Kentucky Derby Clutch Kentucky Oaks Fashion
There is nothing as heart-poundingly heady every bit watching your money sprint away from you down a rails. Err, I mean a horse. That's what I meant. Horse racing is SO thrilling, and cheering on your horse with a screaming crowd during the final stretch at the Kentucky Derby is incredibly exciting – even if you only bet $two!
So pause out your biggest chapeau and your boldest accommodate, because the Kentucky Derby is the outset Saturday in May.
Just this is no simple equus caballus race, y'all: the Kentucky Derby is the culmination of the world'south fastest horses paired with some of the world's richest people in some of the most wonderfully ridiculous outfits you lot've e'er seen. (We say that with deep affection: Derby fashion is maybe our favorite part of the unabridged consequence!)
With more than 150,000 people packing the stands each year, attending the Kentucky Derby ways you're guaranteed to see some questionable manner choices, spot a few celebrities, beverage a refreshing Mint Julep (or three), and lookout very small jockeys in brightly colored silks ride sleek, shiny, fast horses in the "the most exciting 2 minutes in sports". And, hopefully, take a blast!
Just going to the Kentucky Derby for the first time can exist super confusing. We know y'all have questions, such as just how big should my chapeau exist (very big) and are there means to save money at the Derby (aye)? In our ultimate Kentucky Derby guide for first-timers, you lot'll find everything y'all need to know – and possibly a fleck extra – about attending the "Run for the Roses!"
- What is the History of the Kentucky Derby?
- How Much are Tickets to the Kentucky Derby?
- General Admission aka The Infield
- Infield Bleacher Seating
- Reserved Seating & Boxes
- Derby Week Races
- Derby Week Schedule of Events
- Full general Kentucky Derby Tips
- How to relieve money at the Derby
- What to bring to the Derby
- Getting to the Kentucky Derby
- How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby
- Derby Day Refreshments
- How to Wearing apparel for the Kentucky Derby
- Hats at the Kentucky Derby
- Derby Dresses and Suits
- How to Dress for the Weather condition
- The Kentucky Derby Festival
- Derby Parties
- What Else to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
Planning a trip to Louisville, or just looking to become out and explore? Bank check out these other posts:
- The 63 Best Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
- Louisville Weekend Trip: The Perfect iii-Day Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Louisville, Kentucky (and Where Not to)
The first Derby started in 1875, when a man named Meriwether Lewis Clark (grandson to one-half of the famed duo Lewis and Clark) built Churchill Downs after visiting England and developing a taste for highbrow, pinkies-out kind of hobbies. Naturally, it didn't hurt his mother was from the Churchill family, one of the "first families" of Kentucky.
Today, the Kentucky Derby agree the distinction of being the longest-running sporting consequence in the U.S., continuing despite the Smashing Depression and two World Wars (though it was, understandably, delayed by the pandemic). The Derby likewise has a higher attendance than the World Series or even the Super Bowl (though the Super Bowl has the virtually televised viewership… and an awesome halftime bear witness, but whatever, we're not jealous, nosotros have fun hats).
Also the horse racing, the Derby is known for ultra-ridiculous fashion – retrieve gaudy prints, vivid colors, and hats that make you question what a hat really is (exercise lawn flamingos on your head constitute a chapeau?) – and the metropolis-broad Kentucky Derby Festival.
For 6 weeks, the city becomes a celebration of all things Derby, with parades, steamboat races, and the world'southward largest firework brandish. We're serious about our Derby, ya'll.
But before you lot don your fanciest chapeau and order a Mint Julep, we need to discuss something incredibly important:is horse racing ethical?
I don't have a quick answer for that, though I do recommend reading this incredibly detailed article in the New Yorker which looks at this question from all angles. The easiest and quickest respond I can requite you is that information technology depends – treatment of racehorses depends mostly on their owners, trainers and jockeys, and unfortunately, non all of the bigger players in equus caballus racing are invested in their horses' health and safety. We firmly believe the racing industry needs more regulations in place to continue horses safe.
And while horse racing has long been a tradition here in Kentucky, nosotros are currently at a pivotal moment in the history of the sport. The horse racing industry is facing well-deserved criticism and pressure to improve their requirements, and in the terminal couple of years, several new regulations accept gone into effect with the goal of protecting the horses. The biggest alter is implementation of the Equus caballus Racing Safety & Integrity Deed – here is a helpful article which breaks it all down.
