Experience the Kentucky Derby on May 2 with these Columbus events

Sovereignty, the winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, made an appearance on the track during morning workouts. The horse is trained by Bill Mott and share the same barn as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallaby. April 22, 2026

Who won last year's Kentucky Derby?

Sovereignty, with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard, emerged victorious at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, prevailing over the 19-horse field through thick mud in 2:02.31 at Churchill Downs after daylong showers.

Sovereignty came out of the 16th gate and went off with the fourth-best odds at 7-1 as the race started. Journalism, which came in as the favorite at 3-1, placed second with Baeza (13-1 odds) rounding out the top three.

How far is Churchill Downs from Columbus?

The trip may be shorter than you think. It will only take 3 hours and 19 minutes for Downtown residents to get to Louisville by car.

Are there any watch parties in Columbus?

Yes! If you can't make the trip but still want to enjoy the vibe of the day, multiple places in central Ohio will be hosting watch parties:

• Aladdin Shrine in Grove City will host a watch party on May 2 from 4-7:30 p.m. Put on your Derby finest and head to the Aladdin Shrine Kentucky Derby Party for casino games, big hats and more. Tickets are available starting at $32.50.
• A Kentucky Derby VIP Watch Party at Scioto Downs will offer "great vibes" and "live action" from 2-9 p.m. on May 2. The premium experience is advertising swag bags, cocktails and an exclusive Derby-themed buffet. Tickets start at $81.88.
• Townhall in the Short North will host a watch party beginning at 4 p.m. on May 2. Sponsored by Woodford Reserve & Old Forester, official sponsors of the Kentucky Derby, the free exclusive event will have prizes for the best-dressed guests and folks who correctly guess the win, place and show horses.
• Loose Rail Brewing is hosting a free Run for the Rails: Derby Day Party from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on May 2. A full day of racing, bourbon and more will be highlighted by big hats and bow ties. Food specials include a Derby Day Pizza, Kentucky bourbon barbecue, pulled chicken, bacon, three cheese blend, and red onion; and Jockey Bites, a flight of five meatballs in Kentucky bourbon barbecue sauce, served with house-made beer cheese for dipping. There will be specialty cocktails and best-dressed contests, as well.
• Merry Makers Club has more to celebrate! On May 2, from 4-8 p.m., a Derby Day Party will be held in conjunction with the club's 100th anniversary. Admission is $60, and tables that seat eight are $480. Spring fashion will be in full with a hat contest. Cigars will be offered by Pipes & Pleasures.

USA TODAY's Steve Gardner and Cincinnati Enquirer's Kaycee Sloan contributed to this report.

Emily Rohozen is the entertainment and things-to-do editor at The Dispatch and can be reached at erohozen@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus residents can enjoy the Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 2. Here's how