Schedule Of Events:

February 22, 2025

9:00 AM - Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation RoboRumble
Let’s get ready to RoboRumble! The RoboRumble Regional Robotics Tournament, hosted by the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation and coordinated by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), is a regional STEM robotics competition that challenges students and teams to design, build and compete with robots.

Events include:
SumoBot Competition draws its inspiration from the traditional Japanese sport of Sumo Wrestling, with robots facing off in a circular arena trying to push each other out of the ring, mimicking the Sumo wrestlers’ objective.
RCX Challenge – LEGO Robot Competition brings LEGO enthusiasts together to showcase their programming and design prowess on a rectangular playing field. Robots are tasked with a series of missions, each with unique obstacles and goals.
Sphero Hero features a team of students creating an original (short) dramatic story, making an obstacle course as the stage for their story, and programming a Sphero to navigate the stage autonomously while students narrate their tale to a judge.
NEW FOR 2025: Automata Box Design Competition showcases students merging artistic expression with mechanical skills by designing an Automata Box themed around the Kentucky Derby Festival. Automata are mechanical devices designed to imitate human or animal actions.

Location: Ballard High School

March 1, 2025
Park Community Credit Union JusticeFest
Park Community Credit Union JusticeFest marks its fifth year on the Kentucky Derby Festival schedule.

As part of this event, Jefferson County students from grades 3-12 are pitching ideas to propose solutions to community-wide issues! They will present them to community leaders with hopes of initiating change.

Students are bringing to the table topics on homelessness, trash disposal concerns, inclusiveness, and historical content from diverse communities. Their projects include interviewing and publishing books on justice issues, producing documentaries and animation to further the story and creating opportunities for hope and healing in Louisville.

JusticeFest is being produced as part of the Derby Equity and Community Initiative, with Kentucky Derby Festival and Park Community Credit Union.

Location: Muhammad Ali Center

March 22, 2025

6:00 PM - Midnight - Fillies Derby Ball

It’s the Derby Ball that starts it all! Experience an evening featuring “A Toast to the Regency Era,” at The Fillies Derby Ball, one of the longstanding traditions on the Derby Festival’s line-up. Highlights include: Cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions and more at this black-tie ball. Plus, be part of the historic crowning of the Queen of the 2025 Royal Court by the traditional spin of the wheel.

6:00 PM Cocktails
7:00 PM Call to the Post/Doors Open
7:30 PM Queen’s Coronation
8:00 PM Dinner & Live Auction
9:00 PM Dancing until midnight with live entertainment by The Juice Box Heroes

Tickets: $350 each; $5,000 for a corporate table of 10.

Click here to buy tickets

Location: Omni Louisville Hotel

March 23, 2025

10:30 AM - Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show

Kick off Derby season in style! This unique event offers an exclusive preview of the latest couture designs for both women and men from the Featured Milliners at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

What to Expect:
Runway Showcase: Watch models bring the season’s most stunning hat and jewelry trends to life.
Signature Style: Collaborate with our featured milliners to create your perfect Derby look.
Shopping Experience: Explore exclusive shopping opportunities with milliners and a curated selection of specialty vendors.

Location: Kentucky Derby Museum

March 27, 2025

5:00 - 9:00 PM - Spring Fashion Show

The Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show features the latest fashion and accessory trends for the Derby season as they come down the runway on Thursday, March 27 at Caesars Southern Indiana. The show wouldn’t be complete without fabulous fascinators and chic chapeaus, too!

It’s the place to find your Derby Festival style must-haves along with what to wear for the upcoming season.

Must be 21+ to attend. Valid ID required upon entry.

5:00-6:30 PM: Boutique shopping and cocktails
6:45 PM: Showroom doors open
7:00-8:00 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Show

Tickets:
Showroom/Main Floor: $150 each or $1,500 for a table of 10 (includes reserved dinner seating, wine, show and Event pin).

Click here to buy tickets

April 4, 2025
4 - 8:00 PM - Caesars Foundation of Floyd County FamFest

The Kentucky Derby Festival heads across the bridge and to Southern Indiana for an evening filled with family-friendly fun at the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County FamFest.

