You’ve probably heard it called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," and honestly, it usually lives up to the hype. If you're trying to figure out what day is the Kentucky Derby this year, mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, 2026.
It’s the 152nd running.
Since 1875, this race has basically owned the first Saturday in May. Except for a couple of weird years—like during WWII and that 2020 mess—it’s been the same time, same place. Churchill Downs. Louisville, Kentucky. If you're a local, you call it Derby Day, and it's basically a holy day of obligation for anyone who likes bourbon, big hats, or just watching 20 massive Thoroughbreds thunder down a dirt track.
Finding the Post Time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
So, you know the date, but when do you actually need to be in front of a TV? Or, if you're lucky, at the rail?
Post time is usually the big question. While the gates at Churchill Downs open early in the morning—around 10:30 AM—the actual Kentucky Derby race doesn't happen until much later.
Typically, the "Main Event" goes off between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM EST.
If you tune in at noon, you’re going to see a lot of celebrities in wild outfits and maybe some smaller stakes races. Which is fun! But the actual "two minutes" of running happens right as the sun starts to dip a bit over the Twin Spires.
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Why the First Saturday in May?
Tradition is a huge deal here. It’s not just a random weekend. The city of Louisville spends an entire month building up to this. They have fireworks (Thunder Over Louisville), a massive parade, and even a steamboat race on the Ohio River.
By the time Saturday, May 2 rolls around, the energy is basically vibrating.
The Horses to Watch on Saturday, May 2, 2026
You can't talk about what day is the Kentucky Derby this year without talking about who might actually win it. Right now, the buzz is all about a horse named Ted Noffey.
He’s trained by Todd Pletcher.
He’s currently the favorite.
As of mid-January, he’s sitting at the top of the leaderboard with 40 qualifying points. That’s a pretty comfortable cushion. He won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and looks like the real deal. But, as any veteran gambler will tell you, a lot can happen between January and May.
A few other names you'll probably hear a lot:
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- Further Ado: Trained by Brad Cox, who is always a threat.
- Paladin: Coming out of Chad Brown's barn.
- Litmus Test: Bob Baffert's top contender.
It’s a long road. These horses have to survive the "prep" season, which includes races like the Florida Derby and the Santa Anita Derby. One bad step or a minor injury and the whole field changes.
More Than Just One Race: The Full Schedule
Most people focus on the Saturday, but the Friday before is arguably just as big for the locals.
That’s Friday, May 1, 2026. This is Kentucky Oaks day.
The Oaks is specifically for 3-year-old fillies (the girls). While the Derby is all about red roses, the Oaks is all about pink lilies. People wear pink for breast cancer awareness, drink "Oaks Lilies" (a vodka-based cocktail that’s actually pretty tasty), and the vibe is slightly more relaxed than the Derby chaos.
Then you have "Thurby" on Thursday, April 30. It’s exactly what it sounds like—Thursday at the Derby. It used to be the "local’s secret," but honestly, the secret is out. It’s packed now too.
What to Expect if You're Going
If you’re planning to be at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026, prepare for a long day.
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Seriously.
You’ll be on your feet. You’ll be navigating crowds of 150,000 people. If you’re in the infield, it’s a giant party. If you’re in the grandstands, it’s a fashion show.
- The Dress Code: It's seersucker suits and dresses that cost more than my first car.
- The Drink: A Mint Julep. It’s bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice. Warning: they are stronger than they look.
- The Song: When they play "My Old Kentucky Home" and the horses walk onto the track, even the toughest guys in the room usually get a little misty-eyed.
How to Get Tickets and Watch
Tickets went on sale to the general public in November 2025. If you haven't grabbed them yet, you're looking at the secondary market (Ticketmaster Exchange) or paying a premium for hospitality packages.
If you're staying home, NBC usually handles the broadcast. They’ll start coverage early in the afternoon and carry it through the trophy presentation.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your calendar: Confirm you are free on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
- Book lodging now: If you're traveling to Louisville, hotels fill up a year in advance. Look at rentals in Southern Indiana or the Highlands neighborhood for better luck.
- Start your research: Keep an eye on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" leaderboard. Watch the prep races in March and April to see if Ted Noffey holds his lead.
- Plan the party: If you're hosting at home, start looking for a good bourbon. You'll need it for the juleps.
The Derby is one of those bucket-list events that actually lives up to the reputation. Whether you're betting $2 or $2,000, that two-minute window on May 2 is going to be electric.