Churchill Downs Plans Oktoberfest-Themed Night Racing and Fall Events
Churchill Downs has outlined a series of September programs that feature an Oktoberfest-themed Downs After Dark race card, weekly Twilight Thursday festivities, a dedicated Senior Day, and expanded options for hosting group outings during the fall meet.
Oktoberfest-Themed Downs After Dark on September 19
Downs After Dark will return on Saturday, September 19, with gates opening at 5 p.m. The evening program will combine live Thoroughbred racing with German-inspired drinks, themed entertainment, and fall-focused atmosphere under the lights.
For this event, Churchill Downs is promoting a Trackside Smokehaus VIP Package that offers two seating options near the racing action and includes a meal from Trackside Smokehaus. The package also features an exclusive 24-ounce Churchill Downs Oktoberfest stein, available while supplies last, along with two 12-ounce Oktoberfest-style beers.
Fans who purchase the package will be able to use the Oktoberfest stein throughout the evening and keep it as a souvenir. Additional themed elements include a beer wagon photo area on the first floor near the paddock gate and a Biergarten in the first floor paddock plaza, where guests can gather between races.
Trackside Smokehaus, located next to the paddock gate, will offer Oktoberfest dishes such as beer-braised bratwurst with braised onions, German smoked brisket, and a smoked chicken leg quarter served with herb butter.
Details on the Downs After Dark program and available packages are provided on the Churchill Downs website.
Twilight Thursday Offers Discounted Drinks and Local Food
Twilight Thursday events, with gates opening at 4 p.m., will feature two-dollar select domestic beer offerings around the track, eight-dollar select cocktails, live music and local food vendors at the Louisville venue.
Participating food partners include Big Nita’s Cheesecake and Mimo’s Pizza, which will serve track patrons during the evening racing program.
On the upcoming Twilight Thursday, Churchill Downs will host a Greeks Pack the Track initiative in which the fraternity and sorority that sell the most tickets will each receive a two-thousand-dollar donation to support their respective philanthropic causes.
Senior Day Set for Friday, September 18
Senior Day will take place on Friday, September 18, with gates opening at 11:30 a.m. Guests aged 60 and older are invited to attend a live Thoroughbred racing program that includes a lunch option on Millionaires Row offered at a fixed price.
According to Churchill Downs, seniors can secure the Millionaires Row lunch package by phone purchase, with reservations required in advance of the event.
September Meet Targets Corporate and Group Outings
Churchill Downs is also encouraging businesses and organizations to schedule fall outings during the September meet, highlighting live racing and special events as an opportunity to host clients, recognize employees or bring colleagues together at the track.
The racetrack notes that its hospitality spaces, including areas overlooking the Twin Spires, can be reserved for group events that combine business functions with a day at the races.