The Kentucky Derby is held every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

For the specific upcoming race you’re probably asking about right now:

  • The 2026 Kentucky Derby (the 152nd running) will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

If you meant it more generally as “when is the Kentucky Derby (each year)?” then the answer is:

  • It takes place annually on the first Saturday in May, a tradition that dates back to the race’s long history beginning in 1875.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.