Kentucky Derby 151 is here. If you are gearing up for a day at the track, be sure you know what you can take with you and what you should leave behind.
Here’s what you can and cannot bring to the Derby according to Churchill Downs’ bag policy.
What is the purse and bag policy at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby?
Churchill Downs will enforce a restricted bag policy during Kentucky Derby Week events. Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches. Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child with you.
Can I bring an umbrella to Churchill Downs?
No. Despite the rain being a possibility on the forecast, umbrellas of any size are not permitted at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks, held this year on Friday, May 2, and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May, 3.
To protect your outfit, be sure to bring a poncho, which can be brought into the racetrack.
Can I bring a water bottle to Churchill Downs? What about a boxed lunch?
Bottled water in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle is allowed with a limit of two 24-ounce bottles per person.
Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags (no trash bags) or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches) are permitted at Churchill Downs but only on Oaks and Derby days. A limit of one bag per person applies.
Prohibited items at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Here is a list of the items you cannot bring to the track, according to the Kentucky Derby website:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Backpacks, duffel bags and luggage
- Bags that don’t adhere to the bag policy (see above)
- Balloons and inflatables
- Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
- Cameras with detachable lenses or equipped with a lens that is 6-inches or larger
- Canopies and tents
- Cans (any size or type), glass bottles or containers
- Chairs (collapsible chairs are allowed in the infield)
- Confetti
- Coolers
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
- Fireworks, noisemakers, air horns, laser lights/pointers, mace or pepper spray
- Food and beverages (see above)
- Grills
- Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
- Illegal substances
- Personal music players without headphones, portable speakers/sound systems
- Pets, except for trained service animals
- Poles or sticks of any size
- Projectile items, balls and frisbees
- Seat cushions that are larger than 15-inches-by-15-inches that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
- Selfie sticks
- Thermoses
- Tripods
- Umbrellas of any size (see above)
- Wagons
- Weapons (including guns and knives)
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
To view the full bag policy and additional security information, visit kentuckyderby.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Churchill Downs bag policy for Kentucky Derby 2025
Kentucky Derby 151 is here. If you are gearing up for a day at the track, be sure you know what you can take with you and what you should leave behind.
Here’s what you can and cannot bring to the Derby according to Churchill Downs’ bag policy.
What is the purse and bag policy at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby?
Churchill Downs will enforce a restricted bag policy during Kentucky Derby Week events. Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches. Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child with you.
Can I bring an umbrella to Churchill Downs?
No. Despite the rain being a possibility on the forecast, umbrellas of any size are not permitted at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks, held this year on Friday, May 2, and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May, 3.
To protect your outfit, be sure to bring a poncho, which can be brought into the racetrack.
Can I bring a water bottle to Churchill Downs? What about a boxed lunch?
Bottled water in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle is allowed with a limit of two 24-ounce bottles per person.
Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags (no trash bags) or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches) are permitted at Churchill Downs but only on Oaks and Derby days. A limit of one bag per person applies.
Prohibited items at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Here is a list of the items you cannot bring to the track, according to the Kentucky Derby website:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Backpacks, duffel bags and luggage
- Bags that don’t adhere to the bag policy (see above)
- Balloons and inflatables
- Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
- Cameras with detachable lenses or equipped with a lens that is 6-inches or larger
- Canopies and tents
- Cans (any size or type), glass bottles or containers
- Chairs (collapsible chairs are allowed in the infield)
- Confetti
- Coolers
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
- Fireworks, noisemakers, air horns, laser lights/pointers, mace or pepper spray
- Food and beverages (see above)
- Grills
- Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
- Illegal substances
- Personal music players without headphones, portable speakers/sound systems
- Pets, except for trained service animals
- Poles or sticks of any size
- Projectile items, balls and frisbees
- Seat cushions that are larger than 15-inches-by-15-inches that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
- Selfie sticks
- Thermoses
- Tripods
- Umbrellas of any size (see above)
- Wagons
- Weapons (including guns and knives)
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
To view the full bag policy and additional security information, visit kentuckyderby.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Churchill Downs bag policy for Kentucky Derby 2025
