Experience the Kentucky Derby on May 2 with these Columbus events

wcc

May 2, 2026 - 10:37

0 1

Experience the Kentucky Derby on May 2 with these Columbus events

"The greatest two minutes in sports" is happening on May 2, and central Ohioans are close to the action, whether trekking the distance or staying close to home.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, will bring the big hats, mint juleps and more not only to Churchill Downs and but also to some spots in Columbus.

As the most-watched horse race in the United States, the 152nd Kentucky Derby can be celebrated near and far by central Ohioans.

When and where is the Kentucky Derby?

The race will take place Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

What time does the Kentucky Derby start?

The race will begin at 6:57 p.m. ET.

How to watch the Kentucky Derby

The famed race will be aired on various streaming channels. Here's how you can watch:

FanDuel TV: 10:30 a.m. to noon ET.
Peacock & NBCSN: Noon to 2:30 p.m. ET.
NBC & Peacock: 2:30-7:30 p.m. ET.
Last race on FanDuel TV: 7:30-8:30 p.m. ET.

Sovereignty, the winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, made an appearance on the track during morning workouts. The horse is trained by Bill Mott and share the same barn as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallaby. April 22, 2026

Who won last year's Kentucky Derby?

Sovereignty, with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard, emerged victorious at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, prevailing over the 19-horse field through thick mud in 2:02.31 at Churchill Downs after daylong showers.

Sovereignty came out of the 16th gate and went off with the fourth-best odds at 7-1 as the race started. Journalism, which came in as the favorite at 3-1, placed second with Baeza (13-1 odds) rounding out the top three.

How far is Churchill Downs from Columbus?

The trip may be shorter than you think. It will only take 3 hours and 19 minutes for Downtown residents to get to Louisville by car.

Are there any watch parties in Columbus?

Yes! If you can't make the trip but still want to enjoy the vibe of the day, multiple places in central Ohio will be hosting watch parties:

Aladdin Shrine in Grove City will host a watch party on May 2 from 4-7:30 p.m. Put on your Derby finest and head to the Aladdin Shrine Kentucky Derby Party for casino games, big hats and more. Tickets are available starting at $32.50.
A Kentucky Derby VIP Watch Party at Scioto Downs will offer "great vibes" and "live action" from 2-9 p.m. on May 2. The premium experience is advertising swag bags, cocktails and an exclusive Derby-themed buffet. Tickets start at $81.88.
Townhall in the Short North will host a watch party beginning at 4 p.m. on May 2. Sponsored by Woodford Reserve & Old Forester, official sponsors of the Kentucky Derby, the free exclusive event will have prizes for the best-dressed guests and folks who correctly guess the win, place and show horses.
Loose Rail Brewing is hosting a free Run for the Rails: Derby Day Party from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on May 2. A full day of racing, bourbon and more will be highlighted by big hats and bow ties. Food specials include a Derby Day Pizza, Kentucky bourbon barbecue, pulled chicken, bacon, three cheese blend, and red onion; and Jockey Bites, a flight of five meatballs in Kentucky bourbon barbecue sauce, served with house-made beer cheese for dipping. There will be specialty cocktails and best-dressed contests, as well.
Merry Makers Club has more to celebrate! On May 2, from 4-8 p.m., a Derby Day Party will be held in conjunction with the club's 100th anniversary. Admission is $60, and tables that seat eight are $480. Spring fashion will be in full with a hat contest. Cigars will be offered by Pipes & Pleasures.