Grab your mint juleps and hold onto your fascinators, because the 152nd Kentucky Derby is officially in the history books, and what a wild, historic, and beautiful ride it was!
This year marked our second time attending the "Run for the Roses," and we returned to Churchill Downs with a little more wisdom, a lot more gear, and an expanded crew. Last time we went, we learned the ropes. This year, we mastered them. Joining the veterans, Cameron, Ryan, and myself, was Ryan’s girlfriend, Natalie, who was making her absolute first trip to the Derby!
If you are planning your own bucket list trip to the track, we've got you covered. From our seamless parking hacks to the exact packing list you need to survive the legendary Churchill Downs infield, here is how we tackled the 2026 Kentucky Derby (and how you can too).
The Ultimate Infield Survival Guide: What to Pack
The Churchill Downs infield is a party like no other. It’s vibrant, crowded, and entirely outdoors. If you have infield tickets, your comfort depends entirely on what you bring with you.
The number one thing we have learned from our two years attending: if you are going to sit in the infield, always be prepared for rain and chilly weather, and never count on short food lines.
Churchill Downs has strict security rules, including a mandatory clear bag policy. Your bags must be transparent and cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
We packed our clear bags to the absolute max. Here is the exact checklist of what we brought (and what we highly recommend you add to yours):
Comfortable Camping Chairs: Essential for setting up your home base on the grass.
2 Unopened Water Bottles Per Person: Stay hydrated! The track allows two factory sealed plastic water bottles per guest.
Sandwiches and Snacks: Food lines can get massive. Bringing our own food saved us tons of time and kept us fueled all day.
Rain Ponchos & Blankets: The weather was much better this year than our previous trip, but Kentucky spring weather is notoriously unpredictable. Layers and waterproof gear are non-negotiable.
Sunscreen: Hours out on the lawn will catch up to you quickly.
Portable Phone Chargers: This is an absolute MUST if you are going to place bets on your phone! Between scanning promotions, taking photos, and tracking odds on the betting apps, your battery will drain before the afternoon feature races even begin.
NEW ADDITION: Bug Spray! This is our latest pro tip. Because the infield events are mostly on the grass, we noticed mosquitoes are becoming more of an issue. We are officially adding bug spray to our permanent "things to bring to outdoor events list" for next time!
Derby Fashion: Fascinators and Fedoras
You can't go to the Derby without dressing the part! Even in the infield, fashion is half the fun.
Natalie and I made sure to bring our A-game with our custom headpieces and fascinators, while Cameron looked incredibly dapper rocking his signature fedora. Natalie absolutely crushed her first Derby style milestone!
The Hassle-Free Parking Hack: Cardinal Stadium Lot E
If you’ve heard nightmares about Kentucky Derby traffic and parking, let us let you in on our favorite strategy.
We parked at Cardinal Stadium Lot E. From there, it’s a straight, easy walk to Churchill Downs. The walk is just over a mile and takes under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs, take in the pre race energy of Louisville, and bypass the absolute gridlock of ride share lines and expensive neighborhood parking lots right next to the gates.
Watching History in the Making: The Races!
Of course, we were there for the horses, and the 2026 races did not disappoint. The energy in the infield when the track announcers call "Riders Up!" is something you have to experience at least once in your life.
The absolute highlight of our day was watching history being made right before our eyes. We got to witness an incredible race as Golden Tempo charged across the finish line to secure the victory. A massive congratulations goes out to the incredible winner, Golden Tempo, and legendary trainer Cherie DeVaux for pulling off such an unforgettable win! By taking first place, Cherie DeVaux officially became the first woman trainer ever to win the Kentucky Derby.
The entire crowd went wild. Being there to witness a glass ceiling shattered in a 152-year-old American tradition gave us absolute chills.
Let Us Help Plan Your Next Adventure
If reading about our trip has you ready to check a major sporting event or bucket list race off your own calendar, you do not have to figure out the logistics alone. From finding the perfect place to stay to navigating the best local parking spots, having an expert in your corner makes all the difference. If you need help booking your next sports trip, get in touch with Cameron at Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations by visiting OlsonTravelGroup.com, and let us take the stress out of your next big getaway.
Final Thoughts
From the historic win to the perfect crew, our second Kentucky Derby was one for the ages. Natalie survived (and loved!) her first Derby experience, the weather smiled on us, and our infield game plan worked like a charm.
If you're thinking about planning a trip to Louisville for next year's race, take it from us: pack your clear bag, charge your phone, grab a fabulous hat, and get ready for the best two minutes in sports!
Share Your Thoughts!
Have you ever been to the Kentucky Derby? What’s your number one outdoor event survival item? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch more of the recap and Kentucky Derby EditionTravel Trivia with my live stream TravelWives here.
No comments:
Post a Comment