Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs | May 1, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
Reserve 2027 Kentucky Derby Packages and Kentucky Derby Tickets! Visit Churchill Downs to experience the excitement of horse racing’s biggest event. Our 2027 Derby Hotel Packages include Kentucky Derby Tickets, unique one-of-a-kind Derby experiences, and lodging in Louisville close to Churchill Downs or nearby Lexington. Kentucky Derby 2027 packages also include transportation to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks at Churchill Downs. Book your 2027 Kentucky Derby Travel Package or Derby Tickets today!
Explore Embassy Suites LexingtonEmbassy Suites Lexington
Horse Farm & Bourbon Distillery Tours + Derby Day
starting at $2455 pp
Stay in the heart of horse country at the Embassy Suites Lexington, located about one hour from Churchill Downs. Enjoy a fully guided horse farm tour with a visit to a bourbon distillery and luncheon at the Kentucky Horse Park. Plus visit historic Keeneland Race and Old Friends Farm. On
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Explore Hampton Inn LouisvilleHampton Inn Louisville
Oaks & Derby with hotel in Downtown Louisville
starting from $3195
Staying at the Hampton Inn Louisville Downtown will make your 2027 Derby Experience one to remember. Located close to 4th Street Live entertainment area and in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the Hampton Inn is the perfect hotel close to Churchill Downs! Our Derby Packages including lodging, tickets to
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Explore The Moxy LouisvilleThe Moxy Louisville
4-star Moxy Hotel + Derby & Oaks
starting from $4395 pp
Our newest hotel for Kentucky Derby Weekend is The Moxy by Marriot Louisville Downtown. Enjoy tickets to the Kentucky Oaks and Derby with transfers to Churchill Downs, plus access to covered seating and VIP hospitality.
Explore The Manchester LexingtonThe Manchester Lexington
4-star luxury hotel in Lexington
Bourbon Making, Horse Farm Tours + Derby Day
Stay in luxury at The Manchester in Lexington, Kentucky and enjoy an exclusive Derby Weekend experience with us. This unique tour includes Derby weekend hotel stay and Friday tour of Bluegrass country's best horse farm and distillery tour. Enjoy an afternoon of tasting and fine dining followed by the opportunity
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What is included in Kentucky Derby Weekend Packages?
- Hotel accommodations in your choice of Lexington or Louisville, Kentucky
- Tickets to the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and/or the Kentucky Derby on Saturday
- Race day transportation to Churchill Downs via motorcoach
- Unlimited food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages included throughout the race, provided by Churchill Downs
- Some meals included (depending on tour option chosen)
- Lexington Guests can experience:
- Day trips into the beautiful Blue Grass Countryside
- Guided, behind the scenes tours of Horse Farms - see where the champion horses live and train
- Visit Former Champion race horses at the famous Old Friends Farm and historic Keeneland Race Course
- Guided bourbon tour with tastings
- Build your own bottle, private bourbon making experience (Manchester guests only)
- Luncheon and admission to the Kentucky Horse Park (Embassy guests only)
- Louisville Guests can experience:
- Hotels closest to Churchill Downs
- Flexible shuttle schedules to and from the track
- Options to add on day trips to nearby Bourbon Distilleries and horse farms
Planning Your Kentucky Derby Trip
What are the start times for the 2027 Kentucky Derby and Oaks:
Kentucky Oaks start time is April 30, 2027 at 8:40pm ET.
Kentucky Derby start time is May 1, 2027 at 6:57pm ET.
Churchill Downs gates open at 11am on Oaks Day and 9:00am on Derby Day.
Kentucky Oaks first post is at 12:30pm.
Kentucky Derby first post is at 11am.
Plan your Kentucky Derby Experience to be the perfect combination of history and horse racing excitement during the famous Derby Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. The date of the 2027 Kentucky Derby is May 1, 2027.
Arriving in the beautiful state of Kentucky, guests will quickly notice the rolling hills of the Blue Grass Country and peaceful scenery of the many horse farms that line the city borders. Churchill Downs race track is located in Louisville, Kentucky in the heart of the Midwest of the United States of America. The city also sits on the banks of the scenic Ohio River.
The Kentucky Derby is considered the most famous Thoroughbred Racing event in the world. In addition to the race, the Kentucky Derby Festival provides entertainment for race fans for the 2 weeks leading up to the race. Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Derby is known as “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.”
