Loved a brand new experience at the Kentucky derby! I had a blast here with my friends and we all got the cup with the name of every horse who won each year. Some of them have pretty funny names too, haha I won a bet but I did not have a net positive financial gain! I spent a good amount on drinks and I have no regrets. Came here for the racing experience and I got a fantastic one! read more

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Every year I make such AMAZING memories at the Derby with old friends and every year we at new friends. If its on your bucket list like everyone says then MAKE IT HAPPEN! read more

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2025 rain rain rain mud mud mud and fun fun fun. Cannot wait to go back. Exhausted as they herd you in like cattle and there is only one way in and out. Crowded! Drinks are 25 each but hey you're gonna want a couple. I bid 16 on the winner wanted to do more but there is a huge learning curve on how to use the little wager machine. It was thrilling. I wish I were wealthy so I could go like a celebrity instead of a peasant but so happy I got to experience it. read more

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Looking forward to Derby Day!!!!! It's just around the corner to be held on May 3, 2025 and is the 151 anniversary of the event! The Run for the Roses! And the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports!" No doubt Dannielynn Birkhead and her Daddy, Larry will attend again, as they've done since at least 2010. This compilation of two weeks of events is so rich in tradition! The hats, the mint juleps, the "Millionaire's Row," "My Old Kentucky Home," the National Anthem, the lush blanket of 554 red roses the winning horse sports, the horses themselves - it's all beauty, excitement, pageantry, and fun! The list of famous Kentucky Derby attendees range from Mohammad Ali, John Wayne, and Kid Rock, to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. I can't wait to once again, enjoy the "call to post," and enjoy the epitome of Americana, the annual Kentucky Derby! read more

The 2024 Kentucky Derby is today! What a busy weekend! I'm busy here in NYC today but this evening I plan to be home in plenty of time to hear My Old Kentucky Home! I always cry. I lived in Kentucky ten years. In my opinion the horses and horse atmosphere throughout the countryside is the most beautiful thing to see. As a child my father always had special treats for my mother and me on derby day. We would each pick a winner and bet a nominal amount on the race. It made a fun day. I'm going to be there in spirit so please post photos if you go today! I'm jealous......this is a beautiful fun filled festival day!! read more

The Kentucky Derby - Everything you need to know kentuckyderby.com 05/04/24 Derby Day 2024 - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

TURN OFF THE GENERAL ADMISSION AREA MUSIC!! or at least turn it down. The club music is the only thing you hear, I have no idea what the people on the main screen with the announcers and everything else were saying!! Instead I have to listen to extremely loud club music. Derby BE BETTER read more

The Kentucky Derby - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I attended the 2024 Oaks yesterday and here's what has changed that you should know about since my review 8 years ago. 1. Still dress up! It's so fun. But that being said, if you don't feel like it, and you're in the Infield, any attire works. You'll see it all in the Infield. If you have seat tickets...you're gonna look out of place not dressed up. 2. Comfort first. Yeah, this hasn't changed at all. Do yourself a favor and wear comfortable shoes!! Please for the love of God. 3. Parking. This HAS changed quite a bit. Parking permits can be purchased online through Churchill's website/their official partner Ticketmaster. Permits are physical only so there was a cut off date to buy permits by so they could be mailed to you. I missed this deadline, but thankfully my husband played chauffeur and dropped me and my friend off and picked us up. El Nopal at the corner of Crittenden and Central Ave was an easy place for this if you need a location suggestion. It was about a 1 mile walk to Churchill. The fee to park in the L&N Stadium (formerly Papa John's Stadium) has jumped from $15 to $40. I'm not sure where you purchase these permits however. Maybe on-site? Parking at the Expo Center is now included in certain ticket types. It is NOT included in Infield tickets sadly. 4. What to pack. You are still allowed to bring food in ONLY if you have Infield tickets. Food must fit into a gallon sized Ziplock OR into your bag. You can't bring in multiple bags, just one. The bag size limit is 12" x 6" x 12". You will go through security so be prepared for this. It's just a metal detector and some bored employees. You are only allowed TWO unopened water bottles, max 24 oz. Definitely bring a disposable poncho just in case. If you're in the Infield and there's a chance of rain, I suggest bringing a tarp. Max size 10' x 10'. It's great to both sit on and hide under during a downpour. Speaking from experience yesterday. Portable camping chairs are also allowed in the Infield, you'll just have to take them out of the case for security. 5. Cash. Churchill Downs concessions are now all cashless. Major change. Betting is still done with cash however. Or you can use the Twinspires app. That's what I did to avoid having to walk to the wagering booths a million times. Drinks are expensive. Cocktails are $22. Beer is $13-14. White Claws are $14. Expect to spend a ton if you're buying numerous drinks. If your ticket has food and drinks included, well then good for you. Take advantage of that. 6. Betting. Like I said above, cash is needed to place bets or download the Twinspires app. I placed one bet after I left the track yesterday and did not win, alas. 7. Attitude. Same advice as before. Churchill is an experience like no other. Prepare to see anything and everything and have fun! Also be safe. read more

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DERBY EXPERIENCES OUT OF CHARLOTTE, NC IS A BIG RIPOFF! Just went this weekend. I paid $5400 for my husband to be disappointed. The experience was way below expectations. I thought we'd be in a smaller more exclusive area for what we paid, but we were in a huge general admission area where the food and drinks were free but the most horrible food which has given us not only chronic indigestion but terrible stomach cramps... fried low budget food, and the drinks were overly sugary and watered down. We also got turned away because our mobile tickets did NOT work! So embarrassing and we missed the first few races because we were pulled out of the line and had to go to the box office where they told us that 3rd party tickets, especially Derby Experiences were real problematic. The crew at the box office -several of them had to get together to figure it out and it took over an hour that we were standing there waiting to get the problem resolved. We showed them the paperwork from Derby Experiences and the $5400 we paid, which was overpriced according to them and the worked tirelessly to help us. We finally got in because they took pity on us. read more

