
Umbrellas are not allowed at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby. Attendees should be aware of other prohibited items before arriving.
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It's probably going to rain on Kentucky Oaks Day, held this year on May 1. But if you're headed to Churchill Downs ― don't pack an umbrella.
Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., Louisville, Ky., doesn't allow them inside the storied track where the Kentucky Oaks and Derby runs each year.
In fact, there are quite a few things that track security won't let you bring through the gate.
Before heading to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week, here's a quick primer on what items you can and cannot bring with you.
No. Umbrellas are prohibited at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week as they block other guests’ views.
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Dee Johnson and Barry Brewer walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Trae Spina shows up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Churchill Downs prohibits several items, including umbrellas, for security reasons during the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Oaks Day is scheduled for May 1, 2024.
Churchill Downs is located at 700 Central Ave., Louisville, Kentucky.
Yes, while umbrellas are not allowed, you can bring a raincoat to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.

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Carrie Biloti, left, Jessica Morse, center, and Jerri Sly visit the Pink Snails for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Charlie and Michele Harlow get their picture taken for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Chris Martin walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
The Pink Snails were in attendance for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Michelle Winningham gets her picture made for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Charlie walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Jackie and Elliot Outlaw walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Dee Johnson and Barry Brewer walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Trae Spina shows up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Carrie Biloti, left, Jessica Morse, center, and Jerri Sly visit the Pink Snails for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Charlie and Michele Harlow get their picture taken for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Chris Martin walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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The Pink Snails were in attendance for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Michelle Winningham gets her picture made for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Charlie walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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Jackie and Elliot Outlaw walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
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People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Apr. 25, 2026.
Each guest at the Kentucky Derby is permitted to bring one bag no larger than 12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches or a small clutch that is smaller than 6.5-inches-by-4.5 inches. Baby and diaper bags are allowed if guests have a child with them.
Here are a list of items that are prohibited at Churchill Downs, according to the Kentucky Derby website:
Here's what you can bring if you're heading to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week:
Reach breaking news reporter Caroline Neal at cneal@usatodayco.com and reporter Maggie Menderski at mmenderski@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What you can, can't bring to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 2026