Horse Racing • The 152nd Kentucky Derby • Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Derby 2026 Hotels & Derby Weekend Packages
The 152nd Kentucky Derby runs on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. For many guests, Derby weekend is not just a two-minute race — it’s a three- or four-day celebration built around racing, food, bourbon and hats.
TheFinalShotels.com focuses on Derby 2026 hotel options that balance access to Churchill Downs with the neighborhoods where you actually want to stay — downtown Louisville, the bourbon and dining districts, and convenient airport and track routes.
What We Offer for Kentucky Derby 2026
- 🐎 Hotels with realistic travel times to Churchill Downs
- 🏨 3–5 star properties in downtown & near-track areas
- 👥 Options for couples, families, groups and corporate clients
- 📅 Weekend stays built around Oaks Day & Derby Day
- 🚗 Guidance on race day transport, parking and rideshares
- 🍹 Neighborhood suggestions for post-race food & bourbon
- 🧾 Support with room blocks and group booking logistics
- 💬 A team used to high-demand Derby weekend conditions
Kentucky Derby 2026 Snapshot
Key Details
- • Event: 152nd Kentucky Derby
- • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- • Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- • Distance: 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs)
- • Nickname: “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”
Typical Stay Length
- • 3 nights: Friday–Monday for Oaks & Derby
- • 4+ nights: Extended race week experiences
- • Longer stays for guests combining Kentucky tourism and Derby
Derby week includes Kentucky Oaks (Friday, May 1, 2026) and a full slate of supporting races and events. Many guests plan around both days.
Things to Do in Louisville on Derby Week
Louisville blends Southern hospitality with a strong sports and bourbon culture. Many Derby visitors split their time between the track, downtown and key neighborhoods like NuLu and the Whiskey Row area.
- 🥃 Explore Whiskey Row and local bourbon bars
- 🍽 Dine in NuLu, downtown and Highlands restaurants
- 🏛 Visit the Muhammad Ali Center and local museums
- 🌉 Walk waterfront parks along the Ohio River
- 🎶 Enjoy live music and Derby-week parties
- 🛍 Shop for Derby hats, fashion and souvenirs
- 📸 Take photos at Churchill Downs and historic spots
- 🚗 Plan short drives to nearby distilleries and countryside
Getting Around Louisville on Derby Weekend
- ✈ Airport: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), a short drive from downtown and Churchill Downs.
- 🚕 Rideshares and taxis are heavily used on Oaks and Derby days — hotel location matters for return times.
- 🚗 Some guests drive or use private transport; parking near Churchill Downs is limited and needs planning.
- 🚌 Shuttle services and hospitality transfers may be available through certain hotels or packages.
- 🚶 Downtown and central Louisville areas can be walkable for dining and nightlife once you’re back from the track.
Best Hotel Areas for Kentucky Derby 2026
We generally build Derby 2026 hotel plans around two main strategies: track-access hotels and downtown / entertainment hotels.
Near Churchill Downs & Airport Area
- • Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center
- • Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
- • Holiday Inn Louisville Airport – Fair/Expo
- • Residence Inn / Courtyard near the airport corridor
- • Select limited-service hotels with fast track access
These options prioritize shorter race day travel times and easy access to the airport and track.
Downtown & Central Louisville
- • The Brown Hotel
- • Galt House Hotel
- • Omni Louisville Hotel
- • Louisville Marriott Downtown
- • Hyatt Regency Louisville
- • Embassy Suites & other central 3–5 star properties
These hotels are ideal if you want Derby by day and Louisville nightlife, dining and bourbon by night.
When you contact us, tell us whether you prefer to be as close as possible to Churchill Downs, in the heart of downtown Louisville, or a mix of both for different members of your group.
Start Your Kentucky Derby 2026 Hotel Request
Share your group size, preferred dates, budget range and how you want to experience Derby week — track-focused, nightlife-focused or balanced. We’ll send hotel options that fit Derby 2026 and your style.