The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, and the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) has already kicked into action! From bike rides to balloons to booze, KDF has something for everybody. Check out twelve of our favorite KDF events in the slideshow below:
L&N Federal Credit Union BalloonFest
April 24th – 25th | Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and Bowman Field | FREE
Watch as hot air balloons glow, race, and color the Louisville skies at these four events, spanning three days. Kentucky Derby Festival | InstagramBlock Party presented by Churchill Downs, Humana, and Park Community Credit Union
April 19th, 10AM – 8PM | Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center | FREE
The Block Party returns for its fourth year, establishing itself as an exciting new Derby tradition! Attend this free event and enjoy food, entertainment, and much more. Kentucky Derby Festival | InstagramRepublic Bank BourbonVille
April 17th, 6:30 – 9:30PM | Ice House | $75 – $125
At BourbonVille, you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy a variety of specialty bourbon drinks alongside delicious bourbon-inspired cuisine. EventbriteGE Appliances Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon
April 26th, 7AM | Main St. and Preston St. | $50 – $325
As part of the Derby festivities, Louisville hosts the largest annual day of road racing in the state. Runners can opt between a full marathon or a mini marathon, featuring historic and scenic views across the city. You can also opt to register virtually! Derby Festival miniMarathon/Marathon | FacebookKentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology
April 25th, 7PM | Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park | $45
This year, KDF is adding a new race to the mix. Participants of this 5K will run a looped course that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and includes a lap on the Big 4 Bridge. AllEventsGospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank
April 27th, 6 – 9PM | Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville | FREE
GospelFest features some of the best Gospel choirs and groups in the area! This year’s headlining acts include Otis Kemp, Tasha Page-Lockhart and Jermaine Dolly. Jason Clayborn | FacebookKen-Ducky Derby
April 26th, 11AM – 5PM | Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville | FREE admission | Race your own duck, starting at $7
At this quirky Derby tradition, watch as 46,000 rubber ducks are dropped into the Ohio River for the 22nd annual Ken-Ducky Derby! You can enter your own ducks into the race to compete for prizes. Duck Race | duckrace.comZoeller Pump Company Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade
April 27th, 3PM | Broadway, Downtown Louisville | $50
The Pegasus Parade is KDF’s oldest event. Come downtown to witness this classic and exciting parade. This year’s theme is “Happy Derby: Pink Out Party!” Participants and spectators are encouraged to come out dressed in pink. Kentucky Derby Festival | FacebookShepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race
April 30th, 4:30 – 7:30PM | Wharf at the Waterfront | $200
Attend one of the longest-running traditions KDF has to offer! Watch as impressive steamboats are pitted against each other in a race on the Ohio River. Kentucky Derby Festival | FacebookPNC Tour de Lou
April 19th, 8AM Start | The Belvedere | $40 – $100
Enjoy a scenic bike ride through the city of Louisville with the PNC Tour de Lou! Beginning and ending at the Belvedere in Downtown Louisville, the race offers different cycling distances for different experience levels. You can sign up for 20 miles, 35 miles, 62.1 miles, or even for a virtual ride. Kentucky Derby Festival | InstagramCommonwealth Credit Union WineFest
April 29th, 6 – 9PM | Mellwood Arts Center | $75 – $125
Sign up to attend WineFest and enjoy a selection of over 100 local wines! EventbriteSamtec Great Bed Races
April 28th, 6PM | Broadbent Arena, Kentucky Exposition Center | FREE admission
Watch as over thirty teams race beds-on-wheels against each other, all while wearing silly costumes! This year’s theme encourages folks to dress in pink, decked out in 80s-style attire. Samtec | Facebook
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by
Will Doty
