Arrival day
Wednesday 28 AprilFan zones open the day before. Take the afternoon for the city.
- Half-dayBourbon distillery tour
- EatJack Fry's
Kentucky Derby 2027 in Louisville: weekend guide and things to do
29 April to 1 May 2027 · ExpectedLouisville, United StatesThe most exciting two minutes in sports
Kentucky Derby is one big day in Louisville, but most fans arrive the day before and leave the day after. This guide covers the arrival afternoon, match-day morning, the evening and the free day after.
Know before you go
- The Kentucky Oaks on Friday is the locals' favourite day; Derby Day is Saturday.
- Hats, mint juleps and a long day: gates open early in the morning and the Derby runs near 7 pm.
Airport to Churchill Downs
Louisville (SDF) is 10 minutes from downtown and Churchill Downs.
Shuttles run from downtown and the Kentucky Expo Center; rideshare drop zones fill up early.
Public transport directions to Churchill Downs
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Airport and Expo area | Chains near Churchill Downs. |
| Mid-range | Downtown and NuLu | Bourbon bars. |
| Splurge | The Brown Hotel and 21c | Historic and art hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Louisville Airport
- Mid-range: 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
- Splurge: The Brown Hotel
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual weekend schedule for 29 April to 1 May 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Match day morning
Thursday 29 AprilFree until you head to the stadium. Avoid anything far away or tiring.
- Easy outingChurchill Downs and Derby Museum tour
- FreeWaterfront Park and the Big Four Bridge.
The day after
Sunday 2 MayA full free day before you fly.
- Full dayKentucky Bourbon Trail day trip
- EatThe Brown Hotel
Evening plans
For the night before or after the match.
Family-friendly picks
- Louisville Mega Cavern.
- Louisville Zoo.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Fourth Street Live and NuLu.
5 tours worth booking for Kentucky Derby
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon distillery tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Kentucky Bourbon Trail day trip | Full day | Food lovers |
| Churchill Downs and Derby Museum tour | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Louisville Slugger Museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Belle of Louisville riverboat | Evening | Tired legs, Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Muhammad Ali Center.
- Frazier History Museum.
Getting around on event days
- TARC buses and rideshare; Derby Day traffic is extreme, so use shuttles.
Day trips from Louisville
- Bardstown: 1 hour
- Lexington horse farms: 1.2 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Kentucky Derby.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Kentucky Derby 2027?
The next edition is 29 April to 1 May 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Churchill Downs?
Louisville (SDF) is 10 minutes from downtown and Churchill Downs. Shuttles run from downtown and the Kentucky Expo Center; rideshare drop zones fill up early.
Where should I stay for Kentucky Derby?
For most visitors the best base is Downtown and NuLu: Bourbon bars.
What else can we do around Kentucky Derby?
Good short outings in Louisville include Bourbon distillery tour, Churchill Downs and Derby Museum tour, Louisville Slugger Museum. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Kentucky Derby?
Family-friendly picks: Churchill Downs and Derby Museum tour, Louisville Slugger Museum, Belle of Louisville riverboat. Louisville Mega Cavern.
How far is Churchill Downs from Louisville centre?
About 6 km in a straight line. Shuttles run from downtown and the Kentucky Expo Center; rideshare drop zones fill up early.