2024 Kentucky Derby FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race — it’s one of the most iconic events in all of sports. Taking place at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, the “Race for Roses” is the United States’ longest running sporting event, dating back to 1875. This longstanding race has a number of traditions, such as the garland of roses given to the winner, luxurious hats worn by the spectators, the consumption of mint juleps and the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.” With an average crowd of approximately 155,000, the Kentucky Derby is typically the most-attended stakes race in North America.

From food, to fashion, to the history that lives and breathes in-between, Ticketmaster has all the essential info for fans looking to make the most of the 2024 Derby Week. Keep reading for the answers to all of your Kentucky Derby questions.

Kentucky Derby Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Kentucky Derby take place?

Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has taken place on the dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday of May. In 2024, the 150th Kentucky Derby will be held on May 4.

What time is the Kentucky Derby?

The main event for the Kentucky Derby starts at approximately 6:45 p.m. ET. However, there are several preliminary races before the main event, which are set to start at 10:30 a.m. ET. Gates to Churchill Downs open at 9:00 a.m. ET. There will be no re-entry allowed.

The Kentucky Derby is actually a week-long event, known as Derby Week, that starts on April 27, 2024. Churchill Downs’ “Opening Night” gates open at 5 p.m. ET on April 27 with the first post time at 6 p.m. ET. Following Opening Night are events such as 502’sDay on April 30, 2024, Champions Day on May 1, 2024, Thurby on May 2, 2024, Kentucky Oaks on May 3, 2024, and finally the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024.

How many people attend the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby race sees 155,000-plus attendees on average.

What do people typically wear to the Kentucky Derby?

Kentucky Derby fashion is almost as iconic as the race itself. Audience members dress their best, wearing formal spring attire while toting large and extravagant hats. The tradition of dressing up for the Kentucky Derby was started by the founder, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr, as an event for the high-class. The early days of the Kentucky Derby were similar to classic European-style racing events, which had a strict formal dress code. The Kentucky Derby quickly became seen as an event to show off modern fashion. Stylish hats started to become popular during the 1960s when trends began to change. The introduction of the television , and in turn the race being broadcast into the homes of millions, also allowed audience members to show off for the cameras, which played a part in the larger and more colorful hats and outfits gaining popularity.

What is there to do at the Kentucky Derby?

Derby Week brings plenty of fun & festivities:

• Derby Week starts with Opening Night on Saturday, April 27. In 2024, Opening Night will serve as the preview for this year’s style, with Louisville’s Rodes For Him & For Her and KMAC Couture displaying modern Derby fashion trends. Kentucky Derby Milliners will also be present, giving tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your outfit. Racing will be prominent too, with multiple horse racing events taking place.
• Dawn at the Downs, taking place on Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28, is a behind-the-scenes look at the horses that are set to compete in both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Attendees can watch the horses that are participating in the races do their morning warm ups on the track, all accompanied by commentary from horse racing gurus. Both events are of no extra cost with tickets to the Derby or Oaks, but you can upgrade the experience by purchasing Dawn at the Downs Dining tickets, which allows access to a breakfast buffet on Millionaires Row while watching the horses on the track.
• The next event of the week will be 502’s Day on Tuesday, April 30. The event celebrates the Kentucky Derby community, and is frequently attended by Kentucky Derby superfans to appreciate the culture and traditions the race has inspired. Expect enthusiastic Derby-goers and plenty of horse racing here.
• Champions Day will be on Wednesday, May 1. This special day is meant to celebrate thoroughbred racing history, specifically past Kentucky Derby winners. Enjoy historic factoids and horse racing while celebrating one of the greatest racing horses in history.
• Thursday, May 2, is known as Thurby. With bluegrass, bourbon and horse racing, Thurby is a celebration of all things Kentucky. It is a must-attend for Derby patrons, as bluegrass music will be performed, top-shelf bourbon will be had and elite horses will be raced.
• Kentucky Oaks is set for Friday, May 3. This is America’s premier race for fillies (female horses). Nicknamed “Lilies for Fillies,” this event is as old as the Kentucky Derby, having started in 1875. Very similar to the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks sees crowds dressed to the nines to support and experience the quickest fillies in the world.
• Finally, the main event happens on Saturday, May 4. The fastest three-year-old thoroughbred horses in the world will compete in a 1.25-mile-long race, with the winner being showered in roses and a record $5 million purse.

What is the Kentucky Oaks?

The Kentucky Oaks presented by Longines takes place the day before the Derby on Friday, May 3, 2024. The event features a race of all-female horses. It’s also a celebration of fashion and fundraising. Guests are asked to wear the color pink to drive awareness to women’s health issues. It’s also tradition to have the Survivors Parade on the track, which honors breast and ovarian cancer survivors in partnership with the Breast Health Program at Norton Cancer Institute.

For even more information on the happenings of Derby Week, check out The First Timer’s Guide to the Kentucky Derby directly from Churchill Downs, which includes the top three things to do in Louisville.

How can I get ready for the race? 

Prep for the races by donning your most dapper derby attire. Over-the-top hats are encouraged. Keep in mind that purses larger than 12” x 6 x 12” are not allowed. See a complete list of prohibited items here.

If you’re coming in from out of town, head here for more details on travel and lodging.

Check here for rideshare, shuttle, and guest drop-off details. 

Churchill Downs also actively updates the standings of the horses lined up for the Derby, provides instructions on how to place wagers on the race, and provides great fashion pointers for the big day, too.

How do I buy Kentucky Derby tickets?

Fans can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.