Horse injuries and deaths occur when horses are pushed beyond their physical limits, given drugs to raise their performance, or a track is non properly maintained – none of that is ethical, and it's not OK.
That said, the fact is that horses do love to run, and a well-loved equus caballus creates an incredibly stiff bond with its jockey and trainer – which is also good for racing performance. And when a horse is injured or dies, information technology is heartbreaking – for animal lovers in general, but especially for those closest to the equus caballus: their jockeys, trainers, and in certain cases, owners.
In a perfect world, only horses in perfect wellness and at advisable ages would exist immune to race, and we're hopeful that the stricter regulations in place will move the horse racing industry in the right direction.
Derby tickets run the gamut equally far as toll goes: from General Access (aka the infield) which will run y'all around $65 if you become them early, to Millionaire's Row which, you might have guessed by the name, tin cost y'all up to $10,000.
The rule is, the sooner yous get tickets the cheaper they will be. They generally go on sale around mid-November, so … get on that.
The inexpensive Full general Admission ticket grants you admission to the full general public spaces like the Paddock, where the jockeys get the horses fix and you volition literally exist rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous… and lots of other plebs (it'southward crowded!), and too the Infield, where no one merely the GA ticket holders get.
General Access aka The Infield
The infield, also known as the Derby Political party, is simply that – 80,000 people partying in the eye of the race rails, where debauchery rules. If information technology is raining, or has rained recently, you will be wading through mud/ watching people literally mud-wrestling. Luckily, y'all are immune to bring a collapsible camping chair. I recommend this ane, which has a awning – essential on a sunny day, and might fifty-fifty be somewhat helpful in the rain, too!
The offset time I went to Derby I was in the infield with one of my all-time friends. It was muddy, and the most memorable moment of our entire mean solar day was when a shirtless human being ran across the top of the portapotties, jumped off like he was in an action film, kicked my friend and left a comemorative muddied footprint on her yellowish dress. Ahhh, memories.
The infield is a par-tay, with high-energy drunk shenanigans. Information technology's a lot of fun, but y'all're definitely going for the party more than than the bodily race: only the lucky people continuing correct by the rail will really be able to encounter the track (which is not many). And then during the actual races, the all-time you go will exist hearing the announcer.
Not that the infield can't be a great fourth dimension, just be prepared for it to experience a bit like a Hieronymus Bosch painting, for meliorate or worse. If you're twenty-four hours drunk and covered in mud and/or sweat, that's all office of the experience!
But if yous actually wanted to go along your pink seersucker adjust and nicest cocktail dress clean and watch some horses run down a rail, the Infield might not be the best way to experience the derby.
Infield Bleacher Seating
The side by side tier tickets are the Infield Uncovered Reserved Bleacher Seating, which are the cheapest "reserved seating" you're going to find on Derby day. .
While you'll definitely be able to see the rails, uncovered bleacher seats are non very glamorous, and in the rain, you'll be a wet bump on a log – no umbrellas are immune at Churchill Downs, and so pack a poncho. Bleacher tickets toll virtually $500 for ii days, which includes both The Derby and the Oaks, which is run the day before – that is, unless you're buying from a reseller like VividSeats or StubHub, where you can usually snag a single 24-hour interval ticket.
Equally a prissy bonus, the ticket includes drinks and nutrient at this level, and all higher levels every bit well.
Reserved Seating & Boxes
The adjacent tier upward begins at $1000 and gets you out of the infield and on the "correct side of the track" as it were.
Tickets from there skyrocket to the $10,000+ range, depending on how fancy and rich you are/ desire to be.
Check out all bachelor tickets to come across where the all-time place (and best budget selection) is for you. We highly recommend looking on VividSeats and StubHub, where you tin ordinarily discover reduced price tickets, single-day tickets, and even parking passes to help you save coin (and then you tin spend more on betting, plainly)!
Derby Week Races
Although "The Kentucky Derby" is a single race run on a single twenty-four hours, "The Derby" is more than like a 6-week long thing. And if you're non particular about experiencing The Actual Derby, you can even so get your fill of horse racing, fabulous hats, and Mint Juleps – all at much cheaper prices and with fewer crowds.
