2025 Kentucky Derby Recap Plus Top Destinations to Stay, Dine, and Experience in Louisville.
Few events capture American tradition and glamour quite like the Kentucky Derby. Extravagant hats, bold pastel suits, mint juleps, and million-dollar bets set the stage for a weekend unlike any other.
The finest thoroughbreds in the world arrive by private jet, prepped for the most anticipated two minutes in sports. From the grandstands to Millionaire’s Row, it’s part fashion show, part social affair, all wrapped around one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
Held every year since 1875, without interruption through world wars, economic turmoil, and even a global pandemic, the Kentucky Derby is the longest, continuously run sporting event in the United States. This year marked its 151st.
The winning horse, Sovereignty, delivered the moment everyone was waiting for. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, the rising star made a late charge, surging past front-runner Journalism in the final stretch to cross the finish line at 2:02.31.
The win marked a career first for Alvarado and a long-awaited triumph for Godolphin Racing, which had made 13 prior attempts at the Kentucky Derby. Founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, Godolphin is one of the most powerful names in international racing.
Known for its signature royal blue silks and deep investments in breeding and training, the team has won nearly every major race around the world, except the Kentucky Derby, until now.
Even with rain overhead, Churchill Downs drew over 147,000 spectators to witness the race. More than $234 million was wagered on the Derby itself, the highest in its 151-year history, and nearly 18 million viewers tuned in from around the world to watch. Inside Churchill Downs, the Derby experience extends far beyond the track.
Millionaire’s Row remains the most iconic vantage point with a series of glass-enclosed dining rooms with private tables, panoramic views of the finish line, and top-tier service. Just across the way, the Turf Club offers a more relaxed but equally refined atmosphere, with elevated dining, a private bar, and access to an outdoor terrace overlooking the action.
For those granted an invitation, The Mansion delivers the highest level of exclusivity. Hidden behind a private entrance, it features multiple dining rooms, luxury lounges, personal concierge service, and rare perks like sommeliers on call, Chanel touch-up counters, and golf cart escorts to the front gate.
The Kentucky Derby is more than the race. It’s a city-wide celebration that begins long before the gates open. Leading up to the big day, Louisville shines with pre-Derby galas, exclusive parties, and high-profile events.
The city’s top hotels and fine-dining restaurants roll out curated experiences and exclusive menus. Whether you experienced it firsthand or are planning your first trip, here’s how to stay, dine, and experience Louisville in true Derby fashion. Next up: Your ultimate Louisville Derby guide.
Derby 2025 Social Scene Recap
Beyond the race, Derby is about the anticipation, the fashion, and the city coming alive in celebration. Three of the most exclusive pre-Derby events drew a wave of celebrities, tastemakers, athletes, and Derbygoers from all over:
Barnstable Brown Gala
A black-tie staple of Derby weekend, the gala featured performances by Boyz II Men and Joey Fatone. Guests included Simone Biles, Aaron Rodgers, Selma Blair, Dierks Bentley, and Machine Gun Kelly, with proceeds benefiting the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center.
Sports Illustrated Revel at the Races
Held at the Ice House in downtown Louisville, this stylish Derby-eve event featured live sets by Diplo and Xandra Pohl. The crowd included a mix of entertainers and influencers, with appearances by Alix Earle, Livvy Dunne, Guy Fieri, Josh Richards, Heidi Montag, and more.
FanDuel Kentucky Derby Party
Hosted at the Paristown Arts and Entertainment District, this invitation-only gathering featured a performance by Grammynominated country music star Shaboozey. FanDuel also donated $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which supports the care and rehoming of retired racehorses.
Where to Stay
Louisville’s top hotels play a key role during Derby season, offering everything from historic charm to modern luxury.
Galt House Hotel
As Louisville’s only waterfront hotel, the Galt House is the city’s largest property and the official hotel of the Kentucky Derby Festival. It offers guests unparalleled access to the city’s most celebrated events. With a prime downtown location and views overlooking the Ohio River, it remains a central hub throughout Derby Week.
21c Museum Hotel
Equal parts boutique hotel and contemporary art museum, 21c offers a unique, design-forward stay right in the heart of downtown. It’s beloved for its rotating exhibitions and stylish restaurant, Proof on Main, perfect for the culturally curious traveler.
Brown Hotel
No visit to Louisville is complete without stepping into the timeless elegance of The Brown Hotel. This gilded landmark was founded in 1923 by James Graham Brown, a businessman and philanthropist, and has hosted everyone from Muhammad Ali to The Rolling Stones.
Its famed Hot Brown sandwich, invented here in 1926, remains untouched by time and has been featured in everything from The New York Times to Top Chef. Guests can dine at The English Grill, known for refined Southern cuisine, or enjoy bourbon cocktails at The Lobby Bar & Grill, set beneath coffered ceilings.
