Derby week has finally arrived! If you’re looking for the best things to do in Louisville during the Derby are, you’re in the right place.
Whether this is your favorite week or the week that makes you want to get out of town, there are so many exciting events happening around the city that something’s sure to catch your eye.
Take a look at the festivities below and make sure to check out our round-ups of the best places to eat and where to get your last minute outfits.
Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville On The Waterfront
Thursday, April 25-May 3
Waterfront Park | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily | Sundays 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront will return for its 18th year in 2024. 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 2024 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. Waterfront ParkCommonwealth Credit Union WineFest
Tuesday, April 30Mellwood Art Center | $75+ | 6-9 p.m. | 21+Sip and savor over 100 local wines from Kentucky Wineries.502’sday
Tuesday, April 30
Churchill Downs | $5 | 11:30 a.m.502’sDay returns for its second year, keeping the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. This is a day for the locals and the local businesses we love. Head to the track for a day filled with 9 races as for just $5. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet the wonderful people behind some amazing Louisville businesses through interviews and featured highlights on the big board throughout the day. Churchill DownsThurby
Thursday, May 2
Churchill Downs | $10+ | 10:30 a.m.Derby for the locals. Thurby celebrates the heart of Kentucky’s culture, bringing together the trifecta of bourbon, Bluegrass, and thoroughbred racing. There will be bluegrass music at the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza Stage and exclusive activations from Old Forester. Churchill DownsThurby is Punk featuring: The Vibrolas, The Char, and FMKThursay, May 2Zanzabar | 2100 South Preston St . | $15 | 8 p.m. | Ages 18 and up
A trio of punk power trios, all with inventive aggressive guitarists, badass women bassists, and positively propulsive drummers. The mighty Vibrolas, led by power couple Chris Hosner and Leila Coppala, bring their Kentucky-fried, high octane, fully-leaded burnout, greasy-riff punk into the city for the bash. The Char throws down the electrifying upbeat and fun trash punk that “Rocks fucking balls” with edgy originals and front-man Chuck Baxter’s nuggets from Louisville’s acclaimed alternative scene. FMK may be the hardest working band in Louisville, combining garage punk energy with comedy and chaotic shenanigans to fuck, marry, AND kill everyone.Derby Delights BurlesqueWednesday, May 1Hereafter | 119 S. 7th St. | $25 | 8 – 11 p.m.A classic burlesque show that fits right in with the wild and raucous Derby happenings. Performances by Miss Beverly Blanc, Kay’Tastrophe, and Odette Cash. We recommend taking the rest of the week off and enjoying this and other Derby events.502 Beer DayThursday, May 2Various locations | Free | Hours dependent upon locationThurby just happens to fall on 5/02 this year, and what better way of kicking off your Derby weekend festivities this year than with some local brews made by some of the many Louisville-area breweries, (almost 40 now, by my count). The annual 502 Beer Day highlights the thriving and innovative beer community that continues to flourish in Louisville. Check louisvillealetrail.com for events and special $5.02 tappings at participating breweries around town. And don’t forget about the annual 5:02 p.m. toast – wherever you are!Brunch and BeatsSunday, May 5Mellwood Arts Center | 1860 Mellwood Ave. | $20 | 12 – 5 p.m. | 21+You will have a hangover after Derby and there is nothing better than a brunch event with good food and great tunes to recover. This Derby Brunch and Beats promises a good time for those leftover Derby revelers and the locals who need a place to revive. There will be no tickets at the door so get them in advance.Derby City CarshowSunday, May 5Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park | 3730 River Rd. | Eventbrite | $10/$25 to show car | 12 – 8 p.m.Nothing beats a good classic car show and this one promises all the bells and whistles of a good time checking out the best of classic vehicle engineering. Cars will range from the class to “modern marvels” and will be a treat for anyone, young or old. There will be food trucks, music and fun.Adina HowardSaturday, May 4The Palm Room | 1821 W. Jefferson St. | Eventbrite | $25 | 8 p.m.Freaks everywhere are going to need to get to the Palm Room to see the Queen Freak herself, Adina Howard as she brings her show to Louisville. Joining Ms. Howard is Junior J, opening the show. DJ Lifesaver will provide sounds before and after the event. If there is a call to post, Howard’s “Freak Like Me,” is a call to the dance floor like no other.Pink Carpet AffairSunday, May 5