The annual event, featuring indoor and outdoor activities, is set for Friday, April 4 from 4-8 p.m.

Plus, attendees will receive a custom FamFest event pin (while supplies last) that offers entry to Pin-admission events during the 2025 Derby Festival.

Attendees can meet members of the 2025 Royal Court and get their autographs, as well as enjoy live entertainment. Food trucks will also be onsite.

Returning for the third year at FamFest is Rumpke Waste & Recycling’s Touch-A-Truck, which offers guests the opportunity to learn about and explore various large vehicles, including a Rumpke “Pup Truck” Garbage Truck, WDRB’s Ford Explorer Police Interceptor, dune buggies and more!

Other highlights of FamFest include:

Arts & Crafts provided by the American Printing House for the Blind
Playground Inflatables
Derby City Foam Parties
Gamerz Truck Video Game Truck
Face Painting
Interactive Displays
Samtec MakerMobile

Location: Floyd County Family YMCA, 33 State St, New Albany, IN 47150

April 11, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM - They're Off
The official corporate kick-off of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival – the 68th annual They’re Off! Luncheon
More than 1,500 Derby Festival supporters and patrons are expected to be in attendance for this community tradition luncheon, which will be held in the Grand Ballroom of The Galt House Hotel, site of the festive event since 1974.

Highlights include:

Cash bar reception prior to doors opening
Reserved Seating with Lunch
Remarks by dignitaries and a Special Guest Speaker
Event pin

Tickets: $130 each or $1,040 for a table of 8 (includes access to cash bar reception prior to doors opening, reserved seating and lunch, remarks by dignitaries and special guest speaker, goodie bag and event pin)

Click here to buy tickets

Location: Galt House Hotel, East Grand Ballroom

April 12, 2025
3:30 - 10:30pm - Thunder VIP Rooftop Party
You can hear the rumble, but can you feel it?  The boom from Thunder Over Louisville is even bigger when the view is one of a kind. Rated as one of the top fireworks shows in America, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies is a sight to behold, especially when you have a front-row seat.

Boasting one of the country’s top air shows and largest annual fireworks spectaculars, spaces for exclusive viewing at Thunder go quickly.  They’re some of the hottest tickets in town.

No one can claim a better seat in the city for the show than the group behind the event – the Kentucky Derby Festival. The exclusive Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville® VIP Rooftop Party Presented By Kentucky Proud is the only place to be on Thunder day.  With a catered meal featuring local Kentucky Proud ingredients, a full bar and day-long entertainment, it’s the ultimate in Southern hospitality.

When gravity-defying aircraft take flight over the Louisville skyline, the Thunder VIP Rooftop Party proves to be the best view on the river. From the air show to the finale of the fireworks, the Thunder VIP Rooftop Party treats guests to a one-of-a-kind view of this quintessential Louisville event. The party will have you out of your seat for the day and on the edge of your seat when the fireworks light up the sky.

TICKETS:
$225: (Buffet dinner, drinks, private restrooms, premium viewing area and parking pass for every four tickets purchased)
Premium Reserved Table of 8: $3,000 (includes all of the above, plus reserved seating, table-side cocktail service and four parking passes per table)

Click here to buy tickets

Location: Waterfront Garage Top

April 14-15, 2025
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM - Morning Line

With a dozen regional radio stations broadcasting their morning shows from the Kentucky Derby Museum, the  Morning Line Presented by AT&T has become a staple on the Derby Festival schedule of events.

Interviews includes Derby Festival guests such as the Queen & Royal Court, Festival Chair, as well as the KDF President and CEO. Local celebrities, politicians, coaches, jockeys, and trainers also make the radio rounds and the Governor of Kentucky may just make a visit.

The event began as a regional outreach effort of the Derby Festival to promote not only Festival and Derby events, but the entire state as a tourism destination throughout the year.

April 15, 2025

5:30 PM – 8 PM - Taste of Derby Festival
What’s better than sampling some of Louisville’s best dishes and helping a worthy cause? Not much. Perhaps that’s why each year the turnout increases for the Derby Festival “Taste of Derby Festival.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Dare to Care Food Bank (contact Dare To Care by calling 502-966-3821).