For what it's worth, Louisville locals do non unremarkably nourish the Kentucky Derby. You'll instead detect us at Thurby – the Th before Derby – or the Oaks, the day before Derby.
Each race day has its ain signature drink and a dissimilar vibe than the Derby, and is much, much cheaper. Attending ane of these races is a neat way to dip your toe into the Kentucky Derby experience without fully committing – just don't expect to see any celebrities!
Here are some of the other Derby events and races to consider attending:
Derby Week Schedule of Events
| Day | Event | What Is Information technology? | Gates Open | Toll of Tickets |
| Saturday, April 30 | Opening Nighttime | Dress to impress welcome party | v p.one thousand. | $21 – $104 |
| Tuesday, May 3 | Champions Twenty-four hour period | A celebration of racing history | 11:thirty a.chiliad. | $xv – $119 |
| Th, May 5 | Thurby | A celebration of all that is Kentucky. Also, the race day that locals attend. | 11:00 a.thou. | $x – $177 |
| Fri, May 6 | Kentucky Oaks | 3-year-old fillies racing the Derby's 2nd-biggest race | 9:00 a.m. | $l – $1k |
| Sat, May 7 | Kentucky Derby | The large race | 9:00 a.m. | $65-$10k |
Opening Night
Kentucky Derby calendar week kicks off with Opening Nighttime, featuring races and live entertainment!
The effect has reserved seating for as low as $24 and reserved dining for $85, and so it'southward not going to break the bank. While this isn't a super swanky event, it's suggested that you lot at least dress abrupt – party or cocktail dresses or pants and a apparel shirt, ties optional.
Of class, anybody is encouraged to wear – you guessed it – a fascinator, hat, headband, or another form of evening headpiece (hair fine art, perhaps?) in keeping with the festive Derby theme of the calendar week.
Thurby
Thurby, as y'all may be able to estimate, is a portmanteau of "Thursday" and "Derby", and falls on the Thursday before Derby. Known equally the "locals day", Thurby is a celebration of all things Kentucky with great horse racing, bourbon, and music.
It wasn't actually an official event until semi-recently, when its popularity grew considering locals didn't desire to beat out for Oaks and Derby Twenty-four hours. And now it's a Thing.
Equally far equally Thurby Tickets, you can get General Admission tickets for effectually $ten, and reserved seating between $50-100. It's a great way to beat the crowds and get a much more comfy "Derby" experience – without the bodily Derby part.
Oaks Twenty-four hours
Oaks is the Fri earlier Derby, and it is a celebration of ladies – and America's virtually premier three-year-onetime fillies equus caballus race. The winning filly receives a garland of pink stargazer lilies, adorably named "lilies for the fillies." There'south even an official pink cocktail called The Lily. Derby Week is really an excuse to be ridiculously cutesy, y'all.
The official dress code for the Oaks is that you can wearable whatever color every bit long as information technology is pinkish! (Because of the whole "ladies" thing.) So expect to run across a lot of women and men wearing pink to match the winning garland.
Since Oaks is such a major event and the day before the large race, expect it to be more crowded than Thurby. But there is something magical well-nigh pink twenty-four hours at the Downs!
Tickets for Oaks outset around $l for GA and $175 for reserved seating, which is even so much cheaper than Derby, and so it is a great pick if you want the hustle and bustle of Derby without the price. Y'all *might* even see a C-list celeb or two.
- Fun Local Fact: The Oaks is a city-wide vacation for some reason, with everyone off of piece of work and fifty-fifty school. Why does Louisville allow children out of school for a horse race that you have to exist eighteen+ to attend? I have no thought. Simply I definitely didn't complain growing up!
Dawn at the Downs
During Derby Week, you have the opportunity to feel a unique and exciting Derby week action: Dawn at the Downs! This is when jockeys and horses are warming up first thing in the morning.
For aspiring betters and folks with lots of money on the line, this is a good opportunity to make important decisions most which horses to bet on based on their morning time warm-up performance. For the rest of usa plebs, information technology's a good opportunity to spot celebrities and partake in Kentucky Derby festivities – for gratuitous!
You lot'll want to head to Churchill Downs beginning thing in the morning. Derby and Oaks contenders begin first around 7:30 AM, simply you'll find horses warming upward until 10am. You exercise not need a ticket – although if you're feeling fancy, you tin can purchase a ticket which includes breakfast at the track.
