Complete Packages for the 2018 Kentucky Derby

You fly there, we take care of the rest:

3 Nights in Lexington, KY Hotel
Transportation from airport
Breakfasts and happy hours
Kentucky Bourbon distillery tours
On-site guide assistance
Kentucky Derby gift package
All taxes and fees included

Why You Should Go:

At Bucket List Events we offer packages that include Bourbon distillery tours, behind the scenes at Churchill Downs Race Track, museum entrance and a number of options for race day tickets. From VIP service at the track to the Winner’s Circle party we have access to exceptional activities that you want be a part of. Depending on your preference there are many premium hospitality lounges that offer an array of wagering facilities, open bars, cuisine and much more! A Grade I stakes race held each year in Louisville, The Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs racetrack is for three-year-old thoroughbred horses and is the first leg of U.S. racing’s Triple Crown, which is followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

Known as the “Run of the Roses” or the “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports History,” the Kentucky Derby it the longest running event in the U.S. The race may only last two minutes, but its tradition boasts a two-day event filled with tours, parties, mint juleps and private events! Join Bucket List Events for exclusive party access and much, much more.

Kentucky Derby Starting Line

A Grade I stakes race held each year in Louisville, The Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs racetrack is for three-year-old thoroughbred horses and is the first leg of U.S. racing’s Triple Crown, which is followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

Things to Know about the 2018 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous thoroughbred racetracks in the world. It is certainly the largest one here in the states. It is often called, “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” and draws spectator crowds around 155,000 each year.

To qualify for this race, participants must first participate in a series of 35 races around the world. It is a bigger racetrack than most other tracks with 20 competing horses. The prize for the winning horse is $2 million.

The Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 2-5, 2018.

Plan Your Week

The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday of May each year in Louisville, KY. The Derby may be a short race, but the event is a weeklong event.

Opening Night

Opening night takes place May 2nd from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. It is essentially an evening party and a chance to show off your Kentucky Derby fashion. The Kentucky Derby is a famous for their headpieces, and opening night is a chance to showcase yours.

The first live race takes place at 6 p.m.

Dawn at the Downs

Dawn at the Downs takes place Tuesday, May 2, through Thursday, May 4, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.. It is a morning event that gives Kentucky Derby fans a chance to watch the racers train for the big race.

Thurby

Thurby takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Attendees will get to enjoy the three things that made Kentucky so famous – great horse racing, bourbon and music.

Taste of Derby

Taste of Derby takes place from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4. It is a night of exquisite cuisine, wine pairings and live music. This particular event takes the proceeds from ticket sales and gives them to hunger relief organizations, such as the Dare to Care Food Bank. Over $235,000 has been donated through this event to date.

Kentucky Oaks

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is an exclusive race for 3-year-old thoroughbred female horses with a $1 million winning purse. This particular race is one of America’s longest held horse races is still takes place in its original location since 1875. There is a fashion contest that takes place at this event where contestants are encouraged to wear anything as long as it’s pink.

Official Derby Events

Four separate galas are held during the week of the Kentucky Derby:

The Barnstable Brown Gala: a black-tie event benefiting the Barnstable Brown Diabetes & Obesity Center
The Unbridled Eve Gala
The Hermitage Grand Gala
The Fillies & Lillies Party

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is a two-minute race that will commence at precisely 6:34 p.m. The doors open at 8 a.m. in anticipation of the big event. A total of 13 races take place throughout the day all leading up to the Kentucky Derby at the end. Placing bets and wagering takes place at 10 a.m., celebrities will be walking the carpet from approximately 12 p.m. Noon to 2 p.m., and the world largest Champagne toast taking place at 5:15 p.m.