This is the 24th year for the Taste of Derby Festival event (and 36th 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.

The Taste of Derby Festival has the feel of an upscale cocktail party, but it’s open to the public – as long as tickets are still available. The participating restaurants will offer a selection of signature appetizers, entrees and dessert items. Some of the liquor vendors will feature small-batch brands not commonly available. A Silent Auction returns to the event offering unique items from generous donors.

Location: Louisville Slugger Field

April 17, 2025
10:00 AM – 8:30 PM - Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest

We keep trying to give the money away at this Derby Festival event that’s been on the line-up for more than three decades. 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!

Preliminaries are held for 10 days. The Hole-In-One is open daily. Each golf ball is only $1. Get 10 FREE golf balls with the purchase of a $10 Pegasus Pin at the event. (Offer is only valid once per day)

Location: Seneca Golf Course Driving Range

6:30pm - 9:30pm - Republic Bank BourbonVille
Mix, mingle and enjoy Bourbon Specialty Drinks at Republic Bank BourbonVille. Create your own Bourbon Trail in one evening with signature drinks and tastings from some of Kentucky’s top Bourbon distilleries. Also, enjoy Bourbon-inspired cuisine and meet the Master Distillers or brand ambassadors!

General Admission Tickets: $75 (includes the following):
Signature drinks and tastings from Kentucky Bourbon distilleries
Bourbon-inspired cuisine
Free commemorative glass and event pin

VIP Tickets: $125 (includes the above, plus):
One-hour early entrance to the event, starting at 5:30 PM
Access to VIP Lounge
Swag bag
Exclusive Bourbon Tasting Experience
This is a 21+ event only. Valid ID required upon entry.

Click here to buy tickets

Location: ce House

April 19, 2025
10:00 AM – 8:30 PM - Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest

We keep trying to give the money away at this Derby Festival event that’s been on the line-up for more than three decades. 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!

Preliminaries are held for 10 days. The Hole-In-One is open daily. Each golf ball is only $1. Get 10 FREE golf balls with the purchase of a $10 Pegasus Pin at the event. (Offer is only valid once per day)

Location: Seneca Golf Course Driving Range

8 AM - PNC Tour de Lou
Get ready to roll! The Kentucky Derby Festival is once again partnering with the Louisville Bicycle Club to produce the PNC Tour de Lou on Saturday, April 19.

Participants will have the opportunity to bike in-person, as well as the option to participate virtually. The 12th annual PNC Tour de Lou is a unique way to explore Louisville on two wheels while passing through some of the city’s scenic parks, neighborhoods and historic sites with cyclists from all across the country.

New for the 2025 Ride

The PNC Tour de Lou returns on a Saturday (April 19) for the 2025 event.
The Start and Finish Line will have a new home at the Lincoln Memorial Lot, offering participants picturesque views of the Waterfront as they kick off and finish their ride. This new location will also offer a scenic backdrop for the post-ride party, where participants will be presented with their finisher’s medal. (Full course and route details will be released soon).
Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling will offer bike rentals for the first time for the PNC Tour de Lou. Participants can choose from a Road Bike or a Hybrid Bike (limited quantities available).

Ride Options

As always, the Festival’s annual bike event is for riders of all levels of experience, with three separate cycling distances:

62.1 Miles (Metric Century) – Ideal for advanced riders or those looking for a challenge: 8 AM
35 Miles – Ideal for moderate/experienced riders: 8:15 AM
20 Miles – Ideal for beginners or those new to cycling: 8:30 AM
Virtual Ride 20, 35, and Metric Century Options

10:00 AM – 8:30 PM - Junior Day at Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest
Under 18 enjoy 2 swings for $1 all day!

We keep trying to give the money away at this Derby Festival event that’s been on the line-up for more than three decades. 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!

