The countdown to the Kentucky Derby 2025 is officially on! Churchill Downs is gearing up for a full week of racing, celebration, and excitement, leading up to the biggest event in horse racing. 

If you’re planning to attend, you’ll want to know all about the Churchill Downs schedule, the full lineup of Derby Week events, important post times, and how to snag your Kentucky Derby tickets. Here’s what you can expect this year!

Everything You Need to Know for Kentucky Derby Week 2025

The festivities kick off on Saturday, April 26, with Opening Night at Churchill Downs.

• Gates Open: 4 pm

• First Post: 5 pm

• Last Post: 10:10 pm

• Stakes Race: $200,000 Roxelana for fillies and mares (4 and up) at 6 furlongs.

Tickets start at $27 for general admission, with reserved seating options available. There’s a fun Great Gatsby theme, so dig out your best 1920s-inspired outfit. 

Plus, the all-important draws for the Kentucky Derby 2025 and the Kentucky Oaks will take place between races.

Parking Tip: All parking at Churchill Downs is reserved for pass holders, but free parking and shuttle service will be available at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Community Celebration: Tuesday, April 29

Tuesday’s event is called 502’s Day, celebrating Louisville pride and the legacy of Muhammad Ali.

• Gates Open: 11:30 am

• First Post: 12:45 pm

• Last Post: 4:55 pm

General admission is just $5 – a real steal. There are no stakes races on this day, but fans can help create a mural honoring Ali, guided by local artist Braylyn Stewart.

Midweek Excitement: Wednesday, April 30

Midweek racing gets even better with Winsday, a brand-new addition to the Derby Week events.

• Gates Open: 11:30 am

• First Post: 12:45 pm

• Last Post: 5:25 pm

This day features two stakes' races 2025 fans won't want to miss:

• $200,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon (1½ miles)

• $300,000 William Walker (5½ furlongs on turf)

Tickets for Wednesday start at $27 for general admission.

Thurby Tradition: Thursday, May 1

Locals know that Thurby is one of the best days of the week, mixing great racing with Kentucky traditions.

• Gates Open: 10:30 am

• First Post: 12:45 pm

• Last Post: 6:47 pm

There are three major stakes races on the card:

• $200,000 St. Matthews Overnight

• $250,000 Kentucky Juvenile

• $350,000 Opening Verse

Expect live music from some of Kentucky’s own rising stars, and a festive atmosphere all day long.

Kentucky Oaks Day: Friday, May 2

The Friday before Derby Day belongs to the fillies at the Kentucky Oaks.

• Gates Open: 9 am

• First Post: 11 am

• Last Post: 7:02 pm

Seven stakes races are on the schedule, including the $1.5 million Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, with a post time of 5:51 pm Ticket prices for Oaks Day start at $79 for infield general admission.

Don’t Miss: Thorpedo Anna, last year's Oaks champion, is expected to race in the $1 million La Troienne.

The Big Day: Saturday, May 3 – Kentucky Derby 2025

Here it is – Kentucky Derby 2025 day!

• Gates Open: 9 am

• First Post: 11 am

• Last Post: 8:33 pm

Saturday is packed with 14 races, including an incredible lineup of stakes races for 2025:

• $1 million Churchill Downs Stakes

• $1 million Derby City Distaff

• $5 million Kentucky Derby (post time at 6:57 pm)

Tickets for Derby Day infield general admission are $120, with premium box seats and dining experiences available through Ticketmaster.com.

The post times Kentucky Derby fans care most about? The Run for the Roses – the 12th race of the day – will thunder down the track just before 7 pm

Additional Churchill Downs Schedule Notes

Churchill Downs’ Spring Meet will continue through June 29, with racing typically happening Thursday through Sunday. 

Special events like Downs After Dark will return on May 17 (Preakness Day) and June 21. 

And don’t forget about the massive Stephen Foster card on June 28, headlined by a $1 million, Grade 1 race.

Grab Your Kentucky Derby Tickets Now

Whether you’re attending Opening Night, Thurby, Oaks Day, or the big race itself, now’s the time to secure your Kentucky Derby tickets. 

From glamorous attire to thrilling finishes, Kentucky Derby 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

Make sure you check the full Churchill Downs schedule, plan your outfits, and get ready to enjoy all the amazing Derby Week events!