The Kentucky Derby is one of the most interesting events in the US.
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From an equestrian standpoint, it’s the first leg of the US Triple Crown. This prestigious title includes three races: the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, and Kentucky Derby. Only three-year-old thoroughbreds who win all three will be named a Triple Crown champion.
To say it’s a tough feat would be an understatement.
Since the three-part race was established in 1875, only thirteen horses have managed to become Triple Crown champions. The last came in 2018 with jockey Mike Smith and horse Justify.
But most Americans know the bare basics about the Kentucky Derby: it’s hosted in early May just outside Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. And people like to dress up.
In fact, the races are only one reason that attendees flock to the grounds.
So, what else are these 150,000-odd visitors on the hunt for?
Similar to a trip to the Casino di Monte Carlo in Monaco, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi at the Kentucky Derby. It’s a blend of excitement, high fashion, and unforgettable sights. You might even spot a few celebs on the grounds.
But there’s a lot you might not know about this prestigious and well-known event.
If you’re heading to the Kentucky Derby anytime soon, check out the guide below. I’m covering the derby’s dress code, along with other unspoken rules and tips for having a great day.
Yes—smart attire is a must
The Kentucky Derby’s official dress code is ‘smart attire’, which is beautifully open-ended. But what does that actually mean?
Vineyard Vines, for example, is a well-known smart attire brand. They’re an official provider of Kentucky Derby apparel, which paints a pretty good picture of the smart attire Churchill Downs is talking about.
Think: khakis, boat shoes, and other college prep-adjacent looks.
Hats and gloves are also an important part of the getup for women. You don’t need to show up with a highly ornate hat or a set of silk gloves. In reality, the fancy dress for women (and men) is largely a callback to the early days of the race.
Decades ago, the Kentucky Derby was a high-profile affair. Hats, in particular, were worn to delineate social class and to showcase extravagant wealth and style. Today, it’s strictly for fun. So don’t be afraid to get a little funky with your hat. (Just be smart about it.)
Dress codes differ based on which section you’re in
High-end sections in the grandstands have stricter dress codes. In fact, almost every section or private suite in the grandstands has a distinct set of rules.
If you’ve somehow cozied your way into one of these exclusive zones, make sure you know the specifics of its dress code. Most visitors, however, will be heading for the Infield.
The Infield is the grassy area surrounding the racetrack on flat ground. This is a highly casual zone. And by highly casual, I mean most attendees in the Infield are sitting in camping chairs and using Porta-Potties as bathrooms.
Find your crowd
With 150,000 in attendance, the Kentucky Derby hosts almost as many guests as major music events like the Coachella Music Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
What I mean is that you’re going to encounter different types of spectators at the Kentucky Derby. Some of them have absolutely zero interest in the race. Others are there strictly to watch winners be crowned across the derby’s 14 total races.
If you’re attending with a small group, then spend some time finding your ‘crowd’. You won’t want to find yourself right in the middle of a binge-drinking session of the Infield. (Unless that’s your thing!)
Take it easy with the mint juleps
Speaking of binge-drinking… we need to talk about the mint juleps.
If you’re heading to the Kentucky Derby, then you need to try this Louisville staple. Not only are mint juleps sweet and refreshing, but they’re also made with Kentucky’s tastiest bourbon whiskeys.
That being said, I’ve read quite a few locals warning attendees to take it easy on the juleps.
Similar to a Long Island iced tea, they’re full of booze. Obviously, drink the mint juleps—you’d be missing out if you didn’t—but slam a few glasses of water between each serving. The Kentucky Derby is a marathon, not a sprint.
Don’t forget about the concerts
That takes me to my next point. The Kentucky Derby has slowly evolved into a weeklong festival—known as the Kentucky Derby Festival.
As outlined above, you can see 14 races, which include the main thoroughbred event for the Triple Crown. But you can also enjoy all the rest of the events… and there are many to choose from.
There’s a massive parade that goes through Louisville, a fashion show from Dillard’s, family-friendly scavenger hunts, and bourbon tastings—just to name a few.
So, if you’re going to the Kentucky Derby, the horse race is only one element of the overall experience. Pace yourself accordingly.
Keep those bet slips small—and learn the lingo
Live events aside, you’re going to have the chance to bet on the outcomes of the races.
If you’re familiar with sports betting, you might get a little confused. Betting on horseraces is different than professional leagues.
There are no moneylines, no over/unders, and so on. If you want to wager on the outcome of the races (an across-the-board bet), then go for it.
But do a little research beforehand. You’re going to hear a dizzying amount of advice from hardcore bettors, so it would help to have an understanding of the basics.
Have your ID on you
In case you couldn’t tell by my description of the Infield, it’s going to get a little hectic there.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a total free-for-all. Churchill Downs has a pretty crack security team that’s dedicated to maintaining a fun and appropriate atmosphere.
That being said, you might be prompted at any point in time to show your ID. It doesn’t matter whether you look over the legal drinking age—if you have an interaction with security, that will be one of their first requests, so keep your ID on you.
Have a meeting point—cell service is spotty
With 150,000 spectators stuffed into a small area, it’s no surprise that cell service tends to be spotty throughout the grounds. If you’re traveling with a group, then you might want to set up a time and place to meet in case you’re separated.
