky Derby | Saturday, May 2nd
Gates Open: 9:00 a.m.
Race
1: 11:00 a.m.
2: 11:32 a.m.
3: 12:05 p.m.
4: 12:38 p.m.
5: 1:12 p.m.
6: 1:53 p.m.
7: 2:38 p.m.
8: 3:23 p.m.
9: 4:06 p.m.
10: 4:50 p.m.
11: 5:39 p.m.
12: 6:57 p.m. (KY Derby presented by Woodford Reserve)
13: 8:00 p.m.
14: 8:33 p.m.
Guests can click here to view the most up-to-date post times on the Churchill Downs website.
Please note: All gate and post times at Churchill Downs are subject to change. These times may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, track conditions, or other operational factors.
Access:
- Guests can park at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) if driving to the track. To enter, guests must bring a valid ticket for access to Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1st or Saturday, May 2nd.
- Complimentary round-trip shuttles will run regularly to Churchill Downs.
- Shuttles start at 7:30 am on Oaks and Derby days. ADA parking and shuttles are available, but no wheelchair assistance at Churchill Downs.
Directions:
- Enter through Gates 1 or 2.
- Only frontside tickets allow KEC parking and shuttle access. Infield tickets are not accepted and cannot use the shuttle. No drop-off at the Infield Gate.
Note: Central Avenue will be CLOSED April, 30th - May, 3rd. Visit kentuckyderbyparking.com for route info.
Our Derby Experiences On-Site Trip Directors are here to ensure a smooth experience. Guests with questions can find us at one of our Onsite Assistance Locations in Louisville.
Locations, times, and additional details will be shared here closer to the event.
Bag Policy: Each guest is permitted to bring one bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12".
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.
Package Details
Select your Official Ticket Package below to access details related to your package.
+Programming, experiences, dates, times, appearances, and locations are subject to change.
Add-On Packages
Please refer to your customer portal for the 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.
Hospitality Venues
Dates: Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Step into the Kentucky Derby Museum for fun, entertainment, and delicious food in the Affirmed Lounge. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the Derby Museum, which is closed to the general public throughout the weekend, where they can experience the storied history of “The Run for the Roses” while indulging in delicacies and extras offered by Derby Experiences.
Dates: Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Step into luxury at Aristides Lounge, exclusively curated and operated by Derby Experiences. Named after the inaugural winner of the Kentucky Derby, this premier hospitality space offers a sophisticated retreat amidst the excitement of Churchill Downs.
Social Events & Parties
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: The time will be shared closer to the event.
With an expert farm manager as a guide, guests will gain insight into the effort it takes to run a farm with a visit to the stud barn. Following the tour, they will learn how to build their own Mint Julep cocktail, which can be enjoyed alongside a 3-course Southern dinner featuring fresh ingredients from farm to table.
Date: Friday, May 1st
Time: The time will be shared closer to the event.
Location: Kentucky Derby Museum
Head to the Kentucky Derby Museum to enjoy an unforgettable night with an array of live performances, bourbon tastings, premium food and beverage, and interactive entertainment with Derby Experiences.
Date: Friday, May 1st
Time: The time will be shared closer to the event.
Location: Barnstable Brown Mansion
The Barnstable Brown Gala is a black-tie affair. The party is hosted annually by Patricia Barnstable Brown, and proceeds benefit Diabetes Research at the University of Kentucky.
Date: Saturday, May 2nd
Location: Kentucky Derby Museum
Celebrate the newest Derby champion at the Winner’s Party! Toast the Kentucky Derby winner with the jockey, trainers, and owners while enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres, premium drinks, and live entertainment. Cap off the 152nd Derby in style with an evening of elegance and celebration.
Culinary Experiences & Tours
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Kick off the Derby weekend in style with a cocktail reception on the open-air terrace of the Derby Museum on Thursday. After the celebration, guests can take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Churchill Downs track and commemorate their exclusive experience with a photo in the legendary Winner’s Circle.
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: The time will be shared closer to the event.
Location: Kentucky International Convention Center | 221 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Guests can indulge in a wide range of culinary delights from 9 chefs, each representing a stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, at the Taste of Derby Party.
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Guests can explore Kentucky’s legendary distilleries and sample some of the world’s finest bourbons during the Bourbon Distillery Tour. Accompanied by an expert guide, they will visit multiple local distilleries to learn about the time-honored processes that make Kentucky bourbon world-renowned.
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Guests can spend the day exploring a Thoroughbred horse farm, gaining an inside look at its daily operations. With an expert guide, they will tour two world-renowned farms and may even catch a glimpse of former and future Kentucky Derby stars.
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Experience an authentic taste of Kentucky by enjoying the best the state has to offer. Guests can embark on a full-day tour, discovering the heart and soul of Kentucky through exclusive visits to a private farm and a legendary distillery.
