Derby is always the 1st Saturday in May. Louisville puts on the dog for almost the entire month before & Derby Eve is even a school holiday. That is the day they run The Oaks. Derby is The Run for the Roses. The Oaks is The Lilies for the Fillies. It is nearly impossible to get tickets to either event. Of course, there is always the anything goes infield. The infield is only for the strong of heart & you will never see a horse in person - only on the TV monitors. It is a combination of the worst of spring break & Mardi Gras. As a teen, my son loved it, but I was always thankful to see him arrive home afterwards.
If you ever get the chnace to go to the Derby you should do it at least once. I bet even your eyes will fill with tears when they play "My Old Kentucky Home."