The Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day before the Derby is Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious race for three-year-old fillies.
Tickets for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby
- Reserved Seating - Tickets for reserved seating are difficult to obtain and must be requested in writing. Most requests are completed at least a year in advance and a written request does not assure that you will be able to obtain tickets. The final cut off for written requests in set during the preceding year, currently at the end of November. For complete and current ticket ordering information, visit the Kentucky Derby Web Site.
- Premium Tickets - If you are having trouble finding tickets or good seats, a licensed third party ticket broker might have premium tickets available for purchase. If you are interested in looking for premium tickets, select Kentucky Derby Premium Tickets - Buy Direct or Kentucky Oaks Premium Tickets - Buy Direct to check availability and prices. Also, you might be able to find parking passes, event tickets and other Kentucky Oaks and Derby related tickets available for purchase.
- General Admission - General Admission for infield standing room only is available on an unlimited basis on both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Days. General admission is sold on the day of the event only and does not include access to reserved seating areas. While this is a popular option for experiencing the atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby, you should be aware that most of the general admission areas do not provide views of the actual race. The gates open at 8 a.m. and the earlier you arrive, the better (albeit slim) chance you have of getting a spot by the rail, where you may be able to catch a glimpse of the race. For most general admission visitors, simply being a part of this festive event is rewarding and exciting. Cash or VISA are the only accepted methods of payment for general admission.
The Kentucky Derby Festival
Whether or not you attend the actual Kentucky Derby or Oaks, there is still much fun and excitement to experience throughout Louisville during the Kentucky Derby Festival. Held during the weeks leading up to the races, the festival is Kentucky's largest annual event and the nation's largest civic celebration, featuring more than 70 events including North America's largest annual fireworks extravaganza, concerts, competitions, culinary events and more. A few of the most eagerly anticipated highlights are:- Thunder Over Louisville - Marking the official opening of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Thunder Over Louisville features a dazzling daytime air show and the nation's largest fireworks show in the evening. The spectacular annual pyrotechnic display over the Ohio River includes Zambelli's signature bridge waterfall, one mile of fireworks cascading off of the 2nd Street Bridge. This popular event attracts over 500,000 spectators, making early hotel reservations a must.
- Chow Wagon - In the atmosphere of a neighborhood block party, the Chow Wagons attract large crowds during the Kentucky Derby Festival to enjoy free nightly entertainment, great carnival-style food and to enjoy the beautiful spring season. A Pegasus Pin is the only admission required.
- U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest - Held throughout the weekend before the Kentucky Derby, this family-friendly group of events features balloon races, balloon glows, balloon tours and more at the Kentucky Exposition Center and other Greater Louisville locations.
- Meijer Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon - These two races are run the last day of April, featuring a scenic route along the challenging 13.1-mile and 26.2-mile courses.
- Run for the Rose - Held at Louisville Slugger Field, this fun and spirited Kentucky Derby Festival event features area restaurant servers and other teams in a race around an obstacle course while attempting to balance a tray of six full glasses of wine.
- Great Steamboat Race - In the nostalgic spirit of yesteryear, three steamboats, the Belle of Louisville, the Delta Queen and the Belle of Cincinnati, delight onlookers with a race on the Ohio river. The captain of the winning vessel is presented with the coveted Golden Antlers, which are displayed with pride on the winning steamboat until the next race.
- Republic Bank Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - The Kentucky Derby Festivals oldest event, the Pegasus Parade steps off annually on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby. Set to the backdrop of blooming tulips and dogwood blossoms, this springtime spectacle features marching bands, whimsical floats, inflatables, equestrian units, celebrities and more.
