Kentucky Oaks

The Kentucky Oaks in 2026 is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026. As of now, there are 73 days remaining until the event. This premier thoroughbred race for three-year-old fillies takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby, marking a highlight of Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The day begins with early races around 10:30 AM ET, building to the main Oaks race in the late afternoon. With the primetime broadcast starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, it's an exciting event to look forward to. If you're planning to attend, mark your calendar for this Friday in May and prepare for a full day of racing, fashion, and festivities.

No, the Kentucky Oaks is not a public holiday. It is a major sporting event, so there are no mandated closures of businesses or government offices. However, expect significant traffic, large crowds, and heightened local business activity in Louisville, Kentucky, around the event. Many people treat it as a day off or half-day to attend, but it's not an official holiday like federal observances. The race draws over 100,000 spectators, so roads and hotels will be busy. If you're in the area, plan accordingly for travel disruptions and take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere without expecting widespread shutdowns.

The Kentucky Oaks originated in 1875 as the female counterpart to the Kentucky Derby, making it one of America's longest continuously held sporting events. Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, it's known as the 'Run for the Lillies' because winners are draped in a garland of lilies. The race highlights top three-year-old fillies and serves as a cultural cornerstone of horse racing, blending equine excellence with fashion and advocacy. It has featured champions like Rachel Alexandra and Untapable, drawing global attention. Beyond racing, it promotes women's health, especially breast cancer awareness, solidifying its role as a significant event in American sports history.

Celebrations at the Kentucky Oaks focus on high-stakes racing, live music, parties, and pageantry, building excitement for the Kentucky Derby the next day. Attendees enjoy a full card of races with wagering options like win/place/show and exotics starting around 10:30 AM ET. The day features VIP hospitality, undercard stakes, and Derby Week vibes, including previews like 'Thurby.' Many people dress in spring fashion with bold outfits and hats, while others participate in the 'Pink Out' by wearing pink attire to support breast cancer awareness. The festive atmosphere includes family-friendly areas and alcohol-focused sections, culminating in the primetime Oaks race broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

The Kentucky Oaks is rich in traditions that combine racing, fashion, and advocacy. Winners receive a garland of lilies, symbolizing the 'Run for the Lillies.' A key custom is the 'Pink Out,' where attendees wear pink clothing and accessories to raise breast cancer awareness, making it a day of support for women's health. Fashion is a major element, with elaborate hats and stylish outfits on display, similar to the Derby's style but with its own flair. The event also features live music and parties, enhancing the pageantry. These traditions date back to its 1875 founding and continue to draw over 100,000 spectators annually.

The Kentucky Oaks takes place at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets are on sale now via kentuckyderby.com, with two-day Derby/Oaks packages starting at $268; premium options are available by calling 502-636-4447. Parking is limited, so consider shuttles or rideshares. Expect crowds of over 100,000, so arrive early for the first races around 10:30 AM ET. Betting is available onsite or online through platforms like TwinSpires. The event is family-friendly but has alcohol-focused areas. Dress in spring fashion with hats, and wear pink for the cause. Weather in May can include rain, so check forecasts and plan for potential delays.

On the day of the Kentucky Oaks, gates open early with the first race around 10:30 AM ET, leading to a full day of racing and wagering on win/place/show, exotics, and pick series. The main Longines Kentucky Oaks, a 1 1/8 mile race with a $1.5 million purse, runs in the late afternoon. For the first time ever, the event will have a primetime broadcast on NBC and Peacock starting at 8 p.m. ET, enhancing its national reach. The day builds toward the Derby the next day, with a twilight finish adding to the spectacle. Expect live music, parties, and fashion displays throughout the day.

For first-timers, book tickets early as sales are ongoing, with two-day packages from $268. Plan to arrive before 10:30 AM ET to catch early races and avoid crowds of over 100,000. Dress in spring fashion—hats are encouraged—and wear pink to support breast cancer awareness. Use rideshares or shuttles due to limited parking at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. Betting is easy via TwinSpires online or onsite, but set a budget. The event is lively and alcohol-friendly in spots, so pace yourself. Expect possible rain in May, bring layers, and enjoy the primetime NBC broadcast at 8 p.m. ET for a memorable Derby Week experience.

The Kentucky Oaks stands out as a premier race exclusively for three-year-old fillies, emphasizing female equine talent since 1875. It's uniquely tied to women's health advocacy through the 'Pink Out' tradition, blending sport with social causes like breast cancer awareness. Unlike many races, it features a primetime TV debut on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET, boosting visibility. The 'Run for the Lillies' garland and fashion focus set it apart culturally, drawing over 100,000 attendees as the second-most attended U.S. thoroughbred race. Held the day before the Derby, it builds momentum for the weekend, combining racing, style, and community spirit without the Derby's sole focus on the Triple Crown.

The Kentucky Oaks promotes breast cancer awareness through its 'Pink Out' tradition, a core part of the event since the late 20th century. Attendees, jockeys, and even horses are encouraged to wear pink attire and accessories, symbolizing support for women's health. This advocacy extends to partnerships with organizations, fundraising efforts, and awareness campaigns integrated into the day's festivities. The race's focus on fillies ties into celebrating women, making it a platform for education and community support. Over 100,000 spectators participate annually, turning the event into a vibrant display of solidarity, all while enjoying the high-stakes racing and fashion at Churchill Downs.