Glad to be back after a couple of canceled or limited Covid Derby's.... there has been some really nice changes! First of all... they got the parking down! Those who have parking passes get to park in a lot (such as the Expo) and take a bus pretty much to the front door. Buses run continuously, however some of the buses are school buses with TINY seats. Depending when you leave the race, you will be in some pretty long lines to get back to your car... but it still beats trying to find an Uber or taxi and the long walks from the taxi drop off area, or from some of the other parking lots. Bottom line here... get a parking pass from Churchill Downs. It's so worth it. Another MAJOR change is the "all-inclusive" ticketing. With your ticket, you now get "free" food and drinks throughout the day. To be honest... I was really worried about this new idea for many reasons. 1) was sure they would kind of limit food and drinks somehow (but I didn't see any evidence of this.... Except some long lines at times). 2) overly drunk people because of said free drinks (saw some of this... but not really different than other years ) Overall, I think this change also worked pretty well. I still am not that impressed with the increased attendance over the years. (Now well over 150,000). The masses can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it rains and so many try to get underneath for cover. Lines to bet and get food and drink can get pretty long. The bathrooms (especially the women's) lines are crazy long. The Derby is really a "bucket list" event. Even for those who do not care about the actual race. It is a big party with some of the best people watching entertainment around. Many people really go all out! Men with colorful suits, some with horse prints or other crazy themes. And the women ... Hats, Fascinators, Dresses can be pretty remarkable. There is so much to look at besides the actual races! If you ever get to go, be prepared for the masses. Have a couple of Mint Julip's and be ready to be part of the heard, dress snazzy and hopefully hit a couple of winners throughout the day. You will have fun! read more

The Kentucky Derby - Derby 148 - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, and it was an experience like no other. We went to the Churchill Downs on May 6th, and we were fortunate enough to receive free tickets from a kind stranger who couldn't attend the event due to a friend's emergency. We sold our general admission tickets on the spot to a scalper, receiving the money we had initially put in for the tickets, and we got it back. The tickets we received provided us access to the clubhouse section of the stadium, where there was a private area with six seats that overlooked the track. We shared this space with just the two of us, despite it being available for six people. The section we were in was covered, which was perfect as it provided protection against the elements that day. The area was at the top of the clubhouse section, which gave us a bird's eye view of everything, albeit it was the nosebleed section, but it was still incredible. One of the highlights of our day was the camaraderie amongst the attendees. We enjoyed talking to people from different parts of the country and experiencing the event together. Many people around us also attended the Kentucky Derby for the first time, and it was great to exchange stories and share our experiences. We had a bit of trouble navigating around Churchill Downs, which caused us some frustration. But we eventually found our way around the venue before the end of the day. The crowds just made it a bit overwhelming to navigate. Despite the challenge of navigating the venue, Churchill Downs did a fantastic job organizing the event. The countdown before each race kept everyone informed on when the next race began, which was helpful. We also appreciated the free food and drinks that were available, which added to our enjoyment of the event. Mint julep, anyone? We received some souvenir glasses. We also tried several other beverages, including an Old Fashioned and an Oak Lilly. The Oak Lilly was basically vodka cranberry with a spritz of blackberry in it. Dress to impress. Look at the website if you wonder what to wear and do a Google search. It is common place to wear over-the-top guady hats. They're amazing! You should totally go all out, and get creative with your outfits. This is applicable for men and women to go all out with your wardrobe to the Kentucky Derby. The only downside was the long lines. We had to queue for everything, from drinks to betting, which could be exhausting. But once we settled into our seats, we enjoyed an incredible view of the racetrack and the races, which made up for the long waits. Truth be told, I missed a race due to going to concessions, so I didn't have to deal with the lines. In terms of logistics, parking at Churchill Downs was expensive, and attendees have to pay $60 for a ride-share pass. We parked at the Cardinal Stadium parking lot, which cost us $40, and walked about a mile to the venue. We clocked in 11,000 steps. Our feet hurt because we didn't have proper shoes. I can't emphasize enough on how important it is to have propert shoes. Have an extra set of shoes to walk in when leaving the venue so you don't have the pain thereafter. We highly recommend Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby event. Despite some challenges, such as long lines and expensive parking, the venue and the overall ambiance of the event were fantastic. We enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow attendees, and the live races were unforgettable. The Kentucky Derby is an absolute must-see event for anyone visiting the US. read more

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I expected this to be a rough experience and I absolutely manifested my own expectations! I got strong hold into going to the event, and as expected, I was knee deep in long lines wearing uncomfortable heels to look good for dem cute horses! I don't recommend going to this event simply for the sake of sparing those beautiful horses from running their asses off, but if u choose to attend this event, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! Or at the very least, bring comfy shoes to change into, as u'll be walking and standing in line the ENTIRE day if u don't have the high end tickets in the shaded boxes! Although the lines were really rough, the food was pretty darn decent! Your breaking the bank derby tickets includes all u can eat food and drinks! Except for lobster rolls and cheesecake on a stick. Make sure u get those items early on in the day, cuz they'll run out quickly! If u love the hype, drinking lots of mint juleps to last a lifetime, being around A LOT of well dressed people with big 'ol hats, standing in long lines, and watching horses run around the track for a couple of minutes here and there, then this event is for u!! Otherwise, I recommend passing on the ridiculously expensive tix for this event, and paying for Taylor Swift tickets instead! read more

