Kentucky Derby
All the best hats at the Kentucky Derby 2026
May 1, 2026Updated May 2, 2026, 6:28 p.m. ET
Hats off to the fashionistas of the Kentucky Derby.
As part of the tradition of the annual horse race, several attendees sport elaborate headpieces to complement their derby attire.
Scroll through for photos of the best hats from the 152nd Kentucky Derby, starting with Kelly Green of Louisville at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
Matt Stone/Courier JournalAs part of the tradition of the annual horse race, several attendees sport elaborate headpieces to complement their derby attire.
Scroll through for photos of the best hats from the 152nd Kentucky Derby, starting with Kelly Green of Louisville at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
Tom Stader, from Texas, came to the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Scott Utterback/Courier Journal
Cason Grisham of Dallas wore a fascinator made by her mother for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. The Texas native has been coming to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks since she was a young girl. May 1, 2026
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
Tony Offutt wears a Kentucky Derby hat during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
Albert Cesare, USA TODAY NETWORK
A woman looks on ahead of the running of the 152th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Steph Chambers, Getty Images
Kathleen Kenneally wheres a hat at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Albert Cesare/The Courier Journal
Carrie Ketterman of Corydon, Indiana wore a 19th-century inspired dress and hat for the Kentucky Oaks as part of the Kentucky Derby week Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
Ashlyn Roberts, who donned a chic crimson hat during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 30, 2026.
Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal
A fascinator in the form of lips was a unique look at the Kentucky Oaks, one day before the 2026 Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
Hats during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY. May 2, 2026
Frankie Steele/Special To Courier Journal
Bree Ruff from Alabama smiles for a photo ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
A woman wears a red rose swan hat during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal
Sydney Ecker of Louisville, Ky., Shows her derby style near the paddock at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Louisville Ky.
Timothy D. Easley/Special To The Courier-Journal
Garey Faulkner, of Cincinnati, created a 25 lb. hat for the 152nd Kentucky Derby.
Olivia Evans/Courier Journal
Amy Cook from Palm City, Fl., looks at her phone ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal
Amber Kuntz poses for a photo during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
Brooke Taylor poses for a photo during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Matt Stone/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal
A pair of Kentucky Derby attendees show off their hats during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal
A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.
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