Get ready for the 152nd Kentucky Derby! Find all the details you need about the Kentucky Derby 2026 date, start time, TV coverage, schedule, and how to watch online for free.
The 2026 Kentucky Derby happens on May 2nd. This is the 152nd running of the famous horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. People call it “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” for a good reason. The best three-year-old racehorses in the world compete for a $5 million prize.
This race is the first leg of the American Triple Crown. Millions of fans watch it every year from home or at the track. Each horse earns its spot through qualifying races held across the United States and around the world.
The 2025 Derby winner was Sovereignty. That race drew 21.8 million viewers on NBC and Peacock and was the biggest audience since 1989.
Kentucky Derby 2026 at a Glance:
| Date | Saturday, May 2, 2026 |
| Edition | 152nd Running |
| Post Time | 6:57 PM ET / 3:57 PM PT / 11:57 PM BST / 8:57 AM AEST (May 3) |
| Venue | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Race Type | Thoroughbred Horse Racing |
| Distance | 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) |
| Purse | $5 Million |
| TV Channel | NBC (USA) / Sky Sports (UK) / Kayo Sports (AU) |
| Live Stream | Peacock (USA) |
| Presented by | Woodford Reserve |
How Many Days Until Kentucky Derby 2026?
Check out the live countdown timer below to see exactly how much time remains until the main race in your local timezone!
The 152nd Kentucky Derby posts at 6:57 PM ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
What Time Does the Kentucky Derby 2026 Start and End?
The gates open in the morning and the first race starts at approximately 11:00 AM ET. The big race has a confirmed post time of 6:57 PM ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
NBC’s live TV coverage runs from approximately 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET. Peacock streams the full day from morning all the way through the final race at night.
One big change for 2026 is the Kentucky Oaks moving to primetime for the first time ever. It now airs at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, May 1 on NBC and Peacock. Past years had it airing around 6:00 PM ET on USA Network. This shift gives the Oaks a much bigger national audience.
2026 Kentucky Derby Start Time for Different Countries
Fans all over the world tune in to watch “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Here are the post times for major countries.
United States
The confirmed post time is 6:57 PM ET. Here are the times across all US time zones:
- 6:57 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- 5:57 PM Central Time (CT)
- 4:57 PM Mountain Time (MT)
- 3:57 PM Pacific Time (PT)
- 1:57 PM Alaska Standard Time (AKST)
- 12:57 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST)
Canada
Canadian fans watch the Derby at the same time as US viewers. The post time is 6:57 PM ET. Most Canadian broadcasters carry the NBC feed live.
United Kingdom
UK viewers can tune in at 11:57 PM BST on Saturday night, May 2. The race still falls on the same day so no waiting until Sunday.
Australia
Australian fans need to wait until Sunday morning. The post time converts to 8:57 AM AEST on Sunday, May 3.
France
French viewers can watch at 12:57 AM CEST on Sunday, May 3.
Germany
German viewers tune in at 12:57 AM CEST on Sunday, May 3. Same time as France since both countries share the Central European Summer Time zone.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Schedule
The Kentucky Derby is not just a two-minute race. It is a full week of events, traditions, and celebrations. Derby Week starts in late April and builds all the way up to the big Saturday race.
People gather to sip a cold Mint Julep and enjoy the festivities well before the main event. As a diehard fan of the sport, you do not want to miss all the critical moments and traditions of Derby Week.
Here is the full Derby Week 2026 event schedule:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday, April 25 | Opening Day (Gates open 11:30 AM / First race 12:45 PM) |
| Sunday, April 26 | Sunday Funday (Returns for first time since 2010) |
| Monday, April 27 | Dawn at the Downs (Gates open 6:45 AM) |
| Tuesday, April 28 | 502’sDay (General Admission $5) |
| Wednesday, April 29 | Winsday (presented by Community Foundation of Louisville) |
| Thursday, April 30 | Thurby (Gates open 10:30 AM / First race 12:45 PM) |
| Friday, May 1 | 152nd Kentucky Oaks (8:00 PM ET Primetime on NBC and Peacock) |
| Saturday, May 2 | 152nd Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve |
Sunday Funday on April 26 is a brand new addition this year. Sunday racing at Churchill Downs returns for the first time since 2010. It gives fans an extra day of racing fun during Derby Week with brunch options around the track.