Afterwards you've made a few extremely astute observations about how the horses are looking or whatsoever, head to historic Wagner's Pharmacy, a famous diner beyond the street from Churchill Downs, for breakfast – and to await for celebrities, who are often institute here on Derby Calendar week.
General Kentucky Derby Tips
Here are our overall elevation Kentucky Derby tips to keep in mind:
- Bets may not exist made with a credit card, in accord with state law. I approximate they don't want you lot betting money you may or may not have? Anyhow, bring a debit card.
- Bring cash with you. While there are ATMs scattered through the facility, lines can be long and will easily eat into your viewing time.
- There is a limit of two alcoholic drinks served per person at a single time. That ways if information technology is your plow to get to the bar, you volition need to have someone with you if you plan on ordering more than two alcoholic beverages.
- Concluding call for food and drinks is signified by the "Phone call to the Post" for the second-to-last race of the twenty-four hours.
- Outside nutrient is allowed at the Kentucky Derby. For those looking to save a buck, skip the event nutrient and instead bring your own!
- No public WiFi is available during Kentucky Oaks or the Kentucky Derby.
- Amenities include three nursing mothers rooms and the addition of 400 new restroom stalls.
- If you need emergency assistance, text DERBY to 69050 to immediately be put in touch with Invitee Services, or look for nearby staff in brilliant red shirts/jackets or bright yellow shirts/windbreakers.
- Download the Churchill Downs Racetrack app. It will let you lot practise everything from browse your tickets at the gate, find a parking spot, find your seat, browse betting tips, place bets, and locate nearby restrooms and nutrient. You tin can fifty-fifty use the app to transfer or resell your tickets.
How to relieve money at the Derby
Between tickets, betting, attending Galas, and all of those Mint Juleps, it's like shooting fish in a barrel for expenses to spiral wildly out of command at the Kentucky Derby. However, we have a few expert Kentucky Derby tips that will help to spare your wallet – and your banking concern account:
- Buy tickets as soon as possible. Tickets will continue to increase in price the closer to the event it gets.
- Look for tickets on VividSeats or StubHub. You lot can find more deals from resellers, and both of these sites are legit.
- If yous plan on visiting the runway multiple days, wait into packet tickets to save you coin.
- Buy an infield ticket and pack a lunch. This is hands downwardly the most cheap manner to experience the Kentucky Derby.
- Bring greenbacks. This will assistance you lot avoid pricey ATM fees and improve help yous stick to a budget.
- Arrive and exit via public transit. A TARC bus ticket costs just $1.75 one manner! We've got more details below.
- Attend Derby Week races instead. If you're not a purist, you tin can save a package of money by attending Thurby, Oaks, or fifty-fifty the early-week races. You can still get dressed upwards and place bets and everything! Then during Derby Weekend, you can be off bourbon tasting or whatsoever – oh hey, and we've got the perfect Louisville itinerary to assistance you plan your trip!
We've likewise got a bunch of upkeep-friendly Derby outfits below to help yous program your ~lewk.
What to bring to the Derby
Packing for the Derby is its own challenge! There is no re-entry, so it'south important to bring everything you lot demand with you lot. There is an all-encompassing list of prohibited items, including alcohol, large cameras, coolers, drones, or pets… and a bunch of very specific rules and regulations.
Here'southward what to pack in your day purse, which cannot be a backpack or duffel bag, and must be smaller than 12" x vi" 10 12":
- Clear pelting poncho
- Change of shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- ii 24 oz articulate plastic water bottles. Sadly, reusable h2o bottles are not allowed.
- Snacks and nutrient. Boxed lunches or food items must be in clear plastic bags or containers
- Phone charger
- Infield just: collapsible camping chair. You will want this, trust me. Information technology doesn't accept to fit into your pocketbook. I recommend this one, which has a canopy – essential on a sunny day, and might be somewhat helpful in the rain, too!
- Bleachers only: small cushions to sit on
Getting to the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is hosted at the Churchill Downs Racetrack, which has three entrance gates: the Paddock Gate, Clubhouse Gate and Infield Gate. (For Dawn at the Dawns, we recommend parking about the Paddock Gate.)
