Keeneland Est. 1936

4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, United States

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Keeneland
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859-288-4322
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With rolling bluegrass landscape and breathtaking views, few venues offer the timeless beauty and elegance of Keeneland.
Keeneland is a boutique racecourse located in Lexington, Kentucky and with its 1,200 acres of perfectly manicured grounds in the heart of the bluegrass, is known as one of the most beautiful race courses in the country. 
The Lowdown
Type
Banquet Hall / Event Facility
Barn / Farm / Ranch
Estate / House / Mansion / Villa
Historic Building
Other
Views
Courtyard
Farm View
Garden
Landscaped Grounds
Meadow/Field
Rolling Hills
Style
Classic
Elegant
Garden Party
Rustic
Sophisticated
BEST type of CELEBRATIONS
Birthday Party
Bridal Shower
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Dinner Party
Group Getaway
Holiday Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Retreats: Corporate, Spa, Wellness, Etc.
Reunion
Social Event
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.
Product Launch
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

With rolling bluegrass landscape and breathtaking views, few venues offer the timeless beauty and elegance of Keeneland. We are happy to accommodate all types of wedding celebration events, including welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions and can offer a full array of classic and unique venues to suit every need. While here, you and your guests will experience Southern hospitality at its finest while dining on expertly crafted food that emphasizes simple, thoughtfully prepared dishes. We look forward to introducing you to our team of experts, and to help you create experiences that will last a lifetime. 
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price Range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Estimated Price Per Head

from $40 to $150

Additional Charges

Included with each space are lap-length linens and napkins in ivory, white, and black as well as silverware, glassware, and china. A service charge of 22% and Kentucky sales tax of 6% are required on all food and beverage. For weddings, cake cutting is included in your menu price and all of our bars are fully customizable and based on consumption. We have a wonderful audio/visual team on site that can assist with any needs that you may have but are always happy to work with any outside vendors as well. 

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Capacity

Seated
500
Buffet
500
Standing
800
Celebrations Hosted Here Since
1936
Curfew
12 AM
Venue Spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Accommodations
While we do not have any accommodations on property, there are a wide variety of wonderful hotels as well as bed and breakfast locations within just a short drive.
Eco/Green Events
Yes
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Inside Scoop

In the morning, one of my favorites things to do is to come out before breakfast and watch the Thoroughbreds warm up and practice on the track. There is just something magical about the crisp morning air and watching such beautiful animals gallop around the track at a time when the facilities are so peaceful and quiet. For those who are new to Keeneland, we do also offer private tours of our grounds so that guests can experience all that we have to offer while learning a bit of the history behind what makes Keeneland such a special place.  

Outside of orning workouts, I also love the wide array of backdrops that the grounds can offer for photographs. It is always so much fun to work with photographers to constantly find new and exciting places on our grounds that perfectly suit our couples personality and style. 

Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
Venue Features
The Scene:
Keeneland is a boutique racecourse located in Lexington, Kentucky and with its 1,200 acres of perfectly manicured grounds in the heart of the bluegrass, is known as one of the most beautiful race courses in the country. 

Our story began in 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression. A volunteer committee comprising 10 men and led by respected horsemen Hal Price Headley and Major Louis Beard began their quest to bring racing back to Lexington after the downtown track had closed a few years prior.
 
Their goal was to create a race track unique in structure, and from this idea came our first prospectus. “To be made a racing plant so attractive, so typical of racing’s best traditions, and so wholesome in every respect that it will be a gathering place for all who are truly interested in the Thoroughbred, and a living embodiment and symbol of a great sport.” As Headley said, “We want a place where those who love horses can come and picnic with us and thrill to the sport of the Bluegrass. We are not running a race plant to hear the click of the mutuel machines. We want them to come out here to enjoy God’s sunshine, fresh air and to watch horses race.”

From among 20 locations, they selected Jack Keene’s property, which included a mile and a furlong private track, combination stone castle and barn, a 100,000-gallon water tank, a roadway, and land for future stables and parking.

While many of these facilities have transformed over the years, the original layout and many of the Kentucky Limestone structures on the grounds still stand today. One of these buildings is Keene Place, which was the original home of the Keene Family. Originally built in 1806, the German-styled mansion with its original fireplace, floors, mantles, and icehouse were restored in 2006 back to their original grandeur. Some of the additional wood was even handcrafted into furniture. Since the renovation, Keene Place is home to our most intimate weddings and celebrations and brings a wonderful touch of historic Kentucky charm to each event. Another ode to our past is our iconic Sycamore Tree which is estimated to be over 100 years old and stands majestically amidst the array of horses getting ready for their grand debut on the track. It is also one of our more photographed locations on the grounds and is visible from a few of our venues as well. 

Over the years, Keeneland has grown to be more than just a racing facility, taking on horse sales as well to become the world's leading Thoroughbred auction house. Today, buyers and sellers come from 50 different countries all around the world to showcase and their horses on racing's most iconic stage. 

