Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby 2027 Packages | Official Hotel, Tickets & Hospitality
Experience the 2027 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs — the 153rd running of America’s greatest race on Saturday 1 May, preceded by the Kentucky Oaks on Friday 30 April.
Racing Breaks offers official Kentucky Derby packages starting from £2,645 per person that combine a Louisville hotel, official Oaks and Derby Day tickets, return racecourse transfers and all-inclusive food and drink, with flights from the UK available on request. Every trip is fully customisable — choose a ready-made package, step up to a fully escorted week of bourbon distillery visits, stud farm tours and exclusive parties, or ask us to build a completely bespoke itinerary around the hotel and hospitality you want. Official tickets and hospitality are also available on their own, from the Homestretch Club to the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club.
Secure your place with just a 10% deposit. Our 2027 packages have limited spaces remaining.
Official Tickets & Hospitality
We only provide official tickets & hospitality to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Exclusive Events
From Stud Farm visits, behind the scenes tours of Churchill Downs and distillery tours our trip is more than just the racing
Bespoke Experiences
Let our team of racing & travel experts build you your perfect itinerary with your choice of hotel, hospitality and more.
On-site Team
You’ll be joined by our team of racing & travel experts who will be on hand to assist you 24/7 to ensure you have the best trip.
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The Kentucky Derby with Racing Breaks
Kentucky Derby Packages
Our Kentucky Derby trips start from £2,645 per person and include your Louisville hotel, official tickets or hospitality for Kentucky Oaks and Derby Day, and return racecourse transfers.
Book from a 10% deposit, add flights, extend your stay or customise any package. Not sure which suits you? Get in touch with our racing experts today.
from £2,645 per person
Trip Dates: Thursday 29th April – Sunday 2nd May 2027
- 3 nights accommodation at the City Express by Marriott Louisville Southeast
- Return racecourse transfers (Friday & Saturday)
- Starting Gate Courtyard Tickets to Friday & Saturday
- Reserved Undercover Stadium-Style Seating
- All-Inclusive Concessions
- Includes access to the newly renovated 1st-Floor Starting Gate Courtyard amenities, featuring upgraded wagering windows and concessions. Unlimited traditional Churchill Downs concession options, unique small vendors, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- VIP Fast Access Pass – Beat the lines and get fast-tracked access into Churchill Downs for premium convenience.
Optional:
- Return flights (including optional upgrades)
- Return airport transfers
- Additional excursions and trip extensions
from £6,695 per person
Trip Dates: Tuesday 27th April – Monday 3rd May 2027
- Airport to hotel shuttle transfers
- 6 Nights Accommodation at the Hampton Inn Downtown Louisville
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome Dinner & Drinks at a local restaurant
- Bourbon Distillery tour
- Stud Farm & Keeneland Racecourse Tour in Lexington
- Admission to the Taste of the Derby party
- Return racecourse transfers (Friday & Saturday)
- Undercover Grandstand Seats (Friday & Saturday)
- Hospitality with all inclusive food/drinks (Friday & Saturday)
- Farewell Luncheon
- Services of Experienced Tour Host
Optional:
- Return flights (including upgrades)
Tell us what you're looking for
Your trip could include…
- Return flights (including optional upgrades)
- Return airport transfers
- Accommodation at your choice of hotel
- Return racecourse transfers
- Choice of Hospitality to both Friday and Saturday’s racing
- Post-racing parties Friday & Saturday evening
- Additional excursions
- Optional trip extensions to other destinations
Kentucky Derby Tickets & Hospitality
Churchill Downs offers everything from reserved grandstand seating to all-inclusive private tables, and our team has first-hand experience of each, so we only recommend the best.
Want official tickets and hospitality without the hotel? You can book them on their own. The most popular venues sell out well before the race, so book early.