Preliminaries are held for 10 days. The Hole-In-One is open daily. Each golf ball is only $1. Get 10 FREE golf balls with the purchase of a $10 Pegasus Pin at the event. (Offer is only valid once per day)

Location: Seneca Golf Course Driving Range

10am - 8pm - Block Party

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Block Party returns for the fourth year on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. The free event debuted in 2022 with the support of Churchill Downs and Humana and the Derby Festival’s Derby Equity and Community Initiative (DECI). Another Louisville-based company, Park Community Credit Union, joined forces in 2023 as a Presenting Sponsor of the day-long event, held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Block Party has become a new annual tradition on the Derby Festival’s line-up of more than 70 springtime events and shines the spotlight on talent and resources throughout Louisville, including minority-owned businesses in West Louisville. Guests can enjoy an all-day celebration featuring cuisine from local food trucks, live entertainment, a shopping marketplace, wellness activations, a vendor fair, programming and more.

In addition to partnerships with Churchill Downs, Humana and Park Community Credit Union, several community members and groups continue to play a role in the production of the Block Party event.

From food and shopping to entertainment and health and wellness, Block Party 2025 highlights include:

20+ Local food trucks including complimentary water from the Louisville Water Company, courtesy of Humana.
50+ Vendors at the MELANnaire Marketplace highlighting Black entrepreneurs. A one-stop shop for spring fashions.
Live outdoor entertainment on the Ford Motor Company Music Stage with group and solo artists, as well as visual artists, DJs, dancers, poets, theater acts, spoken word, comedy and more.
Kids’ activities in the ZEON Kids’ Zone featuring outdoor fun, inflatables and face painting.
A Community Village featuring 20 local nonprofits, all with missions to help meet the needs of residents in the West Louisville Community.
Park Community Credit Union will offer financial literacy expertise and loan information, and have a 360 Photo Booth onsite.
A health & wellness area with free health screenings courtesy of Humana.
Norton Healthcare will be onsite offering complimentary health screenings. Heuser Hearing Institute will offer free hearing screenings and hearing protection. Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky will provide a vaccination station.

Location: Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM - The Children's Tea with the Kentucky Derby Festival

The Fillies Children’s Tea, is an annual event presented by The Fillies, Inc., that is catered to children giving them an opportunity to enjoy a Derby event of their own.

Themed  Spring Eggstravaganza, activities will include a Spring Scavenger Hunt, Egg Coloring, Face Painting and more. Following activities, guests will guests will enjoy a formal tea party including buffet lunch, tea/lemonade, small cupcake, music, an opportunity to walk the red carpet and door prizes.

Each child receives a gift bag and a keepsake photo with the Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses to take home to remember their magical afternoon.

This event is best experienced by children ages 3 to 8 years of age.

Tickets are $35 each, and adults accompanying their children will also need a ticket. Event is suggested for children ages 3 to 8.

Click here to buy tickets

April 21, 2025
10:00 AM – 8:30 PM - First Responders and Veterans Day at Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest
First Responders & Veterans enjoy 2 swings for $1 all day!

We keep trying to give the money away at this Derby Festival event that’s been on the line-up for more than three decades. 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!

Preliminaries are held for 10 days. The Hole-In-One is open daily. Each golf ball is only $1. Get 10 FREE golf balls with the purchase of a $10 Pegasus Pin at the event. (Offer is only valid once per day)

Location: Seneca Golf Course Driving Range

April 22, 2025
10 AM – 8:30 PM - Ladies Day at Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest
Women enjoy 2 swings for $1 all day!

We keep trying to give the money away at this Derby Festival event that’s been on the line-up for more than three decades. 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!

Preliminaries are held for 10 days. The Hole-In-One is open daily. Each golf ball is only $1. Get 10 FREE golf balls with the purchase of a $10 Pegasus Pin at the event. (Offer is only valid once per day)

Location: Seneca Golf Course Driving Range

April 24 – May 2, 2025
Kroger's Fest-a-Ville

The ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE featuring concerts with local and regional acts, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more.

Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront will return for its 19th year in 2025. Sponsored by Kroger, the party starts on the Great Lawn and runs through Derby Eve. It promises to have something for everyone – and admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin.The 900,000-square-foot venue will host several Festival events, including the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow, Chow Wagon, Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes, HappyTail Hour, Ken-Ducky Derby and more.

