Best photos of Kentucky Derby hats and celebrities

The Kentucky Derby brings out the best in 3-year-old horses and the elite in fashion. On top, um, of everything would be the hats the fans wear to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. There are people who celebrate The Run for the Roses with their chapeaus. Other people pay homage to the horses who run in the first leg of the Triple Crown with equine-themed hats. On May 2, it felt more like autumn with the temperatures in the mid-50s. However, that didn't have people donning fancy jackets. Hats remained the statement of the day.

The Kentucky Derby brings out the best in 3-year-old horses and the elite in fashion. On top, um, of everything would be the hats the fans wear to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

There are people who celebrate The Run for the Roses with their chapeaus. Other people pay homage to the horses who run in the first leg of the Triple Crown with equine-themed hats.

On May 2, it felt more like autumn with the temperatures in the mid-50s. However, that didn't have people donning fancy jackets. Hats remained the statement of the day.

Kentucky Derby hats

Savannah Keen from Louisville holds onto her hat while watching races in the infield ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby hats

An attendee wears a funny hat during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby hats

An attendee sports a decorated hat as he arrives to the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby hats

An attendee sports a decorated hat as he arrives to the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby hats

A woman wears a hat decorated with toy horses ahead of the running of the 152th Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby hats

Carrie Ketterman of Corydon, Indiana wore a 19th-century inspired dress and hat.

Kentucky Derby hats

Kathleen Kenneally wheres a hat at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Daryn Ogilvie, right, and her mother Jennifer Kurtz after the first race on Saturday morning at the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The two are at the Derby for the first time.May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Influencer Marissa Ayers and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart on the Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday.

Kentucky Derby hats

Influencer Brooke Johnson on the Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday. May 02, 2026

Kentucky Derby hats

A derby hat adorned with feathers at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Leisha Crumpton of Winfield, Alabama, wears a colorful Derby hat during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Unique hats and looks at the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Unique hats and looks at the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Laine Dyson of Louisiana wears a self-decorated butterfly-themed hat to the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

A couple made their way to their seats in the grandstand of Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day. May 2, 2026

Kentucky Derby hats

Renee Williams wears a Derby Hat at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

A woman wears a red rose swan hat during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Emma Brack from Houston smiles for a photo in her derby hat during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby hats

Unique hat at the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Louisvillian Christelle Braun had a peacock fascinator while she attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby hats

Tanya Seymour of Georgia paused under the grandstand as she attends the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.

Kentucky Derby hats

Annie Graeter, left, and Shannon Sherrard, right, wore hats shaped like cherries in ice cream cups to Churchill Downs own Kentucky Derby Day.

Kentucky Derby hats

Matthew Griffin reached to adjust his top hat.

Kentucky Derby hats

Carrie Ketterman laughs while she attends the 2026 Kentucky Derby with her husband Jeff at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby hats

Musician Richie Sambora on the Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday. May 02, 2026

Kentucky Derby hats

North Carolina Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick and his partner, Jordon Hudson on the Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday.

Kentucky Derby hats

TV host Nate Burleson on the Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday. May 02, 2026

Kentucky Derby hats

Chaka Khan on the Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday. May 02, 2026

Kentucky Derby hats

Kelly Green of Louisville had a unique fascinator made by Hat Haven that surrounded her face while she attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Kentucky Derby 152 hats and celebrities