By Automobile
If you plan on driving yourself to Churchill Downs, it is disquisitional to know that all parking is sold in advance for both Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. You'll demand to buy a parking pass – and they are Not cheap.
While limited parking is available on-site, there may be parking in the surrounding neighborhoods or via individual lots. In that location are also all kinds of complicated road closures and such – maps, schedules, and more information are all available online.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Churchill Downs has specific procedures for attendees arriving by taxi or a ride-sharing service:
- Taxis: If you will be using a taxi for travel, use the Churchill Downs auto-court for drop-off, establish in front of the Barbaro Statue by the Kentucky Derby Museum (see moving picture higher up).
- Ride-sharing services: Utilise Thornberry Artery to access the designated invitee drop-off areas. Rides can wait for you in 1 of the sixteen numbered spaces located within the Blue Lot. Rally is another pick – it's a bus rideshare specifically for the Kentucky Derby with 60 pick-up locations.
By Bus
Your cheapest transit option is to accept TARC to and from Churchill Downs: a i-manner adult cash fare is simply $1.75, and buses run all mean solar day on the regular schedule.
To go to Churchill Downs, y'all'll desire to hop on Routes 4, half-dozen, or 29.
- Road #4 covers parts of downtown, the University of Louisville, One-time Louisville, and neighborhoods nigh Iroquois Park.
- Road #six provides service in downtown, Iroquois Park neighborhoods and the area near Auburndale.
- Route #29 connects Shively, U of L/Onetime Louisville, the Highlands and St. Matthews.
After the races, due to detours, buses choice up passengers at unlike stops than where they were dropped off. So … definitely bookmark this page with route details now, while yous're still sober.
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby
Betting, much like hats, is a staple at the Kentucky Derby. Whether you are betting $1 or $1000, it's role of the feel, peculiarly if you are at Churchill Downs! Over $150 1000000 is won each year, which begs the question: are you feeling lucky?
If you are new to betting, there is a helpful guide on the Kentucky Derby website. Yous tin bet from dwelling house, and it's a proficient idea to place your bet early (unless, of course, you're post-obit last-infinitesimal odds changes).
At Churchill Downs, you can bet at any of the on-site kiosks or via their app. The kiosks are conveniently placed absolutely everywhere – it'due south like they want you to bet or something!
You should know how much money you want to wager, what type of bet y'all desire to place and the number of the horse (or horses) that you're betting in the Derby.
Each yr on the week of the Derby, the Courier-Journal releases a guide to all of the horses, including their names, Jockeys, owners, whether they come up from a line of winning horses, their current odds, and their silks (the patterned outfits and hats the Jockeys wear). To find it, google "Courier Journal [Yr] Kentucky Derby Betting Guide." Unfortunately, the CJ puts it backside a paywall these days, just you tin can usually find it online on Scribd (here's the one from 2021, for example.)
That guide is essential – it'southward my become-to guide each yr! It gives you everything you demand to make a conclusion on who to bet on, fifty-fifty if you're basing it off of something absolutely nonsensical like best name or coolest silk.
Incidentally, that's my betting strategy: a skilful name usually means the equus caballus is well-loved and taken care of, and therefore a good selection. And coolest silks .. well, that just makes sense.
Not quite ready to leave your Derby bet upward to risk but likewise not an skillful at reading and analyzing equus caballus odds? Don't worry – we've gotcha covered with some beginner-friendly Derby betting tips, courtesy of our founder's Dad. (Hi, Bob!)
Lia'due south Dad's Idiot-Proof Derby Betting Tips
Our founder Lia's Dad has a tried and true betting routine which he's been relying on unfailingly for decades. It's pretty darn idiot proof (no criminal offense, Bob) – requite it a endeavour!
- Bet $2 on every horse to win. You lot're guaranteed to win, but the fun part is whether you'll make your $40 dorsum or not.
- Bet $ii on ONLY the long odds horses to win (20:i) or higher). Eventually, you will win – large. This technique works all-time if you're betting every year, because it takes roughly a decade to greenbacks in on this technique. Eventually, though, you will! Probably.
- Bet on the favorite to win, and on all long odds (20:1+) horses to place and prove. This technique pays out more often than strategy #2, and occasionally, it's a large payout!
