The Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) is hosting its annual Great Bed Races event tonight inside Kentucky Exposition Center’s Broadbent Arena. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a pre-race parade; the first race begins at 7 p.m. For people ready to get started early, there is a parking lot tailgate beginning at 4 p.m. Of course, admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin; however, there is a $12 fee for parking on the grounds.

This team-building event brings together nearly 40 teams from local businesses and organizations pushing their collaborative creations — aka “beds on wheels” — around a track while decked out in outlandish costumes. The beds are constructed according to specs provided by KDF and decorated to match a chosen theme.

For 2023, the theme is “Through the Decades”: Look for retro creations inspired by movies, music, fashion, television and sports.

The race showcases a “Fun Division” and a “Champions Division.” Teams also compete for prizes and accolades for the (three) fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations, along with a few fun titles such as “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.”