Kentucky Derby 2027: A First-Timer's Guide to Oaks Day, Derby Day and Louisville

Dates and which day to choose

The 153rd Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 1, 2027, and the Kentucky Oaks is Friday, April 30. Both are at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Most tickets are sold as 2-day packages, with Infield General Admission starting at $166. Single-day General Admission tickets are also on sale.

If you can only do one day, Derby Day is the famous one, with the Walkover and the main race. In 2026 the main post time was 6:57 p.m. ET, and 2027 times are not posted yet. Oaks Day is the calmer choice: the same track, the Twin Spires and a full card, with the Kentucky Oaks as the feature and pink as the color to wear.

The bag policy

For Derby week 2026, Churchill Downs allowed one bag per guest, no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Food had to be in clear plastic bags or containers, and water in sealed clear bottles, with a limit of two 24 oz bottles.

Food and drink are allowed in the infield on Oaks and Derby days only within those bag limits. Check the Churchill Downs event information page before you pack, since the 2027 rules may be updated.

Practical tips: pick a small crossbody or clutch that already fits, bring a clear poncho instead of an umbrella, and keep your phone charged for tickets and betting.

What people wear

Derby Day is a fashion event. In the reserved seating and dining areas, expect spring dresses, suits, bow ties and big hats. The track publishes a style guide each year on its What to Wear page.

The infield is more casual. A bright button-up or sundress works, and shorts are common if the weather is good. On Oaks Day, many people wear pink.

Whatever the outfit, choose shoes you can walk in. Between the gates, the concourse and the parking areas you will cover a lot of ground, and the weather can swing from hot to rainy.

Getting to Churchill Downs

Fly into SDF, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, which is the closest airport. Book rideshare early, since demand is high that week, and expect rideshare drop-offs to be outside the track perimeter with a walk of 15 to 20 minutes.

Reserved seating and dining tickets include access to offsite parking at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center. Official ticket packages can add hotels and round-trip transportation.

Arrive early. Gates opened at 9 a.m. on Derby Day 2026 and 11 a.m. on Oaks Day, and security lines build before the big races.

Before and after the races

Spend Thursday afternoon on the track's own story. The Derby Museum is a good warm-up, and its 360-degree film sets up race day well. Eat early on race mornings, and book dinners well ahead, especially for late tables after the Derby.

Our day-by-day plan lays out all four days, from arrival to the flight home.

If you're traveling elsewhere in the country afterward, browse more U.S. trips.

• Kentucky Derby MuseumThe 360-degree film is a good primer before your first race day.
• Churchill DownsHome of the Twin Spires, Oaks and Derby.
• Wild EggsHearty breakfast before a long Derby Day; arrive at opening.
• Jack Fry'sHistoric jazz room for a late post-Derby dinner; reserve far ahead.

The rest of the weekend in Louisville

Sunday is for the city. Start with brunch at The Brown Hotel, where the Hot Brown was created in 1926, and reserve because Derby Sunday fills up.

Book timed entries ahead, as Sunday tours sell out.

Whiskey Row is best for an easy stroll in late light, and its cast-iron upper floors are worth looking up at.

• The Brown HotelBirthplace of the Hot Brown; reserve Derby Sunday brunch.
• Louisville Slugger Museum & FactoryTimed-entry factory tour with giant bat; open Sunday.
• Evan Williams Bourbon ExperienceDowntown bourbon tasting; reserve ahead for Sunday.
• Whiskey RowEasy walk past 19th-century bourbon buildings.