Derby Solar day Refreshments
One time your bets take been placed, and yous are settled in your seat, information technology is time to call up most filling your belly and quenching your thirst. While yous can bring in a few snacks and water bottles (all in clear containers), at that place'due south plenty of food bachelor at Churchill Downs. Several locations for nutrient and beverage are strategically located around the area, also as the staff serving the stands with all sorts of goodies, including the signature Mint Juleps.
Mint Juleps are the potable of the Kentucky Derby, and not drinking one, much like not wearing a hat, is a sin when visiting on race day.
The recipe is unproblematic: 2 oz. Woodford Reserve®, one/ii oz. Simple Syrup, 3 Fresh Mint Leaves, and Crushed Water ice served in a commemorative glass. It'south minty, bourbon-y (very bourbon-y … honestly the 2nd 1 e'er tastes ameliorate) and very refreshing on a (hopefully) gorgeous, sunny Derby day.
If you go a GA/Infield ticket, you'll exist able to find concession stands serving hot dogs, burgers, pizza, tacos, burrito bowls, lobster rolls, and chicken and waffle sandwiches, etc., so you lot have lots of options!
If you lot buy a reserved seat, your ticket includes all this nutrient and more! Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are costless with your ticket, fifty-fifty including the commemorative glass. So go on and drink until your $500 2-24-hour interval ticket feels justified!
How to Apparel for the Kentucky Derby
If there's one thing the Derby is known for – other than, y'all know, horses – information technology's the fashion, which can be anything from classy and finessed to gaudy, over-the-top, and sometimes just downright ridiculous.
Flossy pastels, patterns, and seersucker suits compliment uniquely designed hats (ranging from large to extremely large) in a fashion festival where men and women alike try to ane-up each other in a breathy display of wealth and (often poor) gustation. If Derby isn't elevate for the wealthy, I don't know what is!
Merely how far should yous get? And what makes upwards a proper Derby lewk? Let's explore beneath.
Hats at the Kentucky Derby
Derby hats are revered equally a long-continuing tradition of the Kentucky Derby, and begs us to enquire: what constitutes a hat? Is it 4 yards of tule on your head? Painted backyard flamingos glued to some kind of base? Disco cherries glistening in the sun?
The answer is always aye. Basically, if it sits on your head and you lot're at Derby, it's a Derby hat!
Both men and women akin get in on the Derby chapeau activity, even if they haven't taken the extra step to glue plastic horses to their heads.
Women generally favor colorful, broad-brimmed hats with feathers and some kind of accouterment or more than simple fascinators, and men steer towards bowlers, fedoras, derbies (duh), and other classic headwear.
Simple or boggling, you lot aren't really at Derby if you aren't wearing something on your head.
Much like the tickets themselves, Derby hats tin range anywhere from pre-made and inexpensive to Milliner-fabricated and plush. You lot tin can find Derby hats and fascinators online for budget-friendly prices, even on Amazon. Below are a few of our favorite picks:
If y'all're in a pinch or just want to be extra creative, go out your hot gum gun and make your own! Start with a wide-brimmed sunhat similar you lot can find at any store, like this from Amazon. And so follow a tutorial like this!
Remember, you will always earn actress points (in the course of strangers complimenting you lot) for inventiveness. The sky is the limit, truly, and you'll have fun pretending you lot're in a design challenge on RuPaul'southward Drag Race.
If your budget allows, there are lots of local places in Louisville to go Derby hats while supporting local artists and craftspeople! Start by looking into the Featured Milliners picked each year by Churchill Downward's, such as Formé Millinery.
Other local hat shops to notice your perfect Derby lid include The Mysterious Rack, HeadCandi, Work the Metal, and Dee's Hats – there are a ton of shops in town that sell Derby hats!
Derby Dresses and Suits
If it wasn't clear from the section in a higher place, the hats are the real star here, simply clothes that go with the theme of your hat are also important too.
In that location are no "official" colors for Derby, merely people exercise tend to comprise pinks on Oaks (which is women'due south twenty-four hour period) and reds on Derby, since information technology is "run for the roses" later all. You lot'll also see lots of pastel mint green, hot pinkish, lime green, and anything that falls into a general "Easter" colour palette, plus bold black and white patterns.
In terms of dresses, think jump dresses with floral prints (florals for bound? Groundbreaking) and cocktail dresses with spring heels or sandals – though flats are always a good choice, as the ground varies profoundly at Churchill Downs. Basically, mod southern belle.
