The Kentucky Derby transforms Churchill Downs into a once-a-year fever dream of fashion, speed, and Southern ceremony.
Once dubbed by Magic Johnson as “the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras all rolled into one,” the Kentucky Derby has evolved into a global phenomenon where sport dissolves into style, ritual, and spectacle. As one of Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved horse races, the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 2, 2026, at the legendary Churchill Downs. This year promises to be more extraordinary than ever. It’s not just about the thrilling race—Louisville transforms into a city-wide celebration, with festivals and events filling the streets before and after Derby Day. Though in Louisville, every day feels like Derby Day.
Kentucky is responsible for 95% of the world’s Bourbon production. And in Louisville you’ll find the spirit isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. Not confined solely to the cocktail menu, creative chefs are continuously finding new ways to fuse the flavour of Kentucky Bourbon into their dishes. From Bourbon ice-cream to Bourbon curries, Bourbon pizza and Bourbon oysters, it’s a sensory delight you can only find in the Bluegrass State. Beyond Bourbon, Louisville will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Brown Hotel’s famed Hot Brown sandwich. Created in 1926 by Chef Fred K. Schmidt, the dish began as a late-night alternative for the hotel’s glamorous ballroom crowd.
Louisville’s cultural scene is also growing with landmark new attractions throughout 2026. The Sons of the American Revolution Education Centre and Museum will open by late summer, featuring interactive galleries on the American Revolution. The Dot Experience at the American Printing House for the Blind will debut in Autumn 2026 as one of the world’s most accessible museums, while the AHOY Children’s Museum will bring hands-on experiential play to a Victorian house near the Portland Museum. Kentucky Kingdom completes a $25 million expansion, including a new roller coaster, Flying Fox, and 21c Museum Hotel Louisville celebrates 20 years as America’s first art hotel chain with special anniversary events.
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