How To Get Kentucky Derby Tickets

Kentucky Derby Travel Packages, Kentucky Derby Tickets, & More

Join Bucket List Events for our three night Kentucky Derby packages in Louisville offering an amazing weekend of big hats, parties, people watching, high fashion, bourbon sipping and of course Kentucky Derby tickets to watch the thrilling horse races. Churchill Downs has hosted the Kentucky Derby since 1875, which makes it the longest continuously running sporting event in American history. Bucket List Events has been hosting guests since 2004, making us your most trusted source in Louisville.

The Kentucky Derby is often called the most exciting two minutes in sports, but don't let the nickname fool you. The Derby is an all day affair, and for that matter a complete Kentucky Derby experience takes about three full days. We offer Kentucky Derby packages that include convenient hotel accommodations, tours of bourbon distilleries, race day transportation, and a range of options for Derby tickets. You might also attend the exclusive Barnstable Brown Gala, named by Conde Nast as one of the Top 10 parties in the world.

Our Kentucky Derby packages will treat you to the experience of a lifetime.

JOIN US:
2022: – Check In: Thursday, May 5, 2022; Check Out: Sunday, May 8, 2022

Get up close and personal to the action.
Pack your best hat!
Try your luck by betting on your favorite horse
Explore beautiful Louisville, KY
Churchill Downs with the famous Twin Spires in the background
Kentucky Derby attire is in a league of its own
Spend the day on the beautiful Ohio River

What's included ?

Our Kentucky Derby Travel Packages give you the experience you've been dreaming of your entire life. All packages include the following:

Three nights at one of our premium hotels
Reserved seats for the Kentucky Derby
Derby day transportation
Friday tour of bourbon distilleries with tastings and lunch, or Kentucky Oaks
Daily breakfast
Welcome reception
Kentucky Derby gift package
Shuttle service to and from the airport (Crowne Plaza only)
Optional experience add-ons (parties, Derby day Turf club passes, and more)
On-site assistance from Derby experts
Book with Confidence Policy included
All-Inclusive Pricing – What you see is what you pay

Learn More About Package Options

kentucky derby travel packages

Package Hotels

Finding a hotel room in Louisville during Derby can be a headache, but we've established a relationship with one of the closest hotels to the track so we can offer rooms to Bucket List travelers. The Louisville Crowne Plaza Hotel is located minutes from the airport and Churchill Downs and is equipped with all of the modern facilities you could need during your stay in Louisville. We also offer an alternative with lodging based in Lexington, an hour east of Louisville and in the heart of horse country.

Crowne Plaza (Louisville, KY)
Discover the meaning of modern southern hospitality and exceptional value at Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center. You will enjoy spacious, modern rooms and attentive service. Located across the street from the Louisville International Airport and only minutes from Churchill Downs and downtown Louisville, this hotel makes an ideal location for offering quick convenience and accessibility from almost anywhere in the city. Learn more.

The Origin Hotel (Lexington, KY)
Combining modern hotel amenities and features with refined Southern hospitality, Origin Lexington introduces time-honored Kentucky traditions to our guests. Designed for explorers, by explorers, the Origin Collection brings hotels as unique in personality as they are in place to cities across the country. Located in Lexington, 80 miles from Churchill downs, this hotel package will provide a more cost effective solution for attending the Derby. Learn more.

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kentucky derby outfits for women

Photo by Scott Utterback / Courier Journal

Package Experience Highlights

We offer Kentucky Derby packages that include convenient hotel accommodations, tours of bourbon distilleries, race day transportation and a number of Derby ticket options for you to choose from. You will also have the ability to enjoy exclusive parties and galas and upgrade your Derby ticket to include a VIP race day experience. Let Bucket List Events treat you to the experience of a lifetime. Learn more about all of our package experiences below.

The Derby Day Experience
Your Derby experience will be something you'll be talking about for years to come and a memory you'll never forget. Every package includes a Derby Day ticket per person so you can experience the world "most exciting two minutes in sports" up close and personal. Choose your ticket when you check out. learn more.

