Parking at Keeneland Race Course
Parking at Keeneland is free in The Hill and The Meadow, and a shuttle takes you to the gates. If you want to be close, the Green Lot is $10 on Wednesday and Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday, bought ahead on keeneland.com. Tailgating is allowed in the free lots.
Meet Dates
The Fall Meet 2026 runs October 2 - 24. The Spring Meet 2027 runs April 2 - 23. The Breeders' Cup World Championships are at Keeneland on October 30 and 31, 2026. Gates and parking procedures for Breeders' Cup weekend are different from the Fall Meet. See the Breeders' Cup section below. Parking procedures may vary by meet. Always verify at keeneland.com before your visit.
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Parking Options
The Hill and Meadow Lots
FreeFree public parking. No reservation required. Complimentary shuttle to the Shuttle Depot included. Enter through Gate 1. This is the main option for most visitors.
Green Lot
Permit RequiredPermit parking, must be purchased in advance through keeneland.com. $10 Wednesdays and Thursdays, $20 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Race-day permit holders enter through Gate 2. Closer to the entrance. Limited spaces, expected to sell out. Patrons with race day tickets can pre-purchase. Morning visitors (before 10am) enter through Gate 1 and park in the lower rows, and must move by 10:30am or cars will be towed.
Accessible Parking
FreeFree, located in semipaved rows 17-21. No reservation required. Shuttle service to South Entrance. Enter Gate 1.
Bus Lot
Advance PurchaseCommercial buses only. Must be purchased in advance at keeneland.com. $50 Wednesdays and Thursdays, $75 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bus parking between Barns 1 to 3 is limited and first come, first served. Most commercial buses are directed to the fully paved Entertainment Center Bus Lot.
Tailgating
The Hill
Keeneland's official tailgate area. Food trucks, live music by The Burl, jumbo TV for live racing, and wagering available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Open 8am to 60 minutes after the last race.
Fall 2026 Live Music on The Hill
- Fri, Oct 2, Brother Smith
- Sat, Oct 3, Sydney Adams
- Sun, Oct 4, Rough Riders
- Fri, Oct 9, Thunderwood
- Sat, Oct 10, Hancock & Shouse
- Sun, Oct 11, Zeb South & The Kentucky Hotheads
- Fri, Oct 16, South on 75
- Sat, Oct 17, Marble Creek Rangers
- Sun, Oct 18, Mashgrass
- Fri, Oct 23, Colin Michael's Bird Dog Band
- Sat, Oct 24, Moonlight Mile
The Meadow
Also allows tailgating with the same rules but no live music or amenities. Open 8am to 60 minutes after the last race.
Permitted
Tables, chairs, contained gas grills, 10x10 pop-up tents (Hill and Meadow only, no tents in paved lots).
Prohibited
Open flame charcoal, wood fire or fire pits, open bars or kegs, balloons or inflatables, flags or signage taller than 8ft, live music (except The Hill's scheduled performances).
Lexington police actively patrol on race days. Underage drinking strictly enforced. Saving parking spaces is prohibited.
Taking an Uber or Lyft?
Uber, Lyft, taxis, personal pick-ups and private car services are directed to the Ride Share area adjacent to the Shuttle Depot. There is NO vehicular access to the North, South or East Entrances for drop-off or pick-up. Enter through Gate 1.
Shuttle Service
The Shuttle Depot has moved for the Fall Meet. For the 2026 Fall Meet the Shuttle Depot is temporarily located beneath Barns 1 to 3 because of Breeders' Cup 2026. Shuttles from The Hill and The Meadow still drop off there, and Guest Services directs you to the nearest entrance. Keeneland asks you to allow a few extra minutes for the walk.
Complimentary shuttles run from The Hill and Meadow lots to the Shuttle Depot. Golf cart shuttles available for mobility assistance, picking up and dropping off at the South Entrance.
Entry Tips
- •Gates open at 11am, first post at 1pm.
- •Grounds open for morning workouts 7am-10am. All visitors must leave by 10am.
- •Download tickets to your phone rather than printing, for faster scanning at gates.
- •Do NOT screenshot your ticket. It won't scan.
- •Metal detectors at all entrances. No firearms or weapons.
- •Buy tickets in advance. Keeneland caps attendance and takes no cash at the gates.
- •Starting this fall, Keeneland's public dining rooms, The Keeneland Shop and roaming beverage vendors are cashless and take credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments. Cash is still accepted at the Track Kitchen, mutuel windows, concessions, bars and program stands.
Parking works differently on Breeders' Cup weekend, October 30 and 31. Every option is advance purchase only and nothing is sold on site. See our Breeders' Cup parking guide.
2026 Fall Meet Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Wed/Thu | Fri/Sat/Sun | Opening Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $7 | $10 | $15 |
| Reserved Grandstand | $15 | $25 | $30 |
| Loge Box fall 2026 only | $15 | $25 | $30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at Keeneland?
Yes, free public parking is available in The Hill and Meadow lots with complimentary shuttle service. Closer permit parking in the Green Lot requires advance purchase. The exception is Breeders' Cup weekend, October 30 to 31, 2026, when every parking option is advance purchase only and nothing is sold on site.
How does parking work for the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland?
Every parking option for the Breeders' Cup on October 30 to 31, 2026 is advance purchase only, and nothing is sold on site. The Hill offers on-site grass parking with a free shuttle to the admission gates. Blue Grass Airport Park and Ride includes a free 5 to 7 minute shuttle, and a paid Downtown Shuttle leaves from West Short Street near North Upper Street. All shuttles run for up to 90 minutes after the last race each day. See our Breeders' Cup parking guide for prices and shuttle times.
How do I get to Keeneland from downtown Lexington?
Keeneland is located at 4201 Versailles Road, about 10 minutes from downtown Lexington via US-60 West. On race days, Versailles Road backs up well before first post, so check our Lexington traffic cameras to see current conditions before you head out.
Can I take Uber or Lyft to Keeneland?
Yes. Ride share drop-off and pick-up is at the Ride Share area adjacent to the Shuttle Depot. Drivers cannot access the North, South or East entrances.
What time do Keeneland gates open?
Gates open at 11am with first post at 1pm. Morning workout viewing is 7-10am but all visitors must leave by 10am before gates reopen.
What is the dress code at Keeneland?
General admission is casual. Denim is permitted. Upper dining rooms require business casual or business formal. Check keeneland.com for full dress code details.
Can I tailgate at Keeneland?
Yes. Tailgating is permitted in The Hill and The Meadow lots. 10x10 pop-up tents are allowed within your parking space. Contained gas grills are permitted. Open flame, kegs, and live music are prohibited. Premium tailgating packages for groups of 10-750 are available through RevelXP.
Can I bring my dog to Keeneland?
Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times and cannot be left unattended.
Parking information from Keeneland. Verify current procedures at keeneland.com before your visit.