If you’re one of the lucky people heading to the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, get ready for an unforgettable experience! On the dawn of the historic race's 150th installment, this year is sure to draw in plenty of first-time attendees in addition to the seasoned pros.

No matter what category you fall into, attendees new and old can benefit from the top nine things you need to know before you go to the most iconic race in America - the running of the Kentucky Derby.

1. Get to know who’s running in the big race.

Probable Derby favorite Forte (Eclipse Sportswire)

Whether you plan on betting or not, it’s always fun to have a horse to root for in the run for the roses. Study up on the field of horses before Derby Day so you can have a good idea of who you’re going to cheer on and why. A suggestion: keep an eye out for our Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet on Wednesday, April 26! There, you can find all the info you need to know about each and every Derby contender. A picture is worth a thousand words, so in the meantime, be sure to check out the 2023 Kentucky Derby Contenders slideshow!

2. Familiarize yourself with the schedule.

The Kentucky Derby is scheduled to run at 6:57 p.m. ET, but the gates to the track actually open about 10 hours earlier, at 9 a.m. Whether you’re headed to the infield to nab a great vantage point or want to arrive with plenty of time to take in the scene, make sure you keep up with the Derby day schedule of events so you don’t miss a thing. Pro tip: if there are certain races you’d like to watch, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder!

3. If you’re dressing up, plan your outfit ahead of time.

Planning your outfit in advance pays off! (Eclipse Sportswire)

Although you can wear whatever you want to the Kentucky Derby (within reason – there is a dress code depending on what area you’ll be in), if you want to dress up, make sure you plan your outfit ahead of time. Throwing together the perfect look the morning of the Derby is tough and places an added stress on a day that should be all about fun.

A good rule of thumb for hat wearers is to pick your outfit first and then choose a hat later – it’s much easier to find and add headwear that complements an outfit you love than it is to build an entire outfit around an intricate accessory. Milliners like CAM Hats NYC will be on site in the gift shop area at Churchill Downs, so you can even find one on the day of the race!

4. Know what you can and can’t bring with you.

So that you don’t have any surprises on Derby and Longines Kentucky Oaks day, be sure to look at the complete list before you leave the house. Consider bringing a rain poncho, sunscreen, bottled water, and a phone charging bank. Alternatively, banned items include umbrellas, bags/purses larger than 12" x 6" x 12", backpacks, alcohol, and large cameras.

5. If you’re driving to the Kentucky Derby, reserve your parking pass ahead of time.

All parking for Kentucky Derby week (including Kentucky Derby day and Kentucky Oaks day) is reserved; so if you want to drive to Churchill Downs, be sure to secure a spot ahead of time. You can also bring cash and park in someone’s yard near the track, which (of course) gets pricier the closer you get to Churchill Downs. Either way, make a plan before you leave for the races!

6. You get a free glass with your julep, so plan on taking it home with you!

Pick up a commemorative glass. (Eclipse Sportswire)

You get a free commemorative Kentucky Derby glass with every mint julep you buy, so plan on taking yours home after the races. Slipping a plastic bag into your purse or pocket is a great idea here – you don’t want to get into the parking lot only to drop your new favorite memento!

7. Make a betting plan before you go to the track.

First, set a budget and stick with it! Then, sort out how you’re planning on betting – cash or online? If you prefer to deal in cash, we recommend bringing your own money to avoid lines at ATMs around the track. Alternatively, online betting on a platform like TwinSpires is a great route to go if you prefer betting from anywhere. If you don’t already have an online account, be sure to sign up for one ASAP because it can take a few days to process!

8. Walk around Churchill Downs to take in the scene.

The Kentucky Derby is truly something to behold – you have about 150,000 people celebrating America’s most famous horse race, and you’d be remiss if you didn’t wander around to do a little people-watching. After all, the Derby is all about big hats, bow ties, and standing out, so take in the scene and appreciate how amazing people look on the first Saturday in May.

Additionally, it is worth noting for anyone that has attended before, the lay of the land will be a bit different this year amid remodels that will be completed for the race's 150th anniversary in 2024. Most noticeably, the paddock fans remember has been demolished, and this year a temporary build of the paddock will be used until the final structure takes form for unveiling next year.

9. You’re going to meet some fantastic people.

One thing that sets the Kentucky Derby apart from most other major sporting events is that you’re free to move around. Even if you have a general admission ticket, you have the chance to see so many different parts of Churchill Downs. So, take advantage of that and meet some new people! Share some betting advice or compare notes on where to get the best cocktails – you’ll be glad you did.