Fest-a-Ville also offers a wide variety of activities for children, featuring midway-area and attractions at Pegasus Play-Ville Presented by Norton Children’s, including merry-go-round, ships ahoy, a giant slide and much more.

From the opening day ribbon-cutting to Derby Eve, Fest-a-Ville will be the downtown destination at Kentucky Derby Festival time.

11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Daily Hours
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Sunday Hours

Location: Waterfront Park

Chow Wagon

Happy Hour Weekdays from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
$4 Beer at the Beer Garden

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.

The Chow Wagon is food and fun! You can feast on everything from cookie dough to turkey legs and elephant ears. There’s something for everyone!

Where else can you find great food and live musical entertainment in a riverside setting for a 2025 Pegasus Pin admission? Meet your coworkers for lunch or come down for an evening concert. There’s no way to go wrong by making a visit to this great outdoor party.

11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Daily
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Sunday

Location: Kroger's Fest-a-Ville

April 24, 2025
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up
GE Appliances Derby Festival mini, Marathon & Relay packets can be picked up at the Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up. Runner packets include race bib, timing chip, and important runner instructions.

Come for the packet pick-up, stay for activities like:

Picking up Race Day Gear from Swag’s Sport Shoes and other vendors
Chat with the Norton Sports Health Team about the Training Program and pick up your 2025 Race Magnet
Meet your Pace Team
Assisted stretch & pre-race body work with KORT Physical Therapy’s Rehab Team
Visiting the Official Derby Festival Race Day Merchandise shop
Other sampling and tasting opportunities

Location: Located at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Freedom Hall
2801 Crittenden Drive (Enter Through Gate 4)
Louisville, KY 40209

9:00pm - Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Glow
One of the most anticipated events of balloon race weekend is the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow. This year, there will be TWO opportunities to see the Balloon Glow, as it returns to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25.

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.

Even if you plan on coming to the race, you don’t want to miss the unique beauty of the glow. It’s a one-of-a kind experience!

Location: Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville

7:00am - Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race

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.

Just 7 balloons flew in the inaugural race from Iroquois Park in 1973.

The Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race is a Hare & Hound Race. This type of race is when all the balloons launch from the same site (Bowman Field). One balloon takes off first and is the Hare balloon. The other balloons are called the Hounds, and they will launch at a predetermined time after the Hare (usually 5 to 10 minutes after). The Hare lands at a suitable site and lays out a large fabric X, usually about 50 feet in diameter. The Hound balloons attempt to drop their markers as close to the center of the X as possible. The closest marker achieves the highest score.

Location: Bowman Field

April 25, 2025
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM - Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up
GE Appliances Derby Festival mini, Marathon & Relay packets can be picked up at the Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up. Runner packets include race bib, timing chip, and important runner instructions.

Come for the packet pick-up, stay for activities like:

Picking up Race Day Gear from Swag’s Sport Shoes and other vendors
Chat with the Norton Sports Health Team about the Training Program and pick up your 2025 Race Magnet
Meet your Pace Team
Assisted stretch & pre-race body work with KORT Physical Therapy’s Rehab Team
Visiting the Official Derby Festival Race Day Merchandise shop
Other sampling and tasting opportunities

Location: Located at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Freedom Hall
2801 Crittenden Drive (Enter Through Gate 4)
Louisville, KY 40209

7:00 PM - Kentucky Derby Festival 5K
2025 will mark the inaugural Kentucky Derby Festival 5K, kicking off a full weekend of racing with the traditional GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday, April 26!

“The Kentucky Derby Festival 5K will offer a unique experience race weekend with an evening run over the Ohio River just before sunset,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “Festival fans and families at all fitness levels can participate. It’s also an opportunity for runners to get a warm-up in ahead of their half or full the next day.”

The 5K will start at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Participants will run a looped course that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and includes a lap on the Big 4 Bridge. The 5K is open to participants age 10 and up. All 5K Participants will receive a medal and shirt.

Looking for a challenge? Complete the 5K AND GE Appliances miniMarathon or Marathon to receive a special challenge medal to commemorate both runs!
The registration fee is $45.

