Week of April 28 – May 4, 2026
Experience two unforgettable weeks in Louisville, Kentucky during the most iconic horse-racing event in America. From mint juleps to museums to bourbon in the back-country—there’s something for every kind of traveler.

 Derby Week Calendar Highlights

• Tuesday, April 28 – Champions Day
  A celebration of past winners and racing legends at the track.
• Wednesday, April 29 – Taste of Derby
  Culinary pairing event with local cuisine and bourbon.
• Thursday, April 30 – Thurby
  A fun preview day at the track: live music, bourbon tastings, early racing.
• Friday, May 1 – The Kentucky Oaks
  Ladies’ Day at the races; pink fashions, charity events, racing tradition.
• Saturday, May 2 – The Kentucky Derby
  The big event — the “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs with seats, grandstands & big crowds.

 Where to Stay

• The Brown Hotel – A historic Louisville landmark blending Old-World elegance with modern comfort.
• Omni Louisville Hotel – Luxury downtown stay, rooftop pool, close to major attractions.
• The Galt House Hotel – Riverfront icon, in the heart of Louisville with full scale Derby-week programming.
• Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection – Boutique-luxury option.
• AC Hotel Louisville Downtown – Stylish modern stay in the heart of the city.

 Things to Do & See

Museums & Landmarks

• Kentucky Derby Museum – Interactive exhibits at Churchill Downs’ grounds, great for racing history.
• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Tour the bat factory and see the world’s largest bat.
• Muhammad Ali Center – Explore the life and legacy of Louisville’s greatest.
• Frazier History Museum – Kentucky’s bourbon, frontier and Civil War stories.
• Speed Art Museum – Contemporary and classical art in Louisville.

Horse Country & Bourbon Trail (~1 hr drive)

• Keeneland Racecourse – Spring/fall racing in Lexington’s Bluegrass region.
• Old Friends Farm – Meet retired Thoroughbreds in a serene farm setting.
• Maker’s Mark Distillery – Scenic distillery tour and hand-dipping experience.
• Urban Bourbon Trail – Bourbon bars and tastings throughout the city.
• Events Calendar – Check for local festivals, parades & happenings.

 Eat, Drink & Celebrate

• Proof on Main – Fine dining inside 21c Museum Hotel with locally-inspired plates.
• The Silver Dollar – Southern-comfort cocktails & fare in a historic firehouse.
• Jack Fry’s – Louisville classic for steaks & bourbon.
• Bourbon’s Bistro – Boutique bistro with Kentucky spirit.
• The Brown Hotel – English Grill – Elegant dining inside the historic hotel.
• Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar – BBQ, oysters & bourbon-centric menu on Whiskey Row.

 Nightlife & Entertainment

• Fourth Street Live! – High-energy downtown nightlife hub: open-air bars, live music & pre/post-race fun.
• Headliners Music Hall – Concert venue with live rock & pop downtown.
• Louisville Palace Theatre – Historic downtown theatre with concerts & shows.
• Howl at the Moon Louisville – Party venue with live band, dueling pianos & cocktails.

 Bonus Adventures

• Bourbon Country Tours – Explore the scenic rolling hills of Kentucky and taste at classic distilleries.
• Old Louisville Walking Tour – Step into Victorian architecture & historic neighborhood charm.
• Belle of Louisville Riverboat – Paddle-wheeler cruise on the Ohio River.
• Louisville Mega Cavern – Underground zipline tours & adventure beneath the city.

 Plan Your Trip

•  Fly Into: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
•  Getting Around: Rideshare, downtown trolleys, rental cars are all available.
•  Insider Tip: Book your hotel early and purchase race/party tickets well ahead—Derby week sells out fast.
• Louisville Visitor Guide – Official city site for travel info.
• Kentucky Derby Official Site – Tickets, experience packages, seating guides.

 Book Experiences & Tickets

•  Buy Kentucky Derby Tickets – Secure general admission, reserved seating & hospitality packages.
•  Tour Kentucky Derby Museum – Plan your visit and museum tickets.
•  Book Maker’s Mark Tour – Reserve a spot at this popular distillery.
•  Find Louisville Hotels – Compare lodging options, availability & packages.