Our recommended options are below, or visit our dedicated Kentucky Derby Hospitality page to view all packages.
from £1,995 per person
- All-inclusive food and beverage menu with chef’s table buffet
- Inclusive bar serving beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks
- Undercover stadium-style seating
- Indoor air conditioned club access
- Great views of the homestretch, big board and Winner’s Circle
- Additional access to standing room in Clubhouse
- Dedicated betting facilities
- Off-site parking available with complimentary shuttle service
from £5,495 per person
- All-inclusive food and beverage menu with an enhanced chef’s table buffet
- Wait staffed drink service including beer, wine, spirits, and a bourbon bar
- Outdoor covered private tables for 4 or more guests
- Indoor Turf Club access
- Excellent views of the homestretch, big board, and the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle
- Additional access to standing room in the Clubhouse
- Dedicated betting facilities
- Live entertainment
- Off-site parking available with complimentary shuttle service
from £7,995 per person
- All-inclusive food and beverage menu with a curated chef’s table buffet
- Wait staffed cocktail service and dedicated bar including beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options
- Indoor & outdoor covered private tables for 4 or more guests
- Spectacular view of the entire racetrack from the 4th level
- Views of the paddock from the Stakes Room balcony
- Upscale amenities including dedicated toilets, private bar, and attended wagering windows
- On-site parking access
from £15,995 per person
- Luxury all-inclusive food and beverage menu with a mix of tableside service and action stations with unexpected delicacies presented throughout the day.
- Wait staffed cocktail service as well as a private wine & bourbon cellar, featuring the best of Woodford Reserve
- Indoor & outdoor covered private tables for 4 or more guests
- Spectacular views of the paddock and paddock runway accessible via a private tunnel
- Trackside outdoor viewing during racing
- Upscale amenities including private toilets, a private bar, and private betting parlour
- Concierge service from the racecourse gates to your seat
- On-site parking access
Exclusive Inclusions
A trip to the Kentucky Derby is more than just the racing at Keeneland.
Secure our escorted package and you’ll also get to experience some unique excursions alongside some free time to explore the region. If you have any other excursions in mind get in touch and we’d be happy to assist in adding these to your package.
Included in Hosted Kentucky Derby Experience
Included in Hosted Kentucky Derby Experience
The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Run for the Roses”, it is the first leg of the US Triple Crown, a Grade 1 race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds over a mile and a quarter. First run in 1875, it has been held every year since and draws well over 100,000 racegoers. Beyond the racing, the Derby is a cultural event: mint juleps, statement hats, and the crowd singing “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses walk onto the track. For UK racing fans it is a genuine bucket-list weekend, two days of racing wrapped in Southern hospitality.
Kentucky Oaks
The Run‑for‑the‑Lilies kicks off the weekend with the Longines Kentucky Oaks, a prestigious Grade I race for three‑year‑old fillies offering a rich purse and rich tradition. Held the day before the Derby, Oaks Day is also known for its spirited “Pink Out” celebrations in support of breast cancer awareness, making it both a major racing contest and a vibrant fashion and social event.
Kentucky Derby
The following day sees the running of the Kentucky Derby, often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®” and the first jewel of the Triple Crown. This iconic Grade I 1⅛‑mile race for three‑year‑olds draws elite horses and huge crowds, combining thrilling on‑track drama with deep‑rooted traditions, bold fashion and festive atmosphere at one of the sport’s most historic venues.
Derby fashion is all about style and tradition. For women, colourful dresses and bold hats are the norm. For men, seersucker suits, bow ties, and fedoras are popular. Comfort meets Southern charm!
Women typically wear bold, stylish outfits centred around statement hats. Think pastel dresses, peplum styles, and elegant accessories. Comfortable yet chic shoes like wedges or flats are a must, and all accessories should follow.
Men typically wear colourful suits or sports coats, often in bold prints, pastels, or preppy plaids. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and stylish loafers or dress shoes. A fedora or bowler hat adds a classic Derby touch. The key is polished, springtime flair – don’t be afraid to stand out!
Kentucky Derby Schedule / Timings
Fri 30th April (Kentucky Oaks)
11:00 Gates Open
12:30 First Race
20:40 Last Race (Kentucky Oaks)
Sat 1st May (Kentucky Derby)
09:00 Gates Open
11:00 First Race
18:57 Kentucky Derby
20:33 Last Race
If desired, we can include return flights within your package.
Connecting flights are available from the UK to Louisville, with the airport just 10 minutes from city centre. Direct flights are available from the UK to Cincinnati, with the airport around 90 minutes from Louisville.