9:00pm - Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Glow
One of the most anticipated events of balloon race weekend is the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow. This year, there will be TWO opportunities to see the Balloon Glow, as it returns to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25.

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.

Even if you plan on coming to the race, you don’t want to miss the unique beauty of the glow. It’s a one-of-a kind experience!

Location: Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville

April 26, 2025

7:00am - Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race

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.

Just 7 balloons flew in the inaugural race from Iroquois Park in 1973.

The Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race is a Hare & Hound Race. This type of race is when all the balloons launch from the same site (Bowman Field). One balloon takes off first and is the Hare balloon. The other balloons are called the Hounds, and they will launch at a predetermined time after the Hare (usually 5 to 10 minutes after). The Hare lands at a suitable site and lays out a large fabric X, usually about 50 feet in diameter. The Hound balloons attempt to drop their markers as close to the center of the X as possible. The closest marker achieves the highest score.

Location: Bowman Field

11am - 5:00pm - Ken-Ducky Derby
11 AM: On-site Duck Purchases Available
1 PM: Kids Activities
3 PM: Duck Waddle Parade through Fest-a-Ville
4 PM: Call to Post & Duck Drop

Get ready for one of the most exciting events in Louisville!

Join us for the 22nd 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!

Location: Kroger's Fest-a-Ville

4pm - 8pm - Cars and Coffee

Returning for a third year to the Kentucky Derby Festival schedule, the Cars and Coffee Car Show is set for Saturday, April 26th at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville.

Fans can enjoy exotic cars, muscle cars, imports, German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights.
Early Entry fee to display a car: $30.

Late Entry fee after April 21st: $35.

Schedule:
4:00 – 8:00 PM (Viewing)
4:30 – 6:30 PM (Judging)
7:00 PM (Awards)

Click here to register

Location: Kroger's Fest-a-Ville

April 27, 2025

3:00pm - Pegasus Parade

The 2025 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade returns to Broadway in Downtown Louisville on Sunday, April 27. This family-friendly annual event showcases some of the nation’s finest marching bands and equestrian units, along with inflatable characters and colorful floats.

The theme of the 2025 Pegasus Parade is “Happy Derby: Pink Out Party!” and will celebrate spring and one of the Festival’s favorite colors. Participants and spectators are encouraged to come decked out in pink and help us paint Broadway in one of the signature colors of the Festival!

The parade marches west on Broadway for 17 blocks and lasts approximately two hours.

Originating in 1956 on a budget of only $640, the Pegasus Parade is the Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event. Today, the Pegasus Parade is one of the largest in the country, contributing an estimated impact of more than $22 million to the local economy.

Click here to buy tickets

Location: Returns on a Sunday on Broadway in Downtown Louisville!

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - GospelFest

Packed with powerful performances, join us for an evening of soulful, joyous music at GospelFest, and see some of the best Gospel choirs in the region!

Admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin

Location: Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront

April 28, 2025

6:00pm - Samtec Great Bed Races
Grab four of your co-workers, build a bed on wheels, decorate it, dress in a ridiculous costume—and then race to the finish. That pretty much sums up the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races.

Each year, thousands of enthusiasts gather to cheer on more than 30 teams, while 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.

1:00 PM: Tailgate Party Starts
6:00 PM: Parade of the Beds
7:00 PM: Races Begin

Admission: FREE with 2025 Pegasus Pin

$15 KEC Parking fee.

Location: Kentucky Exposition Center

April 29, 2025

6:00 PM - Texas Hold'em Tournament
Join us for an evening cruise and Poker Tournament on the Ohio!

– Professional Dealers
– $100 buy-in until 4/14 ($125 buy-in after 4/15: Includes $10,000 in chips and a commemorative Texas Hold’em event pin
– 2 Add-ons available 1st hour of play: $50 for $5000 in chips (*Cannot be out of chips to buy add-on)
– Up to 325 participants (payouts prorated based on actual number of players)
– Payouts for 10% of field
– Guest tickets: $15 at the door
– Cash bar, cash games, single table tournaments
– Cruise during first 60 minutes of play (River conditions permitting)
– Player wristbands will be issued at check-in

2025 will be the 20th year for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Texas Hold’Em Tournament. The event will be held aboard the Belle of Cincinnati, beginning with a cruise starting at 6 p.m.