This year's Derby was amazing 150 anniversary. The experience is unique. Food and drinks were fantastic! I will highly recommend this event. We had tickets for the Oaks and Derby. Oaks is more relax day and you have a little bit of more room to walk and watch the horses. We were in section 323. I would not recommend anything lower than the 300 section. A lot of people smoking around you so if you are allergic or can't tolerate smoke this is not the event for you. read more

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The 143rd Kentucky Derby was my bucket list trip for 2017. I've always been intrigued by all the traditions that surround this event. In fact, this was my first time attending a live horse race. I purchased the full package deal that included Thurby and the Oaks. I spend almost a year planning this event because hotels sell out quick. I flew into Louisville a little nervous because my tickets never got mailed to me (even though Churchill Downs claimed they did mail them to me). Thankfully there was a mess up and they were sitting at customer service. The only other downer was rain was predicted for the whole weekend and it did indeed rain all three days. I was fortunate enough to get a hotel within walking distance. I could feel the vibe from the crowds and see the twin spires right out my window. I started going through my check off list immediately upon arrival. A picture with the Barbaro statue in front of the Churchill Downs was my first check. I immediately bought a cigar and a mint julep once I got in. They say almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby and that was no lie. Almost everyone I saw had a drink in hand. Because this was my fist Derby, going to Thurby and the Kentucky Oaks the day before really helped me get acquainted with the Downs. The Paddock area gets you up and close with the horses and their jockeys. The trophy and the Garland of Roses were on display in the Aristides Garden and made for more picture options. While some of the earlier races were going on, I decided to hang around the clubhouse area and watch the stars walk the carpet. Some of the people I saw were Jeff and Beau Bridges, Harry Connick Jr, Larry David, Richie Sambora, Katie Couric and Giada De Laurentiis. People watching is so much fun here. People really get creative with their outfits and their hats. I even put together a nice bowtie, coat and fedora myself for each day I was here. So after quite a few mint juleps, I stumbled into the infield area. I got to admit that I wasn't prepared for the craziness of this area of the Downs. 26 acres in the middle of racetrack oval by the "The Big Board" are designated for general admission people (the cheap seats without the seats). This area has dance parties, crazy outfits and all type of antics going on. It was fun to watch and brought me back to my college days but a bit much for this old guy. I grabbed my program and placed my wager on McCraken to show and Always Dreaming was this year's winner on a very muddy track. So I walked away without a winning ticket. But I had a fun crowd around me in my seating area and really enjoyed getting to know some of the Kentucky folks. Its crazy how a whole week of built up is done and over in just a couple minutes. I finished my weekend with a visit to the Derby Museum and a tour of the stables. I couldn't believe how large the Churchill Downs area is. This was a very enjoyable trip between all the great food I ate, my drinks and all the events I got to attend. My first time experiencing the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" was something I won't forget. read more

Beautiful sight. We drove by on our way through town. We didn't get to tour the museum because it was too late. The place is beautiful on the outside and stands out. We will do the museum next time but from the outside looking in this place is top class beauty. read more

The Kentucky Derby - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I had always been an Oaks-goer for nearly all of my life. Why? The crowds I went with always described it as the "tamer" version of Derby, however I was curious to try out the real thing. So last year, I splurged on a dress, splurged on a hat, and crossed another item off of my bucket list. The Kentucky Derby is such a unique event of it's own. It's absolutely beautiful how so many from all over the world come to Louisville for this 2 minute horse race. After finally going, I never want to stop. I've been a Louisvillian my whole life, so I know how exciting it is every year come Spring. It's not a cheap event. Not at all. I'm incredibly lucky and have a family member who can get me into general admission for free, which usually is around $50. However, I still think the experience is worth the price. If you're looking for a more luxurious time, you can try the Grandstand or Millionaire's Row, with tickets that can range up to $12,000. This also isn't an event you should wait last minute for by no means - The longer you wait, the more you'll probably pay for admission. Churchill Downs will get crazy packed, but it's one hell of a party. I've only experienced Derby from the infield, but it's still a great area to have a good time. It's all just one big area you can walk around, however many bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Bring extra money...LOTS of extra money..especially if you are drinking. Signature drinks like the Lillies, Mint Julips and Bourbon Slushies will easily cost you $10 a pop. Also plan on how much you'll be betting, with 12 different races you can bet as little as $2. There's also memorabilia and food that'll be pricey too. The reason why I can't give the beloved Derby 5 stars is because there are some annoying times. SO many people will be sloppy drunk, there will be garbage everywhere and you will often feel claustrophobic. Not reasons not to go, but just be aware that it's not totally perfect out there. All in all, I feel so incredibly lucky to easily be able to attend this event in the Ville, and I can't wait for so many more years (and hats!) to come. read more

The Kentucky Derby - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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2023 derby. Watched it on tv. No lyrics to the my kentucky home on the screen for the home viewers. Sad, i love to sing along. The coverage starts at noon, this year there was limited background on the horses, trainers, owners, etc. i felt like it was catering to the tik tok generation...seeing in the guys station, him making jewelry between races and him calling horses to the starting line. Maybe they couldn't play the stories and footage they had due to all the horses dying this year! Overall disappointing year to watch on tv in 2023. Do better! I have been to the derby twice. Had seats. Great experience! Seats near finish line and not under cover were perfect! You do have to prepare for rain, which we did! Still great! Betting nearby. Drink delivery! Perfect. read more