Bourbon Distillery Tour and Tasting
Louisville is located in the heart of Bourbon Country. It's only seems appropriate for our guests, while in Kentucky, to experience the various distilleries producing some of the most well known bourbons today. We have arranged for each of our guests to spend Friday visiting three different distilleries. learn more.

Barnstable Brown Gala
The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, is internationally recognized as the "premier" Kentucky Derby gala. The celebrity packed gala benefits the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at the University of Kentucky. Past guests include Boys II Men, Kid Rock, Tom Brady, Jennifer Nettles, Aaron Rodgers and more. This is an optional add-on experience to any package. +$1300 per ticket. learn more.

Turf Club Pass – VIP Track Experience
Enjoy an amazing 3rd floor view of the track overlooking the finish line and experience gourmet food and a premium open bar inside of the Turf Club's dining room. This is one of the most sought after experiences and the most requested location at Churchill Downs. The Turf Club is known to host celebrities every year. This is an optional add-on pass for upgraded 3rd floor club house tickets. +$2500 per pass. learn more.

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Kentucky Derby Tickets

All of our Kentucky Derby travel packages include Derby day tickets. We believe that everyone should experience the Kentucky Derby at least once in their lifetime so we offer package options that fit a variety of interest, needs, and budgets. All packages are priced per person and based on the Kentucky Derby Tickets you choose.

Kentucky Derby tickets are complicated and the process of choosing where to sit can be overwhelming. There are many options for admission with the most inexpensive tickets starting at the general admission level up to tens of thousands of dollars for VIP Boxes. Our packages offer a few select sections to choose from, all giving you that Derby Day experience you have been dreaming of. Whether or not you choose to upgrade your Derby day experience by adding a Turf Club Pass, that is up you.

For a better understanding about Kentucky Derby tickets and a detailed breakdown of the different options at Churchill Downs, click here. Our team can also make recommendations based on your interests and budgets. Contact us today and we will be more than happy to talk with you.

Learn More

Attending the Kentucky Derby is a lifelong dream for many and for others it simply ranks high upon their personal bucket lists. Whatever your reason for attending this event may be, we are happy you'll be joining us in Kentucky. From the southern fashion and star-studded parties, to the history of witnessing the "greatest two minutes in sports," you are guaranteed to experience an event weekend like no other. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and helpful articles that will shed light on some of the most popular questions and curiosities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do the gates open? How do I get to and from Churchill Downs? What happens if it rains? What should I take with me to the Derby? Is there a dress code? Can I visit all areas of Churchill Downs? Do you have any insider tips that will make my experience better? Find out the answers to these questions and more in our FAQ section. Visit FAQs

Helpful Articles / Blog

We know our guests have a lot of questions when it comes to attending the Kentucky Derby. What should I wear? What is the story behind the Hat tradition? What is there to do in Louisville? Where should I sit at Churchill Downs on Derby Day? We have some helpful articles you'll enjoy reading that will answer some of these curiosities. View Articles.

LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 03: Kent Desormeaux (2nd L), riding #20 Big Brown, leads out of turn 4 durinng the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2008 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Big Brown went on to win the Derby. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

More Useful Info

The first-timer's guide to Kentucky Derby attire
Biggest upsets at the Kentucky Derby
A guide to the Kentucky Derby hats tradition
Things to do in Louisville, one of America's most underrated cities
Understanding Kentucky Derby tickets and seating options at Churchill Downs

Questions?

We may already answered it – check our comprehensive FAQ & Tips section. Our dedicated event experts have been organizing and attending the Kentucky Derby for years, so feel free to reach out.

Brian Peters
Kentucky Derby Sales Expert
Call Brian

Rich Beard
Kentucky Derby Event Manager
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The terms Churchill Downs ®, Kentucky Derby ® and Run for the Roses ™ are trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated. The use of these terms herein is for factual description purposes only. Bucket List Events is in no way associated with or authorized by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Churchill Downs Incorporated has neither licensed nor endorsed Bucket List Events to sell goods and services in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby!