when is churchhill downs open for racing

Churchill Downs is open for live racing during three main meets each year: the Spring Meet, the September Meet, and the Fall Meet. The track’s official schedule says the season starts with the Kentucky Derby in early May, Spring Meet runs through the end of May and into June, racing resumes in September, and the Fall Meet runs from October through Thanksgiving weekend.

Current 2026 status

Right now, Churchill Downs is in its Spring Meet closing weekend, with live racing running through Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Typical racing season

• Spring Meet: May to late June.

• September Meet: starts in September.

• Fall Meet: October through Thanksgiving weekend.

Practical note

Churchill Downs says it hosts more than 70 live racing days across the year, so the best way to check exact race dates is its official calendar.