First Timer’s Guide to the Kentucky Derby
Heading to Derby for the first time? Get ready for an incredible one-of-a-kind experience! My best friend and I went a few years ago and I will admit I was a little intimidated. I didn’t know much about it and had no idea what to expect.
We ended up having a GREAT time and I shouldn’t have spent a single second worrying about it! The info below is your “need to know” for the day, but most importantly just remember to go with the flow and soak up all the southern charm you can! Here we go!
What to Wear
Ladies
The first thing I wanted to know was: Do women really wear those big fancy hats or fascinators? They sure do! Don’t be shy, this is the time and place to have fun and be bold. Most women wear summer dresses and coordinating hats.
As for footwear, you will be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfy shoes are a must. Take a hint from the Kate Middleton style files and try some wedges! If you can, stash some flats or flip flops in your purse for later in the evening.
Men
I commented more than once how much fun it was to see the men’s colorful outfits! Think business casual but with amped up color palettes in pastels and plaids. Neckties or bowties and loafers (without socks!) are essential accessories. For specific details, this guide from Vineyard Vines breaks it down.
What to Bring
Current restrictions limit bags to 12 inches in every dimension. With that in mind, make sure you have:
- Cash. Bets can not be placed with credit cards. ATMs are available, but lines are LONG. Most food and drink stations don’t accept credit cards either.
- Sunscreen. Even if your seats are in a covered area, you will be doing a lot of walking around Churchhill Downs. Similarly, consider a compact foldable poncho. Umbrellas are not allowed and will not be available if it begins to rain.
- Your ticket. There is no will-call at Churchill Downs. You must have a physical ticket to get through the gates. Additionally, once you are through you can’t leave and return. If you forgot something in your car you will have to do without.
- Like I mentioned above, try to make room for some comfy shoes. Foldable Flats are a good option. I promise you will NOT be the only one carrying heels home!
Where to Park
Unless you have a parking pass, don’t even try to park at Churchill Downs, as spaces are very limited and traffic is a mess.
Homes near the track offer parking in their front yards, charging fees of anywhere from $10.00-$50.00. If you go this route, it is worth it to pay the higher prices to get as close as you can. Walking miles to the car at the end of the night is never fun.
Your best bet is to park at Cardinal Stadium or the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center and take a shuttle bus.
How to Bet
There are many different ways to bet, but this is the most basic. When you get to the betting window you say 4 things:
- The race number you are betting on
- The amount you are betting (Minimum bets are $2.00)
- What you are wagering (a wine, place, or a show)
- The horse’s number
All together it looks like this: “Race #, $ amount you are betting, wager (win, place or show) on (the horse’s #).
There are 3 types of wagers (1) Win- Your horse must win the race. (2) Place- Your horse will finish in the top 2. (3) Show- your horse will finish in the top 3.
An example of a bet might be: Race 6, 2$ to win on Horse #4. By saying this, you just bet that Horse #4 will win race #6. It helps to write it down ahead of time so you don’t get flustered.
Tips & Tricks
- Call the event DERBY not THE Derby. The only time you use the word THE, is when you are referring to the actual race (the final race of the day) which is THE DERBY.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to use the ladies room. As with everything else, lines can be very long.
- Drink a Mint Julep. Just remember that they are essentially straight bourbon and stronger than you think! If you don’t like it, try a Lily, the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks (the race Friday before Derby). These are fruity, pink, vodka based drinks. Here is a link to the recipe so you can enjoy them anytime of year: Make a Lily!
- Visit the Paddock. The Paddock is where you can see the horses getting ready for each race.
- Experience the Infield. The infield is where the party is. There is no actual view of the track, so it’s an extremely casual general admission area. Infield tickets do not get you inside the track. If this is your scene, cool! If not, take a walk around and then head back in. One thing to note: food and drinks tend to be cheaper in the Infield.
- Drink Water. You are in for a long day, lots of sunshine and lots of Juleps (or Lily’s). Stay hydrated!
Ok I know that seems like a lot to remember, just take it slow and enjoy yourself! There are 13 races on Derby Day starting around 10:30am and ending around 6:30pm. There is plenty of time to do and see everything!
How much are the tickets to get in and when should you buy them?
Hi Maria, check out https://www.kentuckyderby.com/ for the most up to date info on prices for Kentucky Derby tickets! I would buy them as soon as possible.
For someone that always wanted to experience the Kentucky Derby, this is a very informative and practical post. I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Daniel, I’m so happy this was helpful for you! I hope you make it to the Derby one of these days!
Wow! We’ve never been to a derby before, but we did have a nice horseback riding trip around a park. Awesome, but the saddle hurts your butt. Hahaha! Do people really cheer loudly on their horse bets as seen in movies?
Yes, people do cheer like in the movies. 🙂
I’ve never been to a derby before and this provides a very clear idea about all the practical things to be done for first-timers. Great tips!
Thank you, Tushar!
I’ve only seen the pictures of Kentucky Derby and fancy hats of women! Would love to visit someday. Thanks for sharing the tips. It is always nice to be prepared in an advance before visiting any event!
Hi Ana! The fancy hats are one of the best parts of the Derby. If you ever visit, go all out!
I didn’t know that Derby finds such a huge enthusiasm in America. Thanks for such tips, I have a few friends visiting, I will surely share this blog with them, they’ll find something offbeat to do during their trip.
Yes, the Derby is an iconic American event! It would be something very unique for your friends to do! Just let them know to get tickets far in advance. 🙂
This is very informative and practical post. To be honest I have never bet in my life so glad to have this know-how introduction.
Hi Anita! When I went I had never bet either, so I was very nervous. I only bet about 10$ haha.
Wow I never experienced watching an actual derby race and this is awesome! Does your bet won?
This was my first time seeing a race. To answer your question, I lost! I only played a little bit of money so it was worth it for the experience!