Derby Week brings live piano music, Champagne check-ins, and a display of 151 roses in honor of the race’s legacy. There’s even a hat show in the lobby by renowned milliner Madame Foo Foo and a pop-up by Pappy & Co.
With impeccable service, rich history, and cinematic grandeur (yes, they film movies here regularly), The Brown is more than a hotel; it’s a Louisville icon.
The Omni Louisville Hotel
Omni Louisville has become a go-to destination for luxury travelers since opening in 2018. Sleek, sophisticated, and rooted in local character, the hotel was built on the site of the former Louisville Water Company and reflects the city’s bourbon heritage throughout its design.
The suites are among the largest and most luxurious in the city, featuring floor-to-ceiling views and plush living spaces with separate dining, lounge, and work areas, plus oversized, spa-like bathrooms.
Amenities include a rooftop pool with private cabañas, the full-service Mokara Spa, and two standout lounges: Pin + Proof, a speakeasy cocktail bar with an bowling alley, and the Library Bar, a refined space known for its bourbon collection and stylish setting.
Dining options include Bob’s Steak & Chop House, the hotel’s signature high-end restaurant, and Neighborhood Services, a more casual yet elevated option. The on-site Falls City Market brings in local flavor with vendors like JJ Bakes, artisan coffee, and gourmet bites.
During Derby Week, the Omni hosts stylish pre-race events like the Oaks Day Watch Party, complete with live DJs, craft cocktails, and VIP energy.
Where to Eat
From dry-aged steaks to riverside seafood, here are the standout spots for a Derby weekend worth savoring.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Glamorous, theatrical, and unapologetically indulgent, Jeff Ruby’s is a Derby weekend must. Known for its perfectly seared steaks, sushi bar, and plush red décor, this is where celebrities and power players dine before the big day.
For the 151st Kentucky Derby, Jeff Ruby’s unveiled the Churchill Cake, a showstopping dessert. Designed with a miniature racetrack on top, complete with tiny horses, the cake featured indulgent layers of sweet corn mousse, caramel mousse, butter pie, and crispy pearls.The finishing touch? Delicate rose petals, a nod to the garland of roses draped over the winning horse, make it both a culinary and visual tribute to the “Run for the Roses.” It quickly became the most talked-about dessert of the weekend.
Swizzle Dinner & Drinks
High above downtown Louisville and located in the Galt House, this retromodern steakhouse features two revolving dining floors that slowly rotate to reveal 360-degree views of the city’s skyline and the Ohio River. The menu consists of wood-fired steaks, seafood towers, and mid-century cocktails served in an open kitchen setting. It’s one of the most transportive tables in town.
Le Moo
Le Moo delivers classic steakhouse fare in an atmosphere that feels luxurious and unexpected. With its eclectic interiors, it’s a favorite for both indulgent dinners and lively weekend brunches. For something truly one-of-a-kind, reserve the Vintage Louis Vuitton Booth, crafted from 17 pieces of authentic Louis Vuitton luggage, with a portion of proceeds supporting local charities.
Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille
Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille sits right on the Ohio River, offering casual seafood, panoramic sunset views, and plenty of space to dine indoors or along the water. Docked just outside is the CQ Princess, a two-level yacht available for private charters.
Don’t Miss Nulu
Short for “New Louisville,” this stylish neighborhood is filled with indie coffee shops, hip cocktail bars, and chef-owned restaurants. Explore spots like Everyday Kitchen, Please & Thank You, Guaca Mole, and MeeshMeesh.
Also Worth a Mention
610 Magnolia (for a true fine-dining experience), Jack Fry’s (a jazz-era steakhouse with old Louisville charm), Brendon’s Catch 23 (for upscale seafood downtown), and River House Restaurant & Raw Bar (serving coastal Southern fare in an elegant, laid-back waterfront setting).
Arts & Culture
As the birthplace of bourbon, the Frazier History Museum is a must. It’s the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ®. Located on Museum Row, the Frazier offers an educational deep dive into bourbon’s origins, with immersive exhibits and rare artifacts from legendary distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.
It’s the perfect prologue before venturing out to nearby working distilleries such as Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, and Rabbit Hole, all within city limits. Next, sip your way through the Urban Bourbon Trail, a curated journey to more than 40 Louisville bars and restaurants known for their expansive bourbon lists and creative cocktails.
Highlights include Proof on Main at 21c Museum Hotel, Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar at the Galt House, Doc Crow’s on Whiskey Row, and the historic Old Seelbach Bar. Each stop adds its own twist, from rare pours to storytelling, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Kentucky’s most famous export.
Culture lovers can round out their Derby weekend with a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, the contemporary collections at the Speed Art Museum, or the powerful exhibits at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Sports fans can catch a Louisville City FC soccer match or a Louisville Bats baseball game at Slugger Field, or stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to see how the iconic bat is made.
The main race at the Kentucky Derby may last only two minutes, but the experience lingers far longer. At the end, it’s not just about the race, it’s about a city that knows how to host, how to celebrate, and how to leave an impression.