Flight upgrades to Premium Economy, Business & First Class are also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The 153rd Kentucky Derby is on Saturday 1 May 2027 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with the Kentucky Oaks on Friday 30 April. Our packages cover both race days and run between Tuesday 27 April and Monday 3 May 2027, depending on the length of trip you choose.
The Kentucky Derby takes place at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
The Kentucky Derby is America’s most famous horse race and the longest continuously held major sporting event in the United States. Known as “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” it is a Grade 1 race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Early May in Louisville is typically mild to warm, but it can be changeable. Layers and comfortable footwear are sensible.
The Kentucky Derby is run over 1¼ miles (10 furlongs / approximately 2,012 metres) on dirt. It typically lasts around two minutes.
A maximum of 20 horses can start.
At the Racecourse
Dress codes vary by seating area at Churchill Downs:
- Infield – Casual (no strict code).
- Track Casual / Smart Casual / Business Casual – Applied in different reserved seating and hospitality areas. Collared shirts, dresses, pantsuits, jackets/blazers (required in some premium rooms), and smart footwear are expected. Athletic wear, torn denim, crop tops and flip-flops are generally not permitted in reserved areas.
Hats and fascinators are a strong tradition, especially for women.
Post time is traditionally in the late afternoon/early evening (around 6:45–7:00 PM ET in recent years). Gates open much earlier (usually 8–9 AM). Exact 2027 timings will be confirmed closer to the event.
Yes, full pari-mutuel betting is available on-site for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and the rest of the race card. You can bet at windows, self-service machines, or through the Churchill Downs app (where available).
Racing Breaks Packages
Racing Breaks Kentucky Derby packages start from £2,645 per person for three nights in Louisville with official Starting Gate Courtyard tickets for Kentucky Oaks and Derby Day, racecourse transfers and all-inclusive concessions. Our hosted experience starts from £6,695 per person. Flights, upgraded hospitality and extensions cost extra, and you can secure a package with a 10% deposit.
A Racing Breaks package includes accommodation in Louisville, official tickets or hospitality for Kentucky Oaks (Friday) and Kentucky Derby Day (Saturday), return transfers to Churchill Downs on both race days and all-inclusive food and drink at the track. Escorted packages add breakfast, a welcome dinner, a bourbon distillery tour, a stud farm tour and parties. Flights and airport transfers can be added.
Yes. We only provide official Kentucky Derby tickets and hospitality at Churchill Downs. Whether you choose a hotel package or tickets and hospitality on their own, you’ll know exactly which venue you’re watching from on Oaks Day and Derby Day.
Price depends on where you sit and what’s included. Through Racing Breaks, official hospitality starts from £1,995 per person for the Homestretch Club, rising to £5,495 for the Turf Club, £7,995 for the Stakes Room and £15,995 for the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club. Racing Breaks offer hotel and ticket packages from £2,645 per person include reserved seating on both race days.
Yes. You can book official tickets and hospitality on their own and arrange your own travel, or add a hotel, transfers and flights whenever you like. Browse the options on our Kentucky Derby hospitality page or call 0800 193 6646 and we’ll recommend the best venue for your group size and budget.
It depends on budget and what you want from the day. The Homestretch Club is our best-value option, with an air-conditioned lounge, all-inclusive food and drink and undercover seats with homestretch views. The Turf Club adds live entertainment, a bourbon bar and a paddock-view balcony, the Stakes Room has panoramic views from the fourth floor, and the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club offers paddock and trackside access.
Not necessarily, but most guests do. The Kentucky Oaks on Friday is a Grade 1 race for three-year-old fillies, famous for its pink-themed atmosphere. Saturday’s Derby Day is a full card of races building to the Kentucky Derby in the early evening. Our packages include both days, and post times are published by Churchill Downs closer to the event.
Yes. We can add return flights to any package, with upgrades to Premium Economy, Business and First Class. Direct flights run from the UK to Cincinnati, about 90 minutes’ drive from Louisville, and connecting flights serve Louisville International Airport, around 10 minutes from the city centre. Tell us your preferred airport and we’ll price the options.
You can secure a Kentucky Derby package with a 10% deposit, with the balance payable before travel. If booking closer to the date of travel you may be required to pay a larger deposit or in full at time of booking.
UK passport holders generally travel to the USA on an approved ESTA. Entry rules change, so always check the latest US requirements before you book.
