It’s a question that pops up every spring: what time is the Kentucky Derby? Whether you’re planning a watch party or just want to catch the race live, the answer is more than just a number on the clock. The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 2, with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET, according to KentuckyDerby.com (official schedule). Let’s break down the confirmed details, broadcast windows, and a few traditions that make Derby Day unique.

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Race date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 ·
Post time (ET): 6:57 p.m. ·
Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY ·
TV channel: NBC, Peacock ·
Race distance: 1 1/4 miles ·
Purse: $5 million

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Gates open time (TBD on official site)
  • Exact beverage prices for 2026
  • Which horse is favored (not yet announced)
3Timeline signal
  • 12:00 p.m. ET: Peacock coverage begins (NBC Sports)
  • 2:30 p.m. ET: NBC broadcast starts (KentuckyDerby.com)
  • 6:57 p.m. ET: Post time (CBS Sports)
4What’s next
  • Winner ceremony and post-race analysis
  • 2026 Triple Crown season begins
  • Preakness Stakes on May 16, 2026

Here is the key data for planning your Derby day.

Key facts at a glance
Detail Value
Date May 2, 2026
Post time (ET) 6:57 p.m.
TV channel NBC
Streaming Peacock
Location Louisville, KY
Purse $5 million

What time is the Kentucky Derby in 2026?

Confirmed post time

The official post time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. ET, as confirmed by KentuckyDerby.com (official event site). Multiple major outlets, including NBC News and CBS Sports, list the same time. The race is scheduled to run at 1 1/4 miles on the Churchill Downs dirt track.

The upshot

The 6:57 p.m. ET post time is a hard target, but the actual race start can slip by a minute or two depending on the parade and loading of the horses. The Los Angeles Times notes that horses are scheduled to load at 7:01 p.m. ET, with a track start of 7:02 p.m. ET.

Estimated race start vs. broadcast start

TV coverage begins hours before the horses load. NBC Sports reports that Peacock coverage starts at 12:00 p.m. ET, followed by NBC broadcast from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. The undercard races fill the gap, making the Derby the climax of a full day of racing.

Time zone conversions

  • Eastern (ET): 6:57 p.m.
  • Central (CT): 5:57 p.m.
  • Mountain (MT): 4:57 p.m.
  • Pacific (PT): 3:57 p.m.
  • Hawaii (HT): 12:57 p.m.

All broadcast times listed by KentuckyDerby.com are in Eastern Time, so viewers outside the East Coast need to adjust accordingly.

The pattern: broadcast coverage is a marathon, but the race itself is a two-minute sprint. If you only care about the Derby, set your alarm for about 6:55 p.m. ET.

What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?

TV channel: NBC

KentuckyDerby.com lists NBC as the primary TV channel for the 152nd Kentucky Derby. The network will carry the main race broadcast from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.

Live stream: Peacock

Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, will carry the full day’s card starting at 12:00 p.m. ET, according to NBC Sports. This includes the undercard races and the Derby itself. FanDuel TV is also listed as part of the coverage window on the official schedule.

Alternate viewing options

Additionally, America’s Best Racing notes that NBCSN (now largely replaced by USA Network) may carry early coverage, but Peacock and NBC remain the cornerstone platforms. The Sporting News also confirms NBC and FanDuel TV as the main TV channels for Derby week.

The implication: you have multiple ways to watch, but Peacock gives you the most coverage for the full day.

How much does a beer cost at the Kentucky Derby?

Typical drink prices at Churchill Downs

While official 2026 pricing hasn’t been released, past years indicate beer prices range from $8 to $12 for a standard 16-ounce cup, according to reports from Time Out. The signature Mint Julep typically costs $15–$