After six years of going to Derby, there is always something new to see and new memories to make. I hope that after living in this city for several more decades, I still look forward to Derby as much as I do now. But rather than write a poor imitation of Hunter S. Thompson's "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" -- yes, the fancy people can be found puking up their mint juleps if you look for it, and the infield can be a debaucherous mess full of bourbon Slip 'N' Slides -- I'm using this review to share a few things I've learned about Derby. So here are some tips to help you come out of Derby with (most) of your money, with all of the items you walked into Churchill Downs with and with a pleasant memory to look back on. The first is kind of obvious but bears repeating: Don't bet more than what you're comfortable with. Whether that's $2 or $2,000, know your limit, and look at betting on the Derby race, especially, more as a way to get in on the fun rather than as a payday. If you're a lady, come to Derby in a fancy hat at least once. The hats are my favorite part, I'll admit, and I relish the opportunity to wear a big, colorful chapeau. Go out and find a hat that makes you feel special; you'll feel special all day wearing it. But even if you wear a fancy hat, don't wear heels -- or rather, don't wear heels unless you have a private, inside box to walk around in barefoot. I've seen many ladies hobble out of Churchill Downs at the end of the day -- and it wasn't because of the mint juleps. They looked in pain, taking short little steps -- definitely not chic. Save yourself by wearing flats or better yet, stow a pair of flip flops in your purse. Grab all the cash you'll need before you come. The ATM lines are a major time-suck, and they carry hefty fees. But conversely, the women's restroom lines look like they'll take all day, but they really don't. So when you get in line several hundred feet from the restroom, know that you'll be back to watching the races very soon. While the alcohol booths may all look the same, they aren't. Yes, some specialize in expensive, Woodford Reserve mint juleps, while others have the Early Times variety. But even among them, there are good and bad bartenders. If you find a booth that is heavy on the bourbon, stick with it. It also seemed like some of the bartenders put their own spins on the alcoholic beverages -- for better or for worse. If you can at all swing it, buy a seat. Don't do the GA pass for the infield and paddock. After a long hot day around Churchill, a seat to call your own from which you can actually see the track is priceless. And similarly, spring for parking in the 'hood around Churchill if you can. It can be worth the $20 or $30. The wait for the shuttle back to Papa John's Stadium can take agonizingly long at the end of the day and the walk to the stadium from Churchill can feel twice as long as it really is, if you decide to forgo the shuttle -- especially if you did not heed my advice above and wore heels. Parking in a random guy's front yard that's a hop, skip and a jump from the track will seem delightful come 6:30 p.m. -- and that random guy might just be having a cook-out and give you a free hotdog. If you find a sale on rain ponchos during April, seize upon it, and grab a few. If Derby is rainy, you'll be happy you saved some moolah from not having to buy a marked-up, thin piece of plastic. And your pretty hat will be safe. Learn the words to "My Old Kentucky Home" -- or at least be sober enough to read them from the large screens around Churchill when they play it before the big race. It really helps get you into the Derby spirit. Louisville is blessed to have the Kentucky Derby. Be smart about it, and you can have a great time at the track. read more

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Track was beautiful Mint juleps being made 3 at a time. One darn window open . That's not how you do it for that big of a event. They had a group of Hoosiers doing vending, kids giving drinks to friends while we wait 30 min for a warm soda. Was not impressed with vending 2023. But track was beautiful. read more

This year was my first time and I had a great time, and learned a lot. Have fun with your outfit (and hat), but wear comfortable shoes because most folks do a lot of walking and standing. Check the weather and bring jackets if needed. People are very friendly though some have a little too much to fun. Uber/Lyft/taxi drop off locations could be a mile or more from Churchill Downs unless you go early before they close the roads. Parking and using the shuttle is very efficient and easy getting to the track, though there are very long lines to get back on the shuttle to reach your car. Getting your bets in is easy though you will have to wait in line. Be considerate of others and make your picks before you get in line. The people around you are generally more than happy to help if you ask. read more

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Last weekend was my very first Kentucky Derby experience, and it was very thrilling just to feel the momentum and excitement leading up to the final race! It was so refreshing to taste and drink a mint julep, the traditional drink of the derby itself! And it was so much fun to see all the creative and colorful hats all around the event! I carpooled with friends from Lexington and we got to experience the derby from the infield paddock. It was a good firsthand experience. But you don't really get much of a view of the track itself and you have to bring your own fold-out chairs. If I were to ever come back to the derby in the future, I would actually like to get at least grandstand tickets so that I can have a better view of the track, horses, and jockeys. And I would prefer to stay in a hotel in Louisville during the entire derby weekend so that I can really get the full derby experience, be closer to all of the action, maybe even attend Kentucky Oaks (the race event for female horses that is usually held the day right before the derby), and also visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum as well. The Kentucky Derby Museum is closed on the derby day itself. But you can visit it on any other day. I learned that it's best to book hotels in Louisville at least 6 months to a year in advance of the derby. As it gets closer to the derby weekend, it gets really difficult or even impossible to get a decent hotel room. read more

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The Kentucky Derby is rich in tradition and has decades of history, the pageantry and exciting experience has still been maintained throughout all of these years. You see so many types of people here dressing up and having a great time. Few tips: - There are a lot of people here! Be prepared for a massive crowd! - Get tickets as early as possible, they can go up in value. - If you can't go, ticket resale shouldn't be hard. -Local hotels are super pricey, if you don't mind driving look outside the area. I stayed in Indianapolis for much less. -Infield tickets are cheap, but it's a chaotic area that doesn't look too comfortable. - Dress up! Wear some bright colors! There is a general dress guide on their website. - Plan for all weather, the race does go on. - Groups can be a great idea as some of the seats are designed for them. - Pace yourself, it's a long day. - Ladies, bring flip flops or extra shoes. The parking can be far and it's a hours long event. There are people selling flip flops at every turn for this reason since many are in heels. - Lastly soak it in! You will have a great time, I seen the most recent Triple Crown winner that I will. Ever forget. read more