The Local Seltzery Nulu | 828 E. Main St. | Eventbrite | $20 with Pink/$50 without | 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.Derby goes hard even in the days after. The 3rd annual Pink Carpet Affair is not messing around. First off, Pink is mandatory and fashionable is also required. Catch the best in Afrobeats and R&B for a night of dancing. If you’re one of the miracle children with gas in the tank after Derby, ride it til the wheels fall off at this event.Great Steamboat Race
Wednesday, May 1
Waterfront | $80+ to ride on a boat | 4:30 p.m. boarding | 6 p.m. race startAs 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. The event pits vessels against each other, including the Belle of Cincinnati, as they compete for bragging rights in this race on the river!Taste of Derby
Thursday, May 2
Convention Center | 7 p.m.Indulge in a wide range of culinary delights from 14 chefs each representing a stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby at the Taste of Derby Party. Enjoy a luxurious evening filled with delicious bites as you prepare for a Derby weekend to remember. This party also features live music and entertainment, ensuring that you kick off Derby 150 in style!Mint Julep Mingle
Friday, May 3
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience | $50 | 21+
Celebrate the night before the “most exciting two minutes in sports” at Evan Williams’ Mint Julep Mingle, an evening full of music, Bourbon Cocktails, local flavors, and fun. Each ticket includes a mint julep at our Make-Your-Own Mint Julep bar, hors d’oeuvres with Kentucky flair, self-guided tours and Bourbon Tastings. Live music in the Speakeasy will feature Old Lou’s Ragtime Band. Trackside attire is encouraged!Hillbilly Outfield Kentucky Derby Party
Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4
12202 Old Shelbyville Rd. | $55+The 20th annual Hillbilly Outfield Kentucky Derby Party is upon us. This year, proceeds from the event will benefit TWISTED PINK, a nonprofit organization in Kentucky dedicated to fighting breast cancer. The classic backyard Derby party is set to host games, entertainment, a cornhole tournament and live music on both Friday and Saturday nights. Hillbilly OutfieldDerby Day Garden Party
Saturday, May 4
Paristown | Adults: $25 | Kids: $10 | 12-7 p.m.
Spend Derby day in the heart of Paristown, where you can catch all the races and place your bets with insights from live handicappers, eat local cuisine, indulge in signature Derby cocktails, and enjoy live bluegrass music featuring Nectar Valley.Trifecta Gala
Friday, May 3
Near Slugger Field | Sold Out | 8 p.m. | 21+On the eve of the 150th Kentucky Derby, The Trifecta will spin the soul of the Derby into an unforgettable party that pays homage to the invaluable contributions of African Americans to Derby history with a reverence for the past, and a vision for the future.Derby Eve Party
Friday, May 3
21C | $250+ | 8 p.m. | 21+Befitting the celebration of the 150th Kentucky Derby, Steve Wilson is producing a unique and thrilling party benefiting the Kentucky college of Art and Design. Well-known for his Derby events over the years, he promises this will be the most thrilling of all.Guests will be requested to wear black and they will all be given white eye masks so every person attending will become an actor in a dark room of mystery. Lost in a mysterious room of artists and performers that will ensue an evening narrow to be forgotten. Steve said, “ when it’s all over and my friends are at the Derby or wherever they might be on Saturday, I want them to wonder, was that real or a dream?”
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Sydney is a native Louisvillian who spent her twenties in Los Angeles working in Hollywood. When off duty, she blogs about her adventures at Sydney to Anywhere. An avid explorer, the only thing she loves...
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