The Kentucky Derby is an annual, two-day horse racing event held in Louisville, Kentucky. It is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports” and attracts a far greater crowd than all other stakes races (including the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders' Cup). As the biggest and most famous race on Earth, it attracts millions of people from around the world to bet at various live tracks and online sportsbooks.
Aside from watching one of the most exciting horse races in history, there’s plenty of fun times to be had at the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Numerous parties ensure there’s something to suit everyone. These include:
Taste of Derby: Enjoy a night full of top chef creations and drink pairings on the eve of the Kentucky Oaks.
Fillies & Lilies Cocktail Reception: a lively night spent in the newly opened expansion are of the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Winner's Party: Partake in the celebration and action of crowning the new champion alongside winning jockey, trainers, and owners right after the race.
There are also a number of Derby Experiences’ tour options, including bourbon distillery tours, private horse farm tours, and more. See all of the options here.
You can expect plenty of on-site amenities to assist you during your stay. These include first aid, food and beverage facilities, wheelchair accessibility, nursing rooms, security, lost and found, a learning center, lounges, clubs, and more. View a map of the location here.
Churchill Downs
Address:
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40215
While there isn’t any camping or RVing on-site at the Derby, there are plenty of RV parks located nearby. Some of our top picks include:
Louisville North Campground (13.7 km)
Add-More Campground (20.5 km)
Grand Trails RV Park (52.9 km)
RV Camping
Whether you own an RV, or rent an RV through RVshare, RVing is the way to go when visiting the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Not only does it save you additional costs on hotel accommodation, but it also gives you a cozy bed, private bathroom, and fully-stocked fridge to come back home to!
Hotels
There are also a number of hotels located near Churchill Downs. TheGalt House Hotel is the Official Host Hotel of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, located in the heart of downtown on Louisville’s vibrant waterfront and just minutes from Churchill Downs.
Other hotels include:
Super 8 by Wyndham Louisville/Expo Center
Via Car
Driving from St. Louis and Points West : I-264 East (from I-64E - New Albany and St. Louis): Take Exit 9 - Taylor Blvd. Turn left traveling north on Taylor Blvd. Turn right on Central Ave. and then right onto Kentucky Derby Drive to enter Churchill Downs.
Driving from Lexington and Points East : I-264 West (from I-64W - Lexington): Take Exit 10 - Third St./Southern Pkwy. Turn right heading north on Third St. or Southern Pkwy. to Central Ave. Turn left on Central Ave. Turn left onto Kentucky Derby Drive to enter Churchill Downs.
Driving from Nashville and Points South : I-65 North or from Airport (from Nashville): Take I-264 West (Watterson Expressway) to Exit 10 - Third St./Southern Pkwy. Turn right heading north on Third St. or Southern Pkwy. to Central Ave. Turn left on Central Ave. Turn left onto Kentucky Derby Drive to enter Churchill Downs.
Driving from Indianapolis, Downtown Louisville and Points North : I-65 South (from Indianapolis/Downtown Louisville): Take Exit 132 - Crittenden Drive (exit will veer to the right). Continue straight onto Crittenden Drive. Take first right at Central Ave. intersection. Continue straight on Central Ave. Turn left onto Kentucky Derby Drive to enter Churchill Downs.
For all other directions, visit Google Maps.
There are many options for parking when visiting the 2024 Kentucky Derby. If you choose to purchase a parking pass (or it’s part of your ticket), then you can check the color on your hang tag to find your specific lot.
If you haven’t purchased a parking pass, then you have two options. You can park at Cardinal Stadium, then make the short walk to Churchill Downs. Alternatively, you can park in one of the neighborhoods surrounding Churchill Downs, then walk to the track. Find walking directions from either of these parking locations here.
Whether you’re looking for individual tickets, parking passes, or entire Kentucky Derby packages, all of this and more can be purchased online.
At RVshare, we love helping people merge their love for fun, world-famous events with the desire to travel and enjoy the scenery. Staying in an RV for the 2024 Kentucky Derby doesn’t just allow you to enjoy your travels to the region as you soak up the famous sights, but also turns your trip into one that you will never forget!
Regardless of whether you choose to visit the 2024 Kentucky Derby in an RV rental from us or use other accommodations, we’d love to see pictures of your trip! Send us photos at [email protected], and tag us on social media to share details and tips about your visit. Your adventures could even be featured on our blog or social media!
Check out @QuintEvents on Facebook and Twitter for event updates!
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
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