The 2026 Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse races in the world and one of America’s most loved sporting traditions. Each year, people from across the United States and around the world gather in Louisville, Kentucky, to attend this historic event at Churchill Downs. The race is often called the Run for the Roses and it stands as the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing.
This page is your hub for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Here, fans can find links to event details, the race schedule, ticket options, and information about the many experiences surrounding Derby Week. Whether you are looking for Derby Day tickets, passes to related events, or ways to plan your trip, this page helps you find what you need.
When the 2026 Derby Happens
The 152nd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Derby Week includes several days of racing, festival events, and celebrations leading up to the big race on the first Saturday in May.
The day before the Derby is known as Kentucky Oaks Day, featuring the Oaks race for three-year-old fillies. For the first time in 2026, the Kentucky Oaks will be presented in primetime television on Friday, May 1, giving this beloved tradition a new spotlight.
What Derby Week Is Like
Derby Week is more than one horse race. A full schedule of events takes place in the days leading up to Derby Day, giving fans plenty of options to enjoy the community, traditions, and excitement of the season. These days include Opening Day, Sunday Funday, 502’s Day, and Winsday, leading into the Oaks and Derby.
The Kentucky Derby Festival stretches for nearly two weeks and includes a wide variety of local celebrations, races, parades, and family-friendly activities around Louisville. Events like Thunder Over Louisville, the Great Steamboat Race, and the Pegasus Parade are part of this festival that draws more than a million attendees each year. Pegasus Pins, collectible symbols of the Derby Festival, are released annually and often become keepsakes for fans.
The Race That Stands Above the Rest
The Kentucky Derby itself is a Grade I stakes race run over 1¼ miles (ten furlongs) on dirt. It brings together 20 of the best three-year-old Thoroughbred horses from around the world. These horses earn their spot through qualifying races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, which awards points based on finishing positions in select prep races.
The Derby is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” because of the brief but powerful rush of action when the horses break from the starting gate and race down the stretch toward the finish line. Winning this race is a dream for horse owners, trainers, and jockeys alike.
Derby Traditions and Culture
The Kentucky Derby is rich with traditions. One of the most well-loved is the draping of a garland of roses over the winning horse, which gives the race its nickname. Fans also watch and celebrate with colorful fashion, big hats, and festive attire that have become part of the Derby’s identity.
Food and drink are part of the experience too. The Mint Julep, a classic cocktail made with bourbon, mint, and crushed ice, is served in the tens of thousands each Derby week, and it has become associated with the event’s festive feel.
Planning Your Visit
Whether you’re attending the Kentucky Derby for the first time or returning as a longtime fan, planning ahead makes the experience better. Tickets to Derby Day and other events often sell out quickly, especially for premium seating and hospitality areas. This page links to ticket options so you can compare seats, experiences, and prices before you make your choice.
Many visitors choose to arrive early in the week to enjoy the full Derby Week schedule. Louisville offers food, entertainment, and local attractions beyond the racetrack, so planning for a few extra days can turn the Derby into an extended getaway. Hotels and rentals fill up fast around Derby Week, so booking lodging early is recommended.
Events Around the Race
The Kentucky Derby Festival includes much more than just racing. Highlights include the Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon, family events, concerts, and signature experiences at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The museum offers Derby Season tickets that include tours, exhibits, and special behind-the-scenes access that bring the history of the Derby to life. Special tasting events and series like the Legends Series celebrate Kentucky culture, food, and bourbon while offering a social way to enjoy the Derby season.
Why the Kentucky Derby Matters
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a sporting event. It has been held continuously since 1875 and represents tradition, excellence, and community celebration. As the first leg of the Triple Crown, it captures the attention of sports fans, fashion lovers, and culture seekers each spring. Winning the Derby brings a place in history for horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners.
Each year, the Derby also drives economic and social activity in Louisville and the surrounding region. People plan trips, make memories with friends and family, and take part in events that stretch across days and weeks. The energy of Derby Week fills the city with excitement and a sense of shared experience.
Find Your 2026 Derby Tickets and Info
This page is your guide for the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Derby Week events. Through the links provided here, you can explore available tickets, event schedules, hospitality options, and more. Whether you want general admission, reserved seating, or special access passes, this hub connects you to the choices you need to plan your Derby experience.
Click through to find tickets for Derby Day, Kentucky Oaks, and Derby Festival events. Planning early helps you secure the events you want to attend and ensures that your 2026 Kentucky Derby experience is memorable from start to finish.