Worst experience spent 2000 at ticket center. com for lousy seats and alcohol was only the worst made bourbon ever. 17 dollars per drink. I wouldn't ever go to another event like this. Money is lost. Save money go to your favorite places. Waited 3 years for this wow bucket list horrible . Tickets online are a ripoff. Save and pay at gates. read more

if you're over 21 DO NOT buy the cheap seats in infield. The elbow to elbow crowd is mostly filled with a bunch of barely legal kids getting shit faced. Felt like lalapalooza with dresses. We left before even seeing if our bets won. It's hard to feel any type of high fashion or class when your wading through mud and trash ankle deep in the baking sun. You can't see the track let alone the horses. Over an hour standing in line for ANYTHING water, drinks, bathroom, betting, etc. No place to get out of the sun at all, unless you fall out and go to the EMS tent. Total disappointment and was embarrassed we even invited our friends and traveled all this way for this. If you plan on coming, pay the extra money for the stands. otherwise you will be EXTREMELY disappointed, unless you like to party with a bunch of kids in the baking hot sun, standing ankle deep in mud and trash. Not just crossed off my bucket list. it's now added to my NEVER do again list. We should have spent the $$$ and got the good seats. My mistake FOR SURE! read more

The Kentucky Derby! I've spent almost all of my life living in Louisville, Kentucky. I grew up knowing the first Saturday in May was a holiday. However, it wasn't until 2012 when I finally got my life together and went to Derby; I bought general admission (paddock and infield) tickets. I returned this year for a second go-round with actual seats in the grandstand. After two trips, I ask myself... WHY DID I SPEND SO MANY YEARS NOT GOING??? I'm honestly not even sure what to say in this review, because there are so many things to say. So I apologize if it's all over the place. I also haven't experienced every single aspect of Derby, so I can't give you any reviews of millionaire's row, etc. (SADLY!) in this review. So, I'll just say a few things... -There a variety of options when it comes to tickets. You can buy a general admission ticket for roughly $50. That doesn't give you many opportunities to see horses, but one of the best parts of Derby is the people watching. Yes... the outfits, the HATS (If you don't wear a hat to Derby, I'm mad at you immediately.), the madness... you'll see it wherever you are. The infield has a reputation for being wild, but I wouldn't say that's everywhere in the infield, so don't let it scare you. You can also buy tickets. If you plan far enough in advance, you can buy them through Churchill Downs. Get on their e-mail list for tickets NOW, because that happens in November or so. (Yes, you must plan in advance.) You can always go through a reseller/Craigslist/etc., but it was really nice knowing I had my tickets ready for me this year. -I already said this, but WEAR A HAT. There is NO other time when hats are such a requirement. Make a fashion statement, even if you're normally not fashionable. Fellas, even you can look snazzy and wear a hat! It's a good look! ;) -Make a day of it. There's a list of regulations and whatnot, but you actually can bring in food ("boxed" lunches). Drinks will be expensive ($11 for a lily this year, and I believe the same for a mint julep...). Food will be expensive. Eat before you come and bring whatever you need to help you spend your money on the things you want--like gambling (which you should do responsibly!!). Speaking of money, bringing cash is in your best interest so you don't have to deal with cards. You can also track all of the money you spend that way. -The facilities are actually quite nice everywhere. Churchill Downs seems to be constantly expanding and adding services. The area I sat in this year recently added a number of restrooms; I didn't have to wait in line longer than a few minutes at all this year! WOOHOO! I'm a big bucket list girl and one of those people who travels to do fun stuff frequently. The fact such an amazing event was taking place literally just a few miles from my house every year and I didn't experience it until I was in my mid-twenties... I can't believe it!!! If you're from Louisville, Kentucky, or anywhere, it's worth the trip. You really can't experience Derby a "wrong" way, so make it how you want it to be, and make the most of it! (I still feel like I'm forgetting things to say, so if you have questions, feel free to message me!) read more

The Kentucky Derby - My seats in 2014 were close to the starting gate; it was so exciting! - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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The Kentucky Derby is one of the greatest displays of humanity at its finest and at least finest moments (these moments usually occur later in the day as copious amounts of mint juleps are consumed). Being a northern Yankee who rarely ventures south of the Mason Dixon I have had the opportunity to attend the Derby twice. My first visit was in 2010 with some college friends and consisted of us getting less than gentile in the infield with the thousands of other post-collegiate douche-canoes. My most recent visit was last weekend during the 2014 running and one where the fiancé and co were actually able to see track/races from the grandstand. Although my Derby experiences were different based on both the weather and where I was there are a few things every Derby guy/girl should know. First, come ready to have fun and expect to have a considerable amount of down time in between the races. One of things I didn't realize before attending in 2010 was that going to the Derby is an all-day affair. Of course you don't have to get trashy but with all the drinking/debauchery going on around you it's pretty hard not to...and besides who doesn't love a good bourbon?! Second, be sure to have an entry and exit plan as getting in and out of the Derby is a cluster. I'm pretty lucky to have a friend who lives a couple miles away from Churchill Downs so walking to the track has always been an option for me. There is parking at CD but it is very expensive and you will wait forever to get your car in and out of the lot. Moreover, there are various places near CD that allow you to park on their private lawns/lots but I can't vouch if those are legit. Thirdly, like Emily H says, bring as much cash with you as possible as the ATM fees are expensive and most vendors only take cash. I was able to find a few places that took credit cards but the wait for those lines were really long and only reasonable to stay in in between races. Also, it should be common knowledge but the betting stations also only take cash as well. Lastly, plan on eating something during your time at the races since, as I stated before, it's an all-day event. My friends and I were able to grab something to eat before heading to the track and also were fortunate to sit by some nice ladies willing to share their snacks with us! You can bring in small bagged food but I do not think they allow you to bring in outside drinks/booze (although you can find creative ways to sneak them in). Running out of food at the end of the day is a common occurrence so if you're craving a plate of Kentucky nachos don't wait. Going to the Derby has been a fun experience both times and a great way to check out the coolest (IMHO) city in the Commonwealth. If you ever have the opportunity to go, don't hesitate, grab your finest threads, fanciest hats and prepare your liver for one of the greatest experiences of your life! read more