Although Keeneland has evolved as our history has progressed, we still carry the same theology and goals with us today and would love the opportunity to share our unique and historic facilities to help make your event one that will create lasting memories for years to come. 
Design:
With our expansive grounds, we are blessed to have a variety of venues to share, each with their own motifs and backdrops. From historic mansions to barns, green spaces, stunning stonework, and breathtaking views, Keeneland has much to offer all in one property. If you have a specific vision in mind, feel free to give us a call and we would be more than happy to walk through any recommendations that will best assist with making your event one of a kind.
Awards & Notables Southern Weddings 
Style Me Pretty 
Kentucky Bride
Baubles and Bowties 
Wedding Row Kentucky
TOPS in Lexington
Brides Magazine - Top 8 Historical Wedding Venues
The Food Network - Great Bites in the Bluegrass State
Celebration Locations
Entertainment Center and Keene Barn:
Known for its loft ceilings and stone facade, the Entertainment Center and Keene Barn is an elegant venue with a rustic, Kentucky feel. This versatile space is ideal for large events and will keep your guests interested and engaged at every turn.
- View: Rolling Bluegrass Countryside
- Max Capacity: Seated - 500; Cocktail - 800
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Phoenix Room:
Located on the fourth floor of our Grandstand, the Phoenix Room overlooks the picturesque Keeneland Saddling Paddock and Walking Ring. Guests will marvel at one of the most photographed views on the property including the iconic Keeneland Sycamore tree.
- View: The Paddock
- Max Capacity: Seated - 350; Cocktail - 400
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Lexington/Kentucky Room:
Enjoy a panoramic view of our race track and rolling bluegrass countryside from this fourth floor venue. With floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly capture sunsets over the race track, this venue gives your guests a glimpse of true Kentucky beauty.
- View: Race Track
- Max Capacity: Seated - 250; Cocktail - 350
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Second Floor Clubhouse:
A venue exclusively offered to our Keeneland Club Members, this venue offers a picturesque view of the Paddock as well as a upscale accommodations including a portico for valet. Guests will enter through the Clubhouse Lobby with boasts beautiful seating arrangements as well as a large wood burning fire place.
- View: The Paddock
- Max Capacity: Seated - 150; Cocktail - 200
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
First Floor Clubhouse:
The First Floor Clubhouse is an exclusive venue that gives your guests a taste of both the elegance and the excitement of a race day. With an up-close view of the race track, the First Floor Clubhouse offers great indoor and outdoor space, including the picturesque Clubhouse Lawn which is idea for cocktail hours as well as ceremonies.
- View: Race Track
- Max Capacity: Seated - 150; Cocktail - 200
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Kentucky Room:
True to its name, the Kentucky Room's floor-to-ceiling windows capture all that we love about the bluegrass with a panoramic view of our race track and the rolling countryside that lies beyond. Guests can even wander out to an outdoor patio within the foyer to snap the perfect picture.
- View: Race Track
- Max Capacity: Seated - 80; Cocktail - 150
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Keeneland Room:
The Keeneland Room is one of the most opulent venues with magnificent view of our race track as well as a private rooftop patio. With a great view of our morning workouts, this venue is a favorite for breakfast events, cocktail parties, board meetings, and rehearsal dinners.
- View: Race Track
- Max Capacity: Seated - 60; Cocktail - 80
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Keene Place:
A historic mansion originally owned by the Keene Family. Keene Place is one of Keeneland's hidden gems and among the oldest buildings on the property. A truly unique venues perfectly suited for more intimate weddings as well as rehearsal dinners, Keene Place is charming, elegant, and will make your feel right at home the moment you walk through the door.
- View: Rolling Bluegrass Countryside
- Max Capacity: Seated - 56; Cocktail - 125
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Sales Arena:
As the world leader in Thoroughbred auctions, some of the most prestigious horses in the industry are bought and sold on the stage of the Sales Arena. Located within the Sales Pavilion, the iconic Sales Arena is ideal for large meetings and seminars.
- View: Sales Pavilion
- Max Capacity: Seated - 700
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Limestone Cafe:
Named for its stone accents and unique architecture, the Limestone Café has the versatility to fit any occasion. Located within the Sales Pavilion, adjacent from the Sales Arena and Pavilion Bar, this venue may be rented by itself or in conjunction with other spaces for larger events.
- View: Sales Pavilion
- Max Capacity: Seated - 100; Cocktail - 150
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Eats & Drinks
Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges
Food, Restaurants, Cafes:
We are blessed to have our own on-site catering company, Keeneland Hospitality, which provides the food and beverage for all of our events on the grounds. Our focus is on providing simple, thoughtfully-prepared dishes made from local ingredients. We can create custom menus based on your favorite flavors to perfectly pair your menu to your preferences. For weddings, we also offer menu tastings to ensure that the presentation is flawless for your big day. If you have any questions regarding menu or beverage selections, or would like for a full proposal to be created together based on your vision, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bars & Lounges:
Each venue features its own private bar for your guests to enjoy, some of which are built into the venue, while others may be moved within the venue depending upon your vision and preferred layout. We have a wide variety of specialty cocktails and are always happy to specialty craft any drink to fit your event and preferences. Some of our fan favorites include our Keeneland Breeze, Buffalo Bow Tie, and Spiced Brown Sugar Old Fashioned.
Venue Stories
This Boutique Racetrack in Lexington Has a Secret Summer Dining Series
Alyssa Brown
byAlyssa Brown
view venue profile

Keeneland

4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, United States



Deep in the heart of Lexington sits a boutique racetrack that serves up summer suppers in the hills of bluegrass country. Surrounded by rolling acres of green grass and knotty old Sycamore trees, Keeneland’s Paddock Dinner Series offers visitors an experience that’s quintessentially southern with abundant local food, warm hospitality and a setting that’s like no other. 

For those who are in the market for an event space that’s impressive, easy to customize and rich with Kentucky history, Keeneland is home to a fully operating racetrack, a cool clubhouse, an old barn, and so much more. Hop on the saddle and let’s head down south where the breeze blows soft and refreshing cocktails are always a good idea.


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