Explore the History of Churchill Downs
Walking into Churchill Downs is like walking back into the past. Cobblestone walkways line the exterior corridors. The architecture of the track transports you to a time gone past. Men dressed in suits wearing straw hats, and ladies wearing fine dresses and elaborate hats, complete the atmosphere of timeless charm. Even the official drink of the Derby, the Mint Julep, is a salute to a bygone era.
The beautiful track features famous seating areas and multiple hospitality options to create the ultimate Kentucky Derby weekend trip. You might be wondering how much is a ticket to the Kentucky Derby. The most expensive tickets to the Derby are in the famed “Millionaire’s Row” and the Turf Club, which is typically where celebrities come to watch the race. The best value tickets are in the First Floor grandstand sections, however you will not be able to see around the entire track from this vantage point. Higher sections providing better views include the 2nd Floor Grandstand and 3rd Floor Clubhouse. Several areas on the 3rd Floor have covered roofs that protect from the weather. The cheapest Derby tickets are in the general admission area called the Infield. This area is known for it's non-stop party atmosphere. There are no seats in the infield and there is no protection from the weather.
Where to stay for the Kentucky Derby?
Sports Traveler offers two lodging locations in our Kentucky Derby travel packages. Planning your Derby trip starts with deciding where to stay. Louisville offers lodging closest to Churchill Downs, but this convenience does come at a higher hotel rate cost. While visiting Louisville, travelers can visit the legendary Louisville Slugger Museum and the Frazier International History Museum where the life and ideals of Muhammad Ali can be explored. Staying in Lexington offers Derby travelers a cheaper hotel lodging price and the opportunity to explore the "Blue Grass Country" filled with equine history, bourbon distilleries, and horse farm tour opportunities.
Let Sports Traveler plan your trip to the Kentucky Derby. We specialize in Kentucky Derby Tickets, Travel Packages, Transportation, and VIP Derby Experiences for all budgets.
Kentucky Derby Tickets and Hospitality Club Access
Where to sit in Churchill Downs at the Kentucky Derby?
1st Floor Grandstand: Travelers can expect to have clear views of the front stretch of Churchill Downs, however will not be able to see the entire track. This ticket is an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.
2nd Floor Grandstand: For the Kentucky Derby traveler who is on a budget, but wants elevated seating, a 2nd Floor Grandstand ticket is for you. Have a great view of the front stretch and a better view of the entire track. See the Kentucky Derby at an inexpensive price.
3rd Floor Grandstand: 3rd Floor Grandstand or Clubhouse Tickets provide an excellent view of the entire track for your enjoyment of the entire race. Some higher rows are covered by an overhang roof.
4th, 5th, 6th Floor Millionaires Row: Enjoy luxury Kentucky Derby tickets with premium seating on the 4th, 5th, or 6th Floor Millionaire's Row, the most exclusive at Churchill Downs. Fantastic views of the entire track plus exclusive VIP treatment! All tickets are at reserved tables. Step onto the balcony to view the races.
GA or Infield GA:
These tickets are General Admission (GA) for the Churchill Downs Infield and do not include a seat in the stands. They are open seating on the infield grass. You can bring your own portal chair and/or blanket to sit on. See the Churchill Downs website for complete rules and restrictions.
Kentucky Derby Hospitality & In-Track Club Access
Millionaires Row and Sky Terrace (formerly Matt Winn Room):
A premium dining area in the Churchill Downs Clubhouse and consists of 8 person circular tables with a limited view of the race from behind the glass of the Interior Premium Boxes. The area has their own betting windows, restrooms, and access to a premium buffet and waiter service.
Turf Club:
The Turf Club is located indoors on the 3rd Floor clubhouse level just above Clubhouse section 317. This is one of the most exclusive areas at Churchill Downs on Derby and Oaks day. The Turf Club room consists of private tables, waiter service, a menu or buffet. There are multiple rows of tables in the Turf Club, with Row A being against the glass and offering the best view of the track. There is also an outdoor area called the Turf Terrace where you'll find a ton of celebrities annually for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Gold Room:
The Gold Room at Churchill Downs is the place for those whom want the absolute best horse betting experience during the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. The indoors Gold Room is located on the 6th floor next to Millionaire's Row. The Gold Room offers private betting windows. If you don't want to watch the Kentucky Derby or Oaks action on TV, you can also step outside to view the entire race track from the tiered balcony adjacent to the 6th floor Millionaires row. Entrance to the Gold room is via an elevator which you can take from the ground level just next to the Paddock area and Churchill Downs Gift Shop.
Call us at 1-888-654-7755 for complete information
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