For suits, you'll desire at to the lowest degree conform jacket even if you're sporting shorts. Seersucker is a common textile amid Derby goers – generally because it'south breathable, see also: cotton and linen – and then are suits with crazy patterns. Pair information technology with a floral push button-down shirt and slap a bowtie on!
Couples, in full general, tend to stick to a similar color palette, whether it be pastels for spring, or neon colors like hot pink or lime greenish. "Matchy-matchy" is definitely a theme for couples as well, with bold colors or prints that shout "we're a couple!".
While in that location is no strict dress code, there are certain apparel standards for certain areas of Churchill Downs, so be sure to wait that over. But equally long as you're dressed in your fanciest, you should be fine!
Derby is a fashion upshot, so be wildly creative and savour the looks you get (and peradventure go photographed yourself!), and relish the people watching – which honestly may exist the real main event on Derby day.
How to Wearing apparel for the Atmospheric condition
The Kentucky Derby is sometimes a gorgeous day… and sometimes a cold rainy mess. Continue these tips in mind when planning:
- Pack a clear pelting poncho or fabulous raincoat, because view-blocking umbrellas are not permitted – even clear umbrellas.
- Ladies, consider packing a spare pair of flip flops or flats to give your feet a rest after a long mean solar day of running back and forth between your seat, the restroom, and concessions.
- E'er check the conditions in the days – and fifty-fifty hours – leading upwards to the upshot, as the atmospheric condition can change on a dime and leave you woefully ill-prepared, which seems to be the case with nearly every Derby ever!
The Kentucky Derby Festival
Even though information technology is referred to every bit "the nearly exciting two minutes in sports," the Derby is really a 4-6 calendar week commemoration, and it's all role of The Kentucky Derby Festival!
The Kentucky Derby Festival is full of the most predictable events of the twelvemonth, especially equally a Louisivillian. Even if you aren't a Derby goer, you CANNOT ESCAPE the Derby Festival, which starts in belatedly March and lasts until the Derby on the first Saturday in May. During this fourth dimension, the entire metropolis bursts into bloom, colorful equus caballus statues decorated past local artists and businesses pop upwards all over town, and a certain excitement permeates the air.
Every Louisvillian has their own favorite issue. Mine is Thunder over Louisville, the world'southward LARGEST firework display. Lia's is Fest-A-Ville, a week-long party on the banks of the Ohio River which includes live music, fried nutrient, and a serial of exciting events including Neigh-Maste, the Ken-Ducky Derby, and the Derby Pun-Writing Championship. Bonus points if you tin guess which 1 of those events is made up.
There's the Great Balloon Glow, the Pegasus Parade, WineFest, Taste of Derby, an extremely slow just incredibly exciting Steamboat Race, and countless other events that begs the question, is anyone ever sober in this city?!
In the calendar month leading up to Derby, you simply cannot avoid hearing the give-and-take "Derby", seeing behemothic painted horse statues and little Pegasus Pins everywhere (which permit you into a lot of the events – choice one up at Kroger), and mostly feeling like yous're being indoctrinated into some kind of horse-worshipping cult.
Derby Parties
There are lots of parties leading up to the Derby – some of which y'all can attend, and some which you can only dream of attending.
The blackness-tie Barnstable Brown Gala is the premier Derby party – the one you absolutey MUST attend if yous're a celebrity, A-lister, or social climber a la Anna Delvey. It always happens the Friday night before Derby, attended by the rich and famous at the glamorous and enormous Barnstable Chocolate-brown mansion in the gorgeous Cherokee Park neighborhood of the Highlands.
The gala is hosted by notable local twins Patricia and Priscilla Barnstable, who were once the Doublemint Twins. Yes, really. Fun fact: they went to high school with Lia's mom! Years afterward, that connectedness resulted in a coveted ticket, which is how Lia came to be the proud owner of an shorthand past Melissa Joan Hart at the summit of her Sabrina years.
To attend the Barnstable Brown Gala, you are either rich or a celebrity, preferably both. While you can purchase your mode in for a pretty $1500 (information technology supports diabetes research!), for nigh of united states of america regular folks, the next best thing to do is to stand outside at the red carpet and gawk at the likes of Tom Brady, Miranda Lambert, and Paris Hilton every bit they sashay their mode into the party. People line up every year hoping to get a glimpse at their favorite star or sportsball role player across the unachievable gap of societal and economical class. Ah, the American dream!