TV Schedule
Here is the complete TV schedule for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby race day:
| Date | Time (ET) | Event | TV Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 1 | Morning | Early Races | FanDuel TV |
| Friday, May 1 | 8:00 PM ET | 152nd Kentucky Oaks (Post Time) | NBC and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | Morning | Early Races | FanDuel TV |
| Saturday, May 2 | Noon to 2:30 PM | Pre-Derby Coverage | USA Network and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM | 152nd Kentucky Derby Coverage | NBC and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | 6:57 PM ET | Kentucky Derby Post Time | NBC and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | After 7:30 PM | Late Races | FanDuel TV |
NBC has been the official home of the Kentucky Derby since 2001. Their partnership with Churchill Downs runs through 2032. That makes NBC the longest-running media home in Derby history.
The detailed race-by-race TV schedule for 2026 has not been published yet by NBC. The full slot-by-slot breakdown will be confirmed closer to Derby weekend in April 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby Day Race Schedule
The Kentucky Derby is Race 12 of the day. Here is the approximate race-by-race schedule based on prior years. Churchill Downs will confirm the exact times closer to race day.
| Race | Approximate Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Race 1 | 11:00 AM |
| Race 2 | 11:32 AM |
| Race 3 | 12:05 PM |
| Race 4 | 12:38 PM |
| Race 5 | 1:12 PM |
| Race 6 | 1:53 PM |
| Race 7 | 2:38 PM |
| Race 8 | 3:23 PM |
| Race 9 | 4:06 PM |
| Race 10 | 4:50 PM |
| Race 11 (Turf Classic) | 5:39 PM |
| Race 12 (Kentucky Derby) | 6:57 PM |
| Race 13 | 8:00 PM |
| Race 14 | 8:33 PM |
What Channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
You can watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby on NBC. You can also stream it live on Peacock. NBC has been the exclusive TV home of the Derby since 2001 and will remain that way through 2032.
The Kentucky Oaks on Friday night also airs on NBC and Peacock at 8:00 PM ET. This is a major change from past years. The Oaks previously aired on USA Network earlier in the evening. In 2026 it gets its own primetime slot on NBC for the first time in the race’s history.
FanDuel TV covers the early morning races and the races after the main Derby broadcast window.
Over 21.8 million people watched the 2025 Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock. That was the biggest Derby audience in 36 years.
Where Can I Listen to the Races on the Radio?
You can listen to the Kentucky Derby live on SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio on satellite channel 85 or through the SiriusXM app. The coverage includes pre-race shows and full live race commentary.
Other audio options include:
- Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) website
- Local NBC Sports Radio affiliates
- Radio streaming platforms
- Select sports betting apps that offer live audio for members
How to Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 Live Stream Online?
NBC is the official broadcaster. You can stream the race live on Peacock. A paid Peacock subscription gives you the full Derby day experience from morning races through the final post.
If you already have YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, or Sling TV then you are covered. All of these services carry NBC so you can watch the Derby without paying extra.
FanDuel TV streams the early races and post-Derby races. NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM covers the radio side for fans on the move.
The main NBC broadcast starts at 2:30 PM ET. Early races are on USA Network and FanDuel TV before that.
Fans outside the US can use a VPN to connect to a US server and access Peacock or other NBC streams.
One important note for Fubo subscribers: NBC is not available on Fubo. All NBCUniversal channels were removed from Fubo on November 21, 2025 due to an ongoing contract dispute. As of February 2026 there is no return date confirmed. Fubo subscribers need to use one of the other services listed below to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
Free & Cheapest Ways to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2026
If You Already Have Cable or Satellite TV
A cable or satellite package that includes NBC lets you watch at no extra charge. Go to NBC.com and click the “LIVE” option. Select NBC from the channel list and log in with your TV provider details. The race streams free through your existing subscription.
Free Through Walmart+ or Instacart+
Both Walmart+ and Instacart+ memberships include Peacock Premium at no extra cost. This is the best free workaround available right now. Sign up for either service and activate Peacock through your account settings.
