Package Experience Highlights

We offer Kentucky Derby tickets packages that include convenient hotel accommodations, tours, race day transportation and a number of options for Derby tickets. You will also have the option to enjoy add-ons and upgrades.  From VIP service at the track to exclusive access to the Barnstable Brown Party, our Kentucky Derby packages will treat you to the experience of a lifetime.

The Kentucky Derby is an amazing bucket list experience.  Learn more about all of our package experiences below.

Photo by Scott Utterback / Courier Journal

The Derby Day Experience
(included)

Your Derby experience will be something you’ll be talking about for years to come and a memory you’ll never forget.  Known as the “Run for the Roses,” because a blanket of roses is awarded to the winner each year, this event is the most popular horse race in the world and you’ll be there to see it up close and personal.  Your Derby day experience will begin with the luxury of having round trip derby day transportation between your hotel and Churchill Downs.   Once at Churchill Downs, enjoy exploring this historic venue where so much history has been made over the years. Have fun people watching and checking out all of the elaborate dresses, suits, and hats as you lookout for celebrities.  Sip on a Mint Julep, the official drink of the Derby, while you watch a series of races leading up to the big Derby race. Whatever you do, have fun!

• All packages guests will receive tickets to the Derby.  If you wish to upgrade your viewing experience and venue access, you may do so upon checkout. Our Derby tickets come with all-inclusive food and drinks.
• Round trip transfers are provided between your hotel and Churchill Downs.
• Arrive early, stay late, dress to impress.  You’ll experience the most exciting event in sports up close and personal.

Bourbon Distillery and Horse Farm Tour

Louisville is located in the heart of Bourbon and Horse Country.   It’s only seems appropriate for our guests, while in Kentucky, to experience a bourbon distillery and tour a horse farm.  We have arranged for guests to spend Friday visiting a distillery and a farm.  During your adventure, you’ll enjoy a tour with product tastings at a bourbon distilleries. Then you’ll take a scenic drive through the lush, rolling landscape of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to a horse farm, where you can get up close to the horse racing and breeding industry.  You’ll also stop at an authentic Kentucky restaurant serving delicious food from the region.  A dedicated and knowledgeable tour guide will escort and drive you through Bourbon Country.  Ask them anything and leave knowing more than you did when you arrived.

• Tour a Bourbon Distillery understanding the distilling and operation processes and participate in bourbon tasting
• Participate in a tour of a beautiful Horse Farm.  Explore your way through Horse Country.
• Enjoy an authentic Kentucky lunch including regional dishes.

Optional Add-Ons – Experience More!

Barnstable Brown Gala – The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, is internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala.  The star-studded bash is held at the home of Patricia Barnstable Brown, who co-hosts the event with her twin sister Priscilla Barnstable. The celebrity packed gala benefits the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at the University of Kentucky.  Always held on Derby eve, you’ll spend Friday night at one of the best parties in the world.

• The Barnstable Brown Gala is counted among the “Ten Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast
• Past guests include Boys II Men, Kid Rock, Tom Brady, Jennifer Nettles, Aaron Rodgers, members of Back Street Boys and NSYNC, Master P, Gene Simmons, Miranda Lambert, and a huge growing list of athletes, actors, and a various celebrities.
• A night of promised surprises and unparalleled entertainment.  Have fun while raising money to help make a difference.

Turf Club Experience – Rub elbows with celebrities and experience gourmet food and a premium open bar inside of the Turf Club.  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.  If you want the ultimate Derby experience giving you an exclusive area to hang out between races, you’ll definitely want to add the Turf Club experience.

• Exclusive club offering a premium open bar, gourmet food, private wagering station and amazing views of the track.
• A celebrity favorite, the Turf Club is the place to see and be seen.
• The Turf Club is the premium experience you’ll never forget.

View Travel Packages

More Useful Info

• The first-timer’s guide to Kentucky Derby attire
• A guide to the Kentucky Derby hats tradition
• Things to do in Louisville, one of America’s most underrated cities

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
  Call Rich

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!