Steeped in tradition and fueled by excitement, the Kentucky Derby Festival is an annual celebration that captures the essence of Louisville’s vibrant culture and the thrill of horse racing. From the iconic Kentucky Derby to a myriad of thrilling events, culinary delights, and cultural experiences, this festival offers something for everyone. Highlighted below are its must-see events, so make sure to put these on your calendar and have a great Derby season!
Taste of Derby Festival 4/16
This is the 23rd year for the Taste of Derby Festival event (and 35th year as a Taste event that supports Dare to Care Food Bank), which features signature dishes from more than 50 of Louisville’s finest restaurants and beverage companies. There is also a bourbon tasting, wine tasting, and a silent auction.
$1Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest 4/11-4/21
We keep trying to give the money away! In its 34th year, the $1 million dollar prize is still up for grabs in the finals of the $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest. Anyone from beginners to scratch golfers can take a swing. If no one gets the million, they can still walk away with a terrific First Prize, $5,000!
Kentucky Derby Festival Volleyball Classic 4/20
It’s one of the largest and oldest outdoor volleyball tournaments in the country featuring sand and grass volleyball for all levels of play including Coed, Men’s, Women’s – Doubles, Triples, Quads, and Sixes. The Volleyball Classic is a tradition that has been passed along to many generations of volleyball players. It’s a great way for volleyball players of all ages and skill levels to participate in an official Derby Festival Event. Spectators are welcome to attend and watch some exceptional volleyball!
Thunder Over Louisville 4/20
To some, it’s the official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. To others, it’s the unofficial beginning of spring. But to all, it’s simply one of the largest annual fireworks shows in North America and the setting for some of the most memorable moments you’ll ever share.
The Children’s Tea with The Kentucky Festival Princesses 4/21
The Fillies Inc. invite you to the annual Children’s Tea with the Derby Princesses®, where little ones can sip tea, indulge in scrumptious treats, and enjoy fun activities for girls and boys! “Tea in the Candy Kingdom,” will send children and their parents/guardians to the Royal Land of Candy for a sweet, fun-filled afternoon. Suggested for children ages 3 to 9.
Chow Wagon 4/25-5/3
The Chow Wagon returns to Waterfront Park on the Ohio River. The Music Stage will feature live concerts with local and regional entertainment and a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, R&B, country, rock and blues. You can feast on everything from cookie dough to turkey legs and elephant ears. There’s something for everyone!
Fest-a-Ville 4/25-5/3
The ultimate entertainment experience featuring concerts with local and regional acts, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more.
Great Balloon Glow 4/25 & 4/26
The Great Balloon Glow is a companion event to the race, the balloons on the field, but do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, watch as the balloons glow against the blackness of the night sky, synchronized to a special musical score. You are invited to walk around the field and talk to the pilots as they have more time to show off their balloons than on race morning.
Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race 4/26
The Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race is one of Louisville’s beloved family traditions, and this year, the Derby Festival will feature both Friday and Saturday morning races. The multi-race docket gives spectators young and old more chances to take in the exhilarating view of boundless colors and shapes.
OVW Run For The Ropes 4/26
Special meet-and-greet with Ohio Valley Wrestling stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-for-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.
Great Balloon Race 4/27
The L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race is one of Louisville’s beloved family traditions. The Saturday morning race gives spectators young and old more chances to take in the exhilarating view of boundless colors and shapes.
Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon 4/27
The GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon is a long-standing tradition held every spring in Kentucky. It has become the largest annual day of road racing in the state. As 2024 marks the 51st annual miniMarathon and 23rd annual Marathon, the Festival looks forward to another historic event. Participants will start at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville and run through numerous neighborhoods, experiencing all aspects of our wonderful city, including a run through the infield of historic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Then cross the finish line at Lynn Family Stadium, home of Louisville FC and Racing Louisville where they will be greeted by family and friends for our post race party!
Ken-Ducky Derby 4/27
Join us for the 21st Annual Ken-Ducky Derby as we drop 46,000 rubber ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Cheer your duck to victory as they race to the finish line! Your duck purchase benefits individuals with disabilities at Harbor House of Louisville. Harbor House is a local, nonprofit, charity that lights the way for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Pegasus Parade 4/28
The 2024 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade returns to Broadway in Downtown Louisville. This family-friendly annual event showcases some of the nation’s finest marching bands and equestrian units, along with inflatable characters and colorful floats.
Mayor’s Derby Brunch On The River 4/28
Come out and enjoy a festive brunch featuring a traditional Kentucky breakfast, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and tours of the Farnsley-Moremen property!
Great Bed Races 4/29
Each year, thousands of enthusiasts gather to cheer on more than 30 teams who build a bed on wheels, decorate it, dress in a ridiculous costume—and then race to the finish. On-air personalities from WAVE TV anchor the live coverage from every angle, from the crowd to the parade of beds, to every last heat.
HappyTail Hour 4/30
Dogs – Bring Your Owners to HappyTail Hour at Kroger’s Fest-a-VilleSM event at Waterfront Park! Once again, Metro Animal Services will host HappyTail Hour, in conjunction with Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. This “pet inclusive” cocktail event happens at Waterfront Park with musical entertainment. All pets must be on leashes.
WineFest 4/30
Sip and savor over 100 local wines from Kentucky Wineries! Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest takes place at Mellwood Art Center in the Picasso and Monet Rooms, where you will be able to stroll some of the shops while sipping on your favorite wines.
Great Steamboat Race 5/1
As one of the original and longest standing traditions of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Great Steamboat Race has been taking place on the Ohio River since 1963. Ask any local, this event has become a Louisville tradition in the leadup to Derby weekend! The event pits vessels against each other, including the Belle of Cincinnati, as they compete for bragging rights in this race on the river.
Kentucky Oaks 5/3
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses – held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1.5 Million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland of lilies, appropriately named “lilies for the fillies.”
Kentucky Derby 5/4
The 150TH Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the world’s Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®. And this year, the excitement is bigger than ever. In 2024, we celebrate an incredible 150 years of history, making this a monumental celebration. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the world’s most promising 3-year-old thoroughbreds as they come together to compete for the cherished garland of roses. It’s a race that defines the pinnacle of horse racing excitement.
And of course, if you’re looking for a new home to host a Kentucky Derby party for next year, contact me to today!
___