The Kentucky Derby - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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So, we pulled the trigger and DID IT this year! We went to the 143rd Kentucky Derby! We'd been talking about it for years, and this year we put our money where our mouth was and made it happen. If you're thinking of going.... STOP THINKING.... Just Take the Time, sell your car and GO! Ok... maybe budget for it....you know ....Save up. It's not cheap... The infield is the least expensive but keep in mind you will be there with LOTS of people and it's mostly a huge party out there. We had an Amazing time! And are planning another trip in a few years. The people watching is Fantastic! And making new friends is so Fun! 99% of the people we encountered at The Oaks and The Derby were soooo polite and friendly. 1% however were not but we didn't let that spoil our fun. :) My tips would be... * Guys... wear your finest or your loudest most colorful suits.... Bowties are a huge hit! * Bring A LOT OF CASH! Pretty much everything is CASH only... Food, Drinks and of course, Betting. Drinks range from $11-19 a pop. The daily drinks Oaks Lily and Mint Julep were $14. So, figure out how much you are going to drink and bet... and bring AT LEAST that in cash. * Bring Food. The food at CD isn't very good and it's (duh) expensive. Pack it in clear containers. We saw quite a few people with what looked like catered containers. * Bring everything in clear plastic bags. * No big bags or backpacks. * Bring a cushion (no backing) to sit on if you have grandstand seats. * Pack for ANY kind of weather... so pretty much bring everything and figure it out when the day arrives... Meaning... bring everything from Wellies to Stiletto heels to flip flops to blankets to sweaters and raincoats to strapless dresses, sunglasses and sunscreen. We spoke with several locals who said The Derby weekend ranges from anywhere between 35 degrees with snow flurries (apparently that happened many years ago) to 90 and humid... and that you don't know what it's going to be from day to day because weather changes there at a whim. Next time, I'm packing EVERYTHING. * Use the shuttle (Miller Transportation) to/from downtown locations. It's only $20. Totally worth it. The shuttle drops off / picks up like 50 yds from the CD main entrance. (Hardly any walking compared to everyone else who was trekking to/from the Louisville Stadium parking lot.) There are lots of buses/shuttles, and they load 'em up quick so the line moves really well. You feel like you are a rat in a maze going through the shuttle line of zig zag gates to get to the front, but it's part of the experience right? ha ha! It didn't take us long to get out and back to our hotel. It took us about an hour from the time we left our seats (right after the main races for the day) to get back to our hotel. Not bad at all. I thought it would take longer, thankfully it didn't. * Ship your hats to your hotel or to a local UPS/Fed Ex location and then Donate your hat after the weekend affair. (That way you don't have to worry about packing it.) We stayed at The Galt House Hotel where a group of ladies was collecting hats to use for an auction to raise money for a local charity. * Go with friends and buy a box (sits 6) so you don't have to share. * If you decide to go with box seats under cover... sit in rows D or E cuz it's closer to the main walkway. (Note... many people stand in the stairway so going up and down the stairs is a trial of patience to get around folks who are just standing there cuz they probably don't have tickets and are visiting their friends. So, rows D and E are closer to the main walkway and less people to dodge.) * Walk around early in the day, Embrace the pageantry and Enjoy the experience. read more

Found Larry-self driving through the area a day or so before the Kentucky Derby. So, not to be one to shirk from high risk adventures, Larry and his pal set out to attend the Derby. Surprisingly we found a reasonably priced motel with two rooms just a few blocks from the venue. The clerk said they had a cancellation. Woo Hoo. Next, we began to look for tickets and found two on line for seventy bucks each. In the bleachers, no less - can you believe it? We were hooked up. Here is something that we learned regarding tickets. The prices vary widely depending on when you buy them. We sat next to a couple that spent two grand for their tickets, but they bought them months before the event. Needless to say they were irritated that we got ours for $70.00, so we bought them a couple of Mint Juleps and all was right with the world. Oh, busses are the best way to get into the venue. We had to walk about two blocks to a bus location and the thing brought us virtually to the door. I am sure there are secret ways to sneak a car in there, like we have at the Indy 500, but I'm sure you have to be a VIP or horsie owner or something, which we were not. Anyhoo, the place is a madhouse just like the 500, but it was great fun. You can wander the paddock area and see the horses brought out for a look see before the race, I suspect for the handicappers to set the final odds, but go to see the crazy hats and smokin' outfits worn by 'da wimmens. It is a real spectacle. If you go into the infield, get ready for some debauchery, as mud covered peeps from every walk of life are there partying hard. Everyone was completely hammered and many of them looked like they had been there for days, which I hear is possible for campers. They have a bunch of beginner races before the main event, which lasts a few minutes and which, I suspect, nobody actually watches, except for the peeps with two-grand tickets. Larry bet on the favorite and WON, if you can believe it, but he did not get rich, sigh. All in All, a worthwhile event to scratch off your bucket list. Now, we were lucky to get great seats cheaply and good rooms, which may not be your experience if you go at the last minute; you may have a vastly different experience. But, it was tons of fun. Would I make it an every year event? Not on your life. It was fun one time but does not deserve a repeat unless you are a horse fanatic, which Larry is not. After all they are way slower than IndyCars - only one horsepower. read more

It was a beautiful stadium except for one thing. They said Uber was the transportation of the Derby but it was nearly impossible to get an Uber anywhere. We ended up having to walk home instead. It was hard on everyone's feet and we are pretty active people. read more