B- and C-listers and influencers who didn't brand the invite list at the Barstable Dark-brown Gala (how embarrassing) or didn't desire to shell out $1500 for a party (celebrities – they're simply like the states!) can exist plant dancing the night away at Unbridled Eve – tickets start at "only" $500 each!
If you're curt on celebrity friends and still paying off your student loans, caput to the Hillbilly Outfield with the rest of us plebs, a two-twenty-four hours shindig consummate with lawn games, camping, and live music. You will absolutely not see any celebrities here.
Where to Stay in Louisville
At that place are tons of amazing places to stay in Louisville! Just showtime you lot take to pick which role of town to base yourself in.
We recommend staying in or shut to Downtown, such equally in Former Louisville, NuLu, or Butchertown. Staying centrally volition limit your need for a rental car, then you tin get around to the entirety of this itinerary by bike, ride-share, and jitney instead. Here are our picks in each area:
- Downtown:Downtown Louisville has a bunch of crawly hotels within walking distance to Museum Row and the waterfront. We dearest Louisville's newest boutique hotel, The Grady Hotel, right on Museum Row in the heart of downtown – y'all, it's real beautiful! 21C Museum Hotel is both a hotel and a rad contemporary fine art museum. If you're willing to splurge, 21C is super unique and well worth it! Fun fact: at that place are 21c locations in other cities, but Louisville is the original location.
- Old Louisville:This historic neighborhood is Louisville'due south almost beautiful, and is full of gorgeous Victorian homes. If you tin snag it, our favorite Louisville holiday rental is right on beautiful little Central Park! Or try The Inn at St. James Court, a charming b&b located on Louisville's cute and walkable St. James Court.
- Butchertown & NuLu: These are two of the most upward-and-coming neighborhoods in Louisville, turning old historic warehouses into cool urban-living lofts, galleries, and eateries. They're fantastic walking and bike-friendly neighborhoods, simply you won't find many hotels – so we recommend booking on VRBO! We love this chic, hip loft that's one street over from the shops and restaurants on Market Street. This colorful, celebrated apartment is right next to the NuLu Marketplace, and this vibrant apartment is but 1 block away from our favorite coffee shop, Quills.
I more than tip: Louisville has lots of great hotels, but unfortunately, many of them are in the East End – a function of town that'south not really smashing for visitors and tourists. It's not accessible by public transit, it's mostly residential, and it'due south far away from the best things to practise in Louisville. The reason and so many hotels are in this area is that at that place's lots of space and it's near a few business concern parks. Nosotros don't recommend staying in Louisville's East Stop.
Want some more options and tips on where to stay during your trip? Head over to our detailed guide on where to stay in Louisville!
What Else to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
In between your Derby activities, in that location are so many things to do in Louisville! From sampling the most famous Louisville foods to bourbon tasting or brewery hopping to exploring local neighborhoods like NuLu and the Highlands, you'll desire to brand the almost out of your trip.
Everyone knows Kentucky is famous for its bourbon, and there are a bunch of bourbon distilleries downtown, similar Angel'south Envy. If you prefer brandy or a footling absinthe, Copper & Kings is another awesome local distillery!
Louisville has lots of fun active experiences likewise, which are bang-up in the beautiful calendar month of May, similar underground ziplining at the limestone Mega Cavern, stopping to smell the flowers at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, or paddle your middle away at the Parklands of Floyds Fork.
And even when races aren't running, Churchill Downs is dwelling house to a fantastic museum, the Kentucky Derby Museum. You can larn about the history of thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, Black heritage in racing, and more.
Earlier you lot finalize your plans, be sure to check out our ideal Louisville weekend itinerary and guide to things to do in Louisville.
Which of our Kentucky Derby tips was the most helpful? What questions do you take well-nigh attention the Kentucky Derby for the first time? Drop us a comment below!
Before you go, exist sure to check out these other posts:
- Louisville Weekend Trip: The Perfect three-Twenty-four hours Itinerary
- The 63 Best Things to Practise in Louisville, Kentucky
- Where to Stay in Louisville, Kentucky (and Where NOT to)
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