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Explore the legendary backstretch, where top Thoroughbreds train, and gain insider knowledge from an expert guide. A must for any horse racing fan!
Date: Friday, May 1st
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Explore the iconic paddock, where horses are saddled, strategies unfold, and anticipation builds before each race. With an expert guide, witness pre-race rituals, learn the venue’s rich history, and experience the energy of Thoroughbreds up close. A must for racing fans and first-time visitors alike!
Date: Saturday, May 2nd
Time: Additional details will be shared closer to the event.
Walk in the footsteps of racing legends in the iconic paddock, where horses are saddled, strategies take shape, and anticipation builds. With an expert guide, witness pre-race rituals, explore rich traditions, and experience the energy of Thoroughbreds up close. A must for racing fans and newcomers alike!
Hotel Information
Upon arriving at the hotel, the individual on the reservation must be present and provide the front desk with a valid form of photo identification and credit card to complete the check-in process.
Please Note: If you purchased a pre or post-night hotel stay, please refer to your contract for your check-in and check-out dates. We do not provide confirmation numbers. For additional details on your accommodation, contact us at +1 (888) 384-7088
Hotel Transfer Schedule
Transportation times are for guests who have purchased a hotel AND transportion with DerbyExperiences only.
Note: The hotel transfer schedule will be shared closer to the event.7768
AC Marriott Louisville Downtown
1332
Cambria Hotel Louisville Downtown-Whiskey Row
12288
City Express by Marriott Louisville Southeast
41
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville East
3741
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr
29
Embassy Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown
7769
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
12256
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Louisville East
198
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville East
94
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Mall of St. Matthews
38
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Louisville East
43
Holiday Inn Louisville East Hurstbourne
204
Hyatt House Louisville East
30
Omni Louisville Hotel
Maps & Directions
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. If you would like to inquire, please contact your sales representative or call for more information about availability at +1 (888) 384-7088.
Motorcoach
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.
Semi-Private
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
Through Derby Experiences’ partnerships with several local transportation companies, you can arrange private travel throughout the entire weekend to ensure you are on your own schedule.
Ride Share and Taxi services are available through 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 Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
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.
- Central Avenue will be CLOSED April, 30th - May, 3rd. Visit kentuckyderbyparking.com for route info.
- Enter through Gates 1 or 2.
- Shuttles start at 7:30 am on Oaks and Derby days. ADA parking and shuttles are available, but no wheelchair assistance at Churchill Downs.
- Only frontside tickets allow KEC parking and shuttle access. Infield tickets are not accepted and cannot use the shuttle. No drop-off at the Infield Gate.
Track Map
Click on the map to view and download
*Updated as of May 2025.
Note: For a detailed overhead view of Churchill Downs®, guests can access the aerial map here.General FAQs
Churchill Downs does not offer wheelchair transfer service. We strongly encourage guests with limited mobility to bring their own wheelchair or assistive device to the event. For additional questions regarding accessibility, please call our Guest Services Team at +1 (888) 384-7088.
Women:
- The Kentucky Derby is all about statement hats! Pair a wide-brimmed hat with a bright or floral sundress and bold accessories. Opt for stylish wedge heels for all-day comfort.
Men:
- Men should wear light-colored suits like seersucker or linen. Bold colors, pastel shirts, and patterned bow ties are great choices. Finish with loafers or dress shoes and a fedora or bowler hat.
Children:
- Let them wear bright colors and fun patterns—perfect for hiding stains. Girls can wear sundresses and colorful hats like their moms, while boys can rock smart blazers, khakis, and bow ties. Don’t forget comfy shoes for all the running around!
Click here for a guide on what to wear to the Derby.
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".
Guests can download the Churchill Downs app using the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The Kentucky Derby® and Kentucky Oaks® are run rain or shine. The only thing that would delay the races is lightning.
Churchill Downs accepts both card and cash payments (some vendors may accept only one). While ATMs are available throughout the facility, lines may be long during peak wagering times.
Note: State law prohibits placing bets with a credit card.
- 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
- Chains
- 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 of any kind (including firearms, knives, and cigar cutters)
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
Click here to see what items are not allowed inside Churchill Downs®.
Please note: Churchill Downs® reserves the right to modify the List of Prohibited Items at any time, without prior notice, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment during the Kentucky Derby® 2026.
Do not use screenshots or photographs of barcodes. They will not scan properly at the entry gates and will cause delays in your entry into Churchill Downs®.
Please note: We recommend downloading the tickets to a mobile wallet (i.e., Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) before arriving at the track.
For additional questions or assistance, you can call our Guest Services Team at +1 (888) 384-7088.
No umbrellas of any size are allowed at Churchill Downs.
Download the TwinSpires app prior to race day for easy betting. Use the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Bring cash just in case – ATM lines can be long. (Due to state law, bets may not be placed using a credit card.)