Went to my 1st Kentucky Derby and it was definitely an eye-opener! So... either you're the type that have a list of fun/new "to dos" in life and in that case, you do not want to miss this. OR you're those who think everything is overrated then you may think this is overrated as well - you know who you are, so decide accordingly if this is something you like to do. I went with a group of friends, one of them being from Louisville. We didn't per se plan our visit, I simply followed suit, but I did have my outfit and fascinator selected (I am a firm believer in getting in the spirit of any events - Derby is known for its fashion, so please dress up! It's not difficult or has to cost alot). We bought General Admission tickets at the door across from Gate #3 for $60 each ($5 more than online purchase price of $55) - yes, it's pretty steep for "poor people" infield. Truth is you can't see anything in the infield - we were part of an even bigger group that hung out at Turn 2 (that was another story to tell - and sort of the highlight of the day; in short, people rent party buses as a group or in our case a big yellow school bus. That was fun, and crazy, as jello shooters were literally flying through the bus). Turn 2 allows a small glimpse of the track where you can see horses flew by for a split second. BUT there is a big screen along the back stretch (thank goodness). SO - here are my TIPS for your Derby visit: 1. Read the website for what to bring and what to not bring - especially if it's your 1st time. I read it, but no one else did and no one listened to me. You CAN bring food and non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are in clear container (and not opened for drinks). Paying $10 for lousy food was just a total waste of money. You can bring chairs but only through certain gates (#1 & 3) - NO cooler, but somehow you can buy ice once inside. 2. Walk around - just because we were "poor" didn't mean we couldn't get over to the "rich" side. Part of the experience is enjoying the sights. 2 of us walked over to the Paddock, saw Bob Costas, the actual race horses before their race, the tiny jockeys and lots of beautiful outfits (and some questionable ones). 3. Sunscreen!!! Or you will be like me and now spotting the oddest sun tan in the shape of my dress top. (to my credit I did put it on my face & neck) 4. Get your program AHEAD of the race - it's $5.50 at local stores or $5 at the race, but you skipped the line. And bring yourself a pen/pencil, or you will be paying for that as well. 5. Bet early - they have an official online site for betting (www.twinspires.com) if your home state allows online betting & you want to skip that madness (and they typically have an offer code for new account). OR if you want that "I placed my bet at Churchill Downs" experience, bet EARLY and bet ALL the races you want to bet at 1 visit. Which brings back to #4 - if you have the program ahead you know who and what to bet (but then I guess you don't know who will scratch) I thought it was fun - definitely an experience. One day when I hit that jackpot, I will definitely get myself a seat/box over on the Millionaire Row! read more

Amazing experience we'll never forget! Add this to your bucket list! Try to hit the Turf club or The Mansion!! Love people watching with all the great hats and people dressed up to the 9's! Ladies bring flip flops to go look at the horses and you'll need them by the me of the day! read more

The Kentucky Derby - Great friends in the Mansion! - Festivals Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

All I can say is I had a blast!! If you've never been to the derby, you owe it to yourself to make a trip there. I went alone and met soooo many people, so don't be afraid to do it alone if you have to. But if you have a group of friends, you'd have a blast as well. I bought my tickets from Churchill Downs and they mailed them out in April. My package for Taste of the Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby was close to 700 dollars. To get tickets from Churchill Downs, you'd need to signup online after every derby and they will send you a presale invite in November. And they mail out the tickets in April, a few weeks before the Derby. Other than that, you'd need to buy from a second party. If you can wait, go on Craigslist about a week from the Derby and even three days until the Derby, and people will have really good seats for dirt cheap! That's if you want to wait that long and chance it. I sat in section 227 which is one of the new areas. So you have stadium style seats which are comfy! You also have access to the new rooftop areas on the third floor which are really nice!! They have all covered areas up there, benches to sit on, really nice, clean, fresh and new restrooms so the lines aren't even crazy at all! There's ceiling fans all over the rooftop area. It was very nice! Also you have foods like sliced brisket, pooled pork, lobster, etc in that area. So if you can, sections 227-228 are worth the tickets because those are newer areas and they have good views! Especially if you're a tall girl like me, you won't have any problems seeing everything! You can do sections 323-325 would be so worth sitting in as well, which is probably the next areas I'll try sitting in when I return, if not section 312 which is on the finish line. You do see the first start in section 227-228 and the last turn to the finish! It's all breath taking and exhilarating! I won my bet on the Derby race and a few other races, so my day was even more exciting!! The betting lines do get insanely long so know who you will bet on and get those bets in fairly early and quickly so you don't have to wait upwards of an hour or more to bet or cash in winning tickets, cause it gets insane!! The famous mint juleps are so strong! But if you love bourbon you'll love those! My favorite drink was the Lilly!! It was so good!! The drinks are 11 dollars and food averages out to about 9 dollars. So it can get pricey, but who's counting! You're at the Kentucky Derby!! Ladies all I can say about the shoes is don't do stilettos and heels unless they are extremely comfy with shock absorption in it. The concrete will kill your feet! The first day I did ok in my chunky heels but for Derby day I nearly passed out because of standing too long and my blood wasn't circulating right because my straps were too tight and the concrete was just killing me in the heels. I'll have to find a really pretty and super comfortable wedge heel next time. You will love flats after this day is over! But make sure you dress to the nines!! People will be snapping pictures left and right and will want to include you in all kinds of photos!! I'm quite sure there were a lot of people who wished they'd dressed better! Lol. But pretty much close to everyone there were dressed really well! And the guys were extremely dapper! Trust me I'll be back to the Derby, it's a ritual now. My next stop is the Preakness and Belmont Stakes!! I hope you guys have as much fun as I had going to the Taste of Derby, The Kentucky Oaks and The Kentucky Derby! It's so worth going to each event. You won't regret any of it. It's worth every penny!! Here's to American Pharaoh, my winning horse for 141st Kentucky Derby!!! read more

