TL;DR

• Keeneland Spring Meet runs April 3–24, 2026 (no racing Mondays, Tuesdays, or Easter Sunday).
• First post is 1:00 p.m. most days—plan to arrive early and make a full day of it.
• Do a morning workout, then head out for bourbon, hiking, and Lexington’s food scene before the races.
• Late April stacks up: pair Keeneland with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 23–26, 2026).
• Stay smart: pick a hotel that’s easy to get in/out of, with parking and in-room basics—especially during busy weekends.

Keeneland Spring Meet 2026: the essentials

Keeneland’s Spring Meet is Lexington’s can’t-miss ritual—equal parts sport, style, and picnic energy.
In 2026, the meet runs April 3–24, with no racing on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Easter Sunday.

Key planning dates

• Tickets on sale: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET
• Typical post time: 1:00 p.m. daily (with an earlier 12:30 p.m. post time on Friday, April 24)
• Gates open for racing: typically 11:00 a.m.
• Morning workouts: typically 7:00–10:00 a.m. (everyone clears out at 10:00 a.m. before gates reopen)

Official links to bookmark:
Spring Meet info |
Tickets |
Plan your day at the races |
Parking & tailgating

Saturday morning pro move: Sunrise Trackside

If you want “local Lexington” without the afternoon crowds, do Sunrise Trackside.
In 2026, it’s scheduled for April 4, 11, and 18 (8:00–10:00 a.m.)—coffee in hand, horses training, and that crisp spring air.
See Sunrise Trackside details.

Race-day game plan (like a local)

1) Dress for “four seasons in one day”

April in the Bluegrass can swing from sunny to windy to light rain fast. Wear layers and comfortable shoes
(you’ll walk more than you think).

2) Decide your vibe: grandstand, apron, or tailgate

• Grandstand: great for first-timers who want a classic “seat + view” day.
• Apron: more flexible, social, and easy to roam.
• Tailgating: bring the picnic setup. Know the rules before you go and plan your parking early.

Keeneland is strict about safety—review prohibited items and tailgating guidelines here:
Entry policies and
Parking & tailgating.

3) Eat like you mean it

Lexington does race day right—think bourbon balls, hot browns, and the kind of comfort food that makes you stay an extra day.
If you’re doing morning workouts, you can also pair it with a simple coffee-and-breakfast stop on the grounds during certain events
(see Sunrise Trackside above).

4) Build in a buffer

Whether you’re ridesharing or driving, give yourself extra time—especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
The best Keeneland days feel unhurried: arrive early, stroll, people-watch, and settle in before first post.

Beyond Keeneland: bourbon, trails, and neighborhoods

Spend an evening in the Distillery District

Just outside downtown, Lexington’s Distillery District is an easy “one stop, many vibes” area:
distilleries, breweries, live music, coffee, and dessert options—perfect after a day at the track.
Start here: Distillery District
and VisitLEX guide.

Take a bourbon day trip (book ahead)

If you’re touring distilleries, reserve in advance—popular times fill quickly in spring.
A classic nearby stop is Woodford Reserve (Versailles) for tours and tastings:
Woodford tours.
For a broader planning overview, use the
Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Lexington Region Travel Guide.

Get outside at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

When you need a reset between race days, Raven Run is the move—734 acres, Kentucky River views, and trails that range from easy to adventurous.
Start with the official overview and trail info:
City of Lexington: Raven Run |
Trail system.

Horse-country immersion (even if you’re not a “horse person”)

Lexington is built around the horse. If you want a family-friendly day that still feels iconic, look at the
Kentucky Horse Park.
Hours and programming can be seasonal, so check the latest schedule before you go.

Find what’s happening while you’re in town

April weekends can stack up fast with pop-ups, shows, tours, and food events. Browse what’s on during your dates:
Lexington calendar of events.

Bonus weekend: Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 23–26, 2026)

If you’re already coming late in the meet, consider extending your trip for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event
at the end of April—one of the world’s premier equestrian competitions.
Dates for 2026 are April 23–26. Learn more and grab tickets:
kentuckythreedayevent.com.

Where to stay: GuestHouse Lexington (a practical home base)

During Keeneland season, your hotel matters. You want a spot that makes the whole trip easier:
parking, Wi-Fi, quick breakfast, and in-room essentials—especially if you’re doing early mornings or late nights.

Why GuestHouse Lexington works for race-week travel

• Grab-and-go convenience: complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking
• Room basics that help: microwave + refrigerator in each room
• On-site amenities: indoor pool and fitness center
• Easy access: located right off Interstate 75, with a short drive to downtown Lexington

Good to know: there are no elevators on-site—if you prefer fewer stairs, request a first-floor room.

Check rates & availability at GuestHouse Lexington

Address: 2261 Elkhorn Road, Lexington, KY 40505  |  Phone: (859) 294-7375

Sample itineraries

Option A: The classic Keeneland weekend (2 nights)

1. Friday: Arrive, check in, dinner + stroll in the Distillery District.
2. Saturday: Sunrise Trackside (if it aligns) → quick rest/reset → gates at 11 → races at 1.
3. Sunday: Brunch, Raven Run hike, then head home (or add another race day if you’re staying longer).

Option B: Keeneland + bourbon + nature (3–4 nights)

1. Day 1: Downtown + Distillery District night.
2. Day 2: Keeneland race day.
3. Day 3: Woodford Reserve (or another Bourbon Trail stop) + relaxed dinner.
4. Day 4: Raven Run (morning) + Kentucky Horse Park (afternoon), then depart.

Option C: The late-April “horsepower” combo

1. Keeneland: Plan a race day near the end of the meet (note the earlier post time on April 24).
2. K3DE: Extend through April 23–26 for the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

FAQs

What are the 2026 Keeneland Spring Meet dates?

April 3–24, 2026 (no racing Mondays, Tuesdays, or Easter Sunday).

When do tickets go on sale?

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET via Keeneland’s official ticket site.

What time should I arrive?

For racing days, gates typically open at 11:00 a.m. and first post is 1:00 p.m. Arriving early makes everything smoother.

Is there anything special on Saturday mornings?

Yes—Sunrise Trackside is scheduled for April 4, 11, and 18, 2026 (8:00–10:00 a.m.).

Where should I stay for a Keeneland trip?

Prioritize easy parking, breakfast, and in-room basics. GuestHouse Lexington is a practical home base with complimentary breakfast,
free Wi-Fi, parking, and microwaves/refrigerators in every room.