Use a Free Trial Service
YouTube TV offers up to a 21-day free trial for new subscribers. That is more than enough time to cover the full Derby weekend. Sign up, watch the race on NBC and cancel before the trial ends to pay nothing. DirecTV Stream also offers a 5-day free trial with NBC included. Hulu + Live TV gives new subscribers a 3-day free trial with full NBC access.
Student Discount on Peacock
Full-time students can get Peacock Premium for $5.99 per month. That is a 45% discount off the regular price. Verify your status through Peacock’s student portal to claim it.
Watching from Outside the US
Use a VPN like ExpressVPN to connect to a US server. Then access Peacock, NBC.com, or YouTube TV to watch the Derby live. ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Live TV Streaming Services that Carry NBC for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
All of the services below carry NBC and give you full Kentucky Derby coverage. Check each service’s website to confirm NBC availability in your specific zip code before subscribing.
| Service | Regular Monthly Price | NBC Available | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV (Base Plan) | $82.99/mo | Yes | Up to 21 days |
| YouTube TV (Sports Plan) | $54.99/mo for new customers | Yes | Up to 21 days |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/mo | Yes | 3-day trial |
| DirecTV Stream | From $89.99/mo | Yes | 5-day trial |
| Sling Blue | $45.99/mo | Yes (select markets only) | No trial |
| Fubo | $84.99+/mo | NO – NBC removed since Nov 2025 | N/A |
YouTube TV is the best pick right now for Derby viewers. The new Sports Plan at $54.99/mo for new customers includes NBC and all major broadcast networks. Pair that with the 21-day free trial and you can watch the full Derby at no cost.
Sling Blue at $45.99/mo is the cheapest option that includes NBC but only in select markets. Enter your zip code on the Sling website before subscribing to confirm NBC is available in your area.
Peacock Streaming Plans for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Peacock is the official streaming home of the Kentucky Derby. Here are the current 2026 plans:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Ad-Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select | $7.99/mo | $79.99/yr | No |
| Premium | $10.99/mo | $109.99/yr | No |
| Premium Plus | $16.99/mo | $169.99/yr | Yes |
| Student Premium | $5.99/mo | N/A | No |
Peacock does not offer a free trial for new subscribers. The best free option is to access Peacock Premium through a Walmart+ or Instacart+ membership at no extra cost.
2026 Kentucky Derby FAQ
Where and when is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 152nd Derby is on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The gates open in the morning with the first race at approximately 11:00 AM ET. The main Derby race posts at 6:57 PM ET.
What is new in 2026?
Two big changes stand out this year. First, the Kentucky Oaks moves to primetime for the first time ever at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock on Friday, May 1. Second, Sunday Funday racing returns to Derby Week for the first time since 2010 on April 26.
What should I wear to the Kentucky Derby?
Derby fashion is a big part of the experience. Men usually wear seersucker suits or smart casual attire. Women wear wide-brimmed hats and spring dresses. The dress code varies by seating area at Churchill Downs. Premium seating areas call for more formal attire while the infield is more relaxed.
What is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby?
The Mint Julep is the traditional Derby drink. It is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint. Churchill Downs serves nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps over Derby weekend.
What is the Kentucky Oaks?
The Kentucky Oaks is a major stakes race for three-year-old fillies. It runs the day before the Derby. In 2026 it moves to primetime for the first time ever at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. Fans at the track wear pink to support women’s health awareness.
Can I see celebrities at the Kentucky Derby?
Yes. The Derby draws some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and business every year. The festive atmosphere and high-profile setting make it one of the top celebrity events of the sporting calendar.
What are the Twin Spires?
The Twin Spires are the iconic towers on top of the Churchill Downs grandstand. They have become the most recognized symbol of the Kentucky Derby and of horse racing in America.
What is the Garland of Roses?
The winning horse receives a garland made of more than 400 red roses. This tradition started in 1932. That is why the Kentucky Derby is also called “The Run for the Roses.”
What song is played at the Kentucky Derby?
“My Old Kentucky Home” plays as the horses walk to the starting gate. It is one of the most emotional traditions in all of American sports.