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We had tickets for 6th Floor, Millionaire's Row. We were lucky enough to get a police escort to the parking area. It's crazy to see all the people around the area of Churchill Downs and how they try to sell parking at their homes and in their yards. Anyway, our tour bus parked and we exited the bus. We got into the line of general admission, then we were moved to the media entry to make it into the building. We made it into the building then started to move onward and upward. The 6th floor is the top floor. We road the escalator all the way to the top. We showed our tickets at the door of Millionaire's Row then entered. The interior for 6th floor Millionaire's Row is something out of the 90's. The chairs are covered in fabric that is dated. They've got tons of televisions in the walls that show what is happing on the track. These tvs are the old tube type. I think they could stand to update the televisions like they did in the Turf Club on the 3rd floor. We were seated at our tables as indicated on the ticket. We waited a few minutes and then was greeted by our server who took our order. We had the all you can eat/drink plan, so we ordered a couple of the (usually) $15 mint juleps in the collector's cup. They've got a bar in the room, but it's a cash bar and why would I pay for a drink when a server can bring me one for free? There is also betting windows in the room that will take cash bets. If you don't have cash on you, you can download the app to bet on your phone. The food at the buffet was good but not great. There was a blackberry salad, some cold shrimp, some kind of shell pasta with a red sauce that was kind of dry, and prime rib or turkey breast. Granted I wasn't there for the food. I was there for the experience. We were in a room with the who's who of Louisville and of Kentucky. We saw the Governor, Matt Bevin more times than I'd like. The staff at the door was very on to make sure people who had tickets belonged. When we came back from the paddock, the guy at the door asked to see my wrist band and then wanted to see my ticket. Luckily I had my ticket on me. This happened a few times as I left Millionaire's Row to go to the bathroom, which was located outside of the area, but on the same floor. The bathroom had an attendant working, but you could tell he didn't want to be there. He would put the paper towels on the sink where it was wet. One time I went in there and I kept hearing something fall on the floor. Come to find out that it was him and he was dropping his phone on the ground because he kept falling asleep as he was seated. Later on in the day, he was gone. The view from the 6th floor is something that dreams are made of. We made it our there for a few of the races. Dumb me thought that there was only one race of the day. I was born and raised in Kentucky, but I was confused about how many races were happening on The Derby. We were able to stand at the edge of the terrace for all the races, expect for the actual Derby race, you had to have a special band for the front area on that race. We had a friend that was down in a suite in the infield. We made our way down to the ground level and tried to find a way to get to the infield. That proved harder to do than in theory. We kept asking how to get over and we kept getting different answers. It took about 30 minutes for us to get from 6th floor Millionaire's Row to the ground level on the other side. We finally decided to say f it and go back upstairs. It's kind of funny to see how the people dress upstairs and downstairs. Women upstairs have hats/fascinators, heels and dresses, the women on the ground level are wearing flip flops and less than dressy attire. My favorite part of the day was just people watching. It was so neat to see how the different classes live. Yes, I said classes, because if someone spends $1,000 on a ticket and another spends 55 bucks, there's going to be a difference. I also enjoyed all the mint juleps I had and was thankful for the server that gave us a box to take all our glasses home with us. I'll be back in the off season and miss all the decadence. read more

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I am extremely disappointed in the customer service I have received! I made an order back in April because I was planning a Kentucky derby party. I NEVER RECEIVED MY ORDER! It is mid-june and still have NOT received a CREDIT! $56.24 I have called and the person I spoke with was not at all helpful, abrupt actually. I asked why I never got my order? They weren't sure, but maybe the box was damaged?? read more

The Kentucky Derby is a bucket list event for any sports fan but in 2020 things have changed. We purchased a package of events from the Kentucky Derby preferred vendor QuintEvents and boy is their representation of the Derby poor. Poor communication during the pandemic about the status, when it was moved clients all canceled and have travel bans at many companies. They offered to move to to next year and CHARGE me 10%, I asked for a refund and they charged me 30% cancellation fee. Don't buy a package deal from these guys you won't like the experience and you surly won't like the hair cut you get. read more

What can one say about the derby that has not already been said. I grew up in the horse racing industry and have been to 6 Derbys in my lifetime. The derby is iconic in a way that no other event on the planet can compare to. To quote a friend that went with me one year "The derby is sensory overload". No other event you ever experience will ever have a multitude of sights, sounds, smells and feel that the derby delivers. I always say to those that experience the derby for the first time, that if you are not completely exhausted (regardless of how many mint juleps you have) by the time you hit the pillow, that you didn't do it right. In terms of the mere basics: tickets on the grandstand side can run from hundreds to thousands based on where you want to sit. My recommendation is that you show up for the first race and enjoy the full day of racing. As the day moves on the betting lines get longer and longer as more people show up. Be prepared to wait in line for everything as the day gets longer, so I also recommend that you get things like souvenirs, food, and landscape photo ops out of the way early because it really does get tough to move around later in the day. My last 2 tips are to get your derby bets in early so you can be a part of all the pageantry around the race instead of waiting in a betting line, and my final tip is to be prepared to wait getting out of parking lots around Churchill Downs after the race as where people show up at various times throughout the day, everyone wants to leave at the same time. Yes, that's 160,000+ people trying to leave the same event at the same time. read more

Sitting in Millionaire's Row drinking a Budweiser eating undercooked chicken and seeing people with plastic cups not what I was expecting for the price the ticket. In other words I had better service and better food at Mcdonalds read more

Yes, Its second derby event which i am going to attend. This time i got great packages on Kentucky Derby Tickets and Packages on http://www.derbyticketsinc.com read more