Has anyone been to the Derby? It's a bucket list for my wife and would be a great anniversary gift if I could pull it off but I don't even know where to start on getting tickets, etc.

https://derbyexperiences.com/kentucky-derby-2023

I have been four times. It is truly amazing.

The packages posted above are all great packages. Those are for two full days of racing, the Oaks on Friday and the Derby on Saturday. There are cheaper tickets to be had, but from a brief glance it looks like those are all inclusive which is nice and by the time you add everything up, you will wish you had that. Having private concessions and betting is worth it. I also noticed some of them are covered. It has rained 3 of the 4 times I have been, but fortunately we had a covered area.

I would look for an AirBnb or something other than the lodging options they have listed with those packages, that is, unless you want to spend that kind of ridiculous money on lodging. That is what we have done. I stayed at the Galt House on one trip (on someone else's dime). It is nice, but nothing our of the ordinary. During the Derby, even a Super 8 is like $400 per night.

We really don't want to attend both days. Can you find options just to attend Saturday? Thanks for the information.

Max Stonetrail said:

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I have been four times. It is truly amazing.

The packages posted above are all great packages. Those are for two full days of racing, the Oaks on Friday and the Derby on Saturday. There are cheaper tickets to be had, but from a brief glance it looks like those are all inclusive which is nice and by the time you add everything up, you will wish you had that. Having private concessions and betting is worth it. I also noticed some of them are covered. It has rained 3 of the 4 times I have been, but fortunately we had a covered area.

I would look for an AirBnb or something other than the lodging options they have listed with those packages, that is, unless you want to spend that kind of ridiculous money on lodging. That is what we have done. I stayed at the Galt House on one trip (on someone else's dime). It is nice, but nothing our of the ordinary. During the Derby, even a Super 8 is like $400 per night.

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Honest question. If the actual horse racing is only of moderate interest to you, would you still say it is amazing? I totally get that this would be a huge experience for a racing fan. Just curious if it transcends that or not.

I haven't looked up any prices, but keep in mind that everything will be premium price. Hotels, Ubers, flights, etc will all be superbowl prices for Louisville.

There are direct flights from DFW to Lexington, KY, and Cincinnati airport (CVG) is actually in Kentucky. Both are about 1.5hrs drive to Louisville. Lexington has a nice little downtown area, and the UK baseball team hosts S. Carolina that weekend. The White Sox play at the Cincinnati Reds, too.

If you two are into bourbon at all, of course you could try to hit Buffalo Trace or any of the other nearby distilleries for a tour. But it sounds like you just want to go to the derby on Saturday and then go home. That's cool, too. Good luck!

Yes it transcends. The racing is great if you are into it. But everything else is really where it's at. Even around town, not just at Churchill Downs. We even went to the steamboat races on the river. Just an amazing experience.

BrokeAssAggie said:

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We really don't want to attend both days. Can you find options just to attend Saturday? Thanks for the information.

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Yes, I would guess you can find Saturday only options. I know they sell General Admission (they call them "Bricks Tickets") where you actually don't have a seat but can wander around. They used to be unlimited tickets (no sell out) but I don't know if that has changed. I went in 2021 and capacity was cut to about a third, but I believe I remember them saying last year they were at full capacity. There are probably single tickets available at online ticket resellers.

Not sure where you are located, but if you are flying and staying, that is a long way to go and a lot of expense for essentially half the experience. If you live close enough to drive and can find a room for one night, then maybe it would be worth it. I wouldn't do it. It is an ALL DAY event, a dozen or so races both days. It is more than just the horse racing though. Incredible people watching, pageantry, watching riders up at the paddock, listening to the UL band play My Old Kentucky Home, etc. There is a little museum, art and lots of things to see.

Interesting, thanks

schmendeler said:

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Honest question. If the actual horse racing is only of moderate interest to you, would you still say it is amazing? I totally get that this would be a huge experience for a racing fan. Just curious if it transcends that or not.

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I think I answered this in the post above. There is a lot more then just two minutes of horse racing every hour or so. it is rather expensive as sporting events go, but it's a lot more than a 2-3 hour contest between two teams.

You ever been to the Fillies and Lillies party? I'm wondering if it's worth attending?