Kentucky Derby

22 April – 1 May 2027 | Churchill Downs, Kentucky, United States

The Kentucky Derby 2027 returns to Churchill Downs as the centrepiece of a full Derby Week programme running from 22 April to 1 May 2027. The main race takes place on Saturday, 1 May, bringing together leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds for one of America’s most celebrated sporting traditions. Guests exploring other major race meetings can also discover MA Hospitality Group’s horse racing hospitality experiences worldwide.

Derby Day is only part of the experience. A full week of racing, traditions and hospitality leads into the main event, including Kentucky Oaks, Thurby and the opportunity to see Derby contenders training at Churchill Downs. For guests planning to attend, Kentucky Derby tickets and VIP hospitality can include premium seating, dining, suites and tailored race-week experiences.

Kentucky Derby 2027 Schedule & Derby Week

The build-up to the 2027 Derby begins before race day, with a series of themed events taking place at Churchill Downs. Official gate and first-race times for several Derby Week days are still to be confirmed.

Date	Event	Venue	Inquiries
22–28 April 2027	Dawn at the Downs Morning training sessions featuring Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders.	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
24 April 2027	Opening Day Derby Week Begins	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
25 April 2027	Sunday Funday	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
27 April 2027	502’sDay	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
28 April 2027	Winsday	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
29 April 2027	Thurby A popular Derby Week race day celebrating Louisville and Kentucky culture.	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
30 April 2027	Kentucky Oaks Oaks Day The major Grade I race for three-year-old fillies.	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now
1 May 2027	Kentucky Derby Derby Day The 153rd running of the Kentucky Derby and opening race of the American Triple Crown.	Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, United States	Inquire Now

Schedule note: Derby Week runs through a programme of racing and special events at Churchill Downs, culminating in Kentucky Oaks on 30 April and the 153rd Kentucky Derby on 1 May 2027. Event timings and individual race-day programming may be updated closer to the event.

Dawn at the Downs gives spectators the chance to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders during their morning training sessions, while Opening Day begins the main Derby Week racing programme. The schedule then builds toward Kentucky Oaks on 30 April, followed by the Kentucky Derby the next day.

Kentucky Derby Tickets & VIP Hospitality

Guests attending the Kentucky Derby 2027 can explore a range of premium ticket and hospitality options designed around Derby Day or the wider race weekend. Depending on availability and the selected arrangement, Kentucky Derby tickets and VIP hospitality may include:

Premium or reserved racecourse seating
Access to hospitality lounges or premium areas
Private suites and group hospitality
Food and beverage packages
Kentucky Oaks and Derby Day access
Dedicated guest services
Luxury accommodation in Louisville
Private transfers and chauffeur services

Packages can be tailored for individual guests, private groups or corporate occasions, with inclusions varying according to the selected experience and availability.

Experience the Kentucky Derby with MA Hospitality Group

From the racing at Churchill Downs to the traditions, fashion and atmosphere surrounding Derby Week, the Kentucky Derby experience extends well beyond the main race itself.

MA Hospitality Group can assist with tailored arrangements combining premium event access with hospitality, accommodation, private transportation and personalised services throughout the stay in Louisville. Whether attending for Derby Day, Kentucky Oaks or the wider Derby Week programme, our team can help create an experience built around your preferred level of access.

Contact MA Hospitality Group to enquire about Kentucky Derby 2027 tickets, VIP hospitality and bespoke race-week experiences.