The cruise will last 60 minutes (river permitting) at the beginning of the tournament, with the remainder of the event taking place at the dock, so those who are out of the game may disembark.

4:30 PM: Check-in begins.
6:00 PM: Tournament begins.

Location: Belle of Cincinnati

6:00 - 9:00 PM - Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest

Held the Tuesday of Derby Week!  Sip and savor over 100 local wines from Kentucky Wineries.

Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest takes place at Mellwood Art Center in the Van Gogh and DaVinci Rooms, where you will be able to stroll some of the shops while sipping on your favorite wines.

General Admission 6-9 PM
Tickets: $75

Wine tastings
Light appetizers
Etched souvenir wine glass and WineFest event pin
Opportunity to shop our vendors and sponsor displays
VIP Experience 5-9 PM (opens one hour early)
Tickets: $125

One-hour early access starting at 5pm
VIP Private area
Kentucky-inspired cuisine sampling
VIP gift
Exclusive Barrel Wine Tasting from Kentucky Derby Festival Official Wine Old 502

This is a 21+ event only. Valid ID required upon entry.

Location: Mellwood Art Center

April 30, 2025

4:30 - 7:30 PM - Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race
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!

The Belle of Cincinnati was declared the winner in 2024. Come see if our beloved local steamboat reigns supreme and takes back the coveted Silver Antlers in 2025.

The race lasts about 2 hours, finishing back at the Wharf. Following the race, the victor is awarded the pair of Silver Antlers during an Awards Ceremony on the Belle of Louisville.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Boarding
5:45 PM: Departure
6:00 PM: Race Begins

Location: Wharf at the Waterfront

May 1, 2025
11:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Festival Day At The Downs

Enjoy a day at the races with the Kentucky Derby Festival at the Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Day at the Downs.

Doors open at 11:30 AM and Post Time for the first race is at 12:40 PM. The afternoon’s third race is named for the Derby Festival. The 2025 KDF Chair and the Derby Festival Queen and Royal Court will present an engraved silver tray to the winning jockey, trainer and owner.

Highlights include:

Located on the 4th floor Skye Terrace (all tickets are reserved seating)
Table of 8 includes access to live in-room mutuel tellers, self-service wagering machines and restrooms
Offers tiered, covered balcony to view the races
Open bar, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Chef’s table buffet
Access to offsite parking at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center (subject to space availability)
Official Race Day Program
Reserved Seating: $375 each; $3,000 for a table of 8

Preferred Seating: $400 each; $3,200 for a table of 8

Click here to buy tickets

Location: Churchill Downs, Skye Terrace

May 19, 2025
Virtual PNC Tour de Lou
We’re excited to offer the Virtual PNC Tour de Lou again in 2025!

Experience the PNC Tour de Lou in the way that works for you:

Ride the PNC Tour de Lou in parts as a family
Challenge your friends in other cities to a ride – accomplish a goal together, but apart!  
Take the tour on your stationary bike and log those miles  
Challenge your spin class to the tour !  
Do it how YOU want, and get the bragging rights for completing the Virtual PNC Tour de Lou

May 26, 2025
Virtual Race
We’re excited to offer the Virtual mini & Marathon once again in 2025!

Complete your virtual race and submit your results anytime between April 26 – May 26, 2025.

Sign up for the virtual race and you’ll receive a complete toolkit with everything you need for a successful race. These items include:

Official Race Shirt
Official Race medal
Digital Race Certificate
Digital Race Bib
Access to the Virtual Race Bag
Access within the RaceJoy app to track progress
Runner Tracking on RaceJoy

RaceJoy is free to use with a Virtual Derby Festival mini & Marathon registration, and we encourage you to use it to track your progress, distance, and time on your phone. 

Date: February 22 -May 26, 2025

Location: various Venues

Click here for more information