Downs After Dark Hosts Oktoberfest-Themed Racing Night on September 19
- Aug 14
- 1 min read
Churchill Downs will stage an Oktoberfest-themed edition of its Downs After Dark racing program on Saturday, September 19, combining live Thoroughbred racing with German-inspired food, drinks and entertainment under the lights.
For the event, Churchill Downs is offering a Trackside SmōkHaus VIP Package that features two distinct seating options with access near the track, each including a SmōkHaus meal. The package also provides an exclusive 24-ounce Churchill Downs Oktoberfest stein, subject to availability, along with two 12-ounce Oktoberfest-style beers.
Guests can use the Downs After Dark Oktoberfest stein throughout the evening and take it home as a souvenir, after enjoying two 12-ounce Oktoberfest-style beers during the racing program.
Additional programming includes live music on the Paddock Terrace Overlook between races, a national anthem performance and polka music by the German-American Club Polka Band, and a Beer Wagon photo area on the first floor near the paddock gate.
A Biergarten in the first-floor Paddock Plaza will offer a gathering space for guests, while Trackside SmōkHaus near the paddock gate will serve Oktoberfest-themed dishes such as beer-braised Bierbratwurst with braised onions, German smoked brisket and a smoked chicken leg quarter finished with Krauterbutter herb butter.
Ticket packages and additional details are available through Churchill Downs and the event is being promoted as an opportunity for September and fall group outings during Downs After Dark.