If you live in Louisville, you might be thrilled about the upcoming Derby weekend and all of its festivities! On the other hand, you might also be inundated with flashbacks of the fuss, traffic, and commotion of Derby weekends in years past… Maybe you can’t make it out to Churchill Downs, maybe you want to be as far away from the races as you can be, or maybe you just flat out want something else to do. Whatever your situation, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of alternative events to attend away from Churchill Downs this year during Derby weekend:
The Bizarre Bazaar presents: Attack of the Tassels
May 3rd, 8PM | Zanzabar | 18+ | $20 – $100
It often happens to be the case that Derby weekend coincidentally lines up with May 4th, the widely recognized Star Wars day of celebration. Maybe you’re a Louisvillian who happens to love Star Wars and drag shows, and you just wanna get horse racing off your mind when Derby Day comes around. If that sounds like you, Bizarre Bazaar, the Louisville-based femme circus collective, is putting on the perfect show. Zanzabar | zanzabarlouisville.comBo Daddy Harris at The Whirling Tiger
May 3rd, Doors Open 7PM | The Whirling Tiger | 18+ | $15 in advance, $18 day of
You may have heard of Bo Daddy Harris from his intriguing covers of popular songs posted to social media. If you haven’t, I’d advise that it’s worth it to check him out. At any rate, he’ll be putting on a stunning show in Louisville on Derby Day at the Whirling Tiger, featuring special guests to open for him. It will be an unforgettable evening. The Whirling Tiger | thewhirlingtiger.comFontaines D.C. at Mercury Ballroom
May 2nd, 8PM | Mercury Ballroom | Starting at $80
You read it right, the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. is coming to Louisville on their USA tour! Make it out to Mercury Ballroom on Oaks Day to catch them. Live NationThe Bluegrass Ball at Headliners
May 1st, 8:30PM | Headliners | 18+ | $30 – $90
Headliners is celebrating Thurby in true Appalachian fashion with the Bluegrass Ball. All performers on the bill are Kentucky’s own, including Amythyst Kiah, Ben Sollee, and Jecorey Arthur. Attendees are encouraged to wear their “finest Appalachian chic!” Cricket PressThe Hip Hop and Bourbon Festival / Block Party
May 3rd | 12PM to midnight | The Palm Room
If you love hip-hop and RnB, you are guaranteed to enjoy the incredible lineup for the Palm Room’s Hip Hop and Bourbon Festival. This all-day event is the perfect opportunity to get away from the Derby commotion. Joe’s Palm Room | FacebookKegs & Eggs at Lou Lou on Market
May 2nd, 9AM – 2PM | Lou Lou on Market | Free Admission
Lou Lou on Market is hosting their fifth annual Kegs and Eggs on Oaks Day. This budding tradition brings live music, a New Orleans vibe, delicious breakfast, and plenty of booze to the heart of NuLu. It’s an excellent way to celebrate Oaks Day without heading to Churchill Downs! Lou Lou on Market | loulouonmarket.comThurby Silent Disco
May 1st, 7 – 10PM | Bar Nada Nada | $10
This Thurby, get your boogie on at Bar Nada Nada! Pop on a pair of headphones, tune into your favorite channel out of the three provided, and hit the dance floor. Presented by Louisville Silent Disco, this event provides something for everybody. EventbriteParistown Derby Day Garden Party
May 3rd | $20 – $30
Wanna enjoy the Derby without heading to Churchill Downs? Paristown’s Derby Day Garden Party makes that possible! Watch coverage of the races on the big screen beneath the Christy’s Garden pavilion, place your bets, and enjoy classic Derby cocktails. Paristown – Louisville, KY | FacebookComing Out (of the Collection): Queer & Trans Art at the Speed Art Museum Tour
May 4th, 12 – 1PM | The Speed Art Museum | Free with General Admission
Close out your Derby weekend with this tour at the Speed Art Museum. Join the museum’s staff member and docent Aris Spagnuolo on a tour through the history of queer and trans artists and their major contributions to art. Speed Art Museum | FacebookSame As It Ever Was: A Tribute to Talking Heads
May 2nd, 8PM | The Whirling Tiger | 18+ | $20 in advance, $25 day of
Calling all Talking Heads fanatics! Make your way out to the Whirling Tiger on Oaks Day and catch the beloved Talking Heads tribute band, Same As It Ever Was. The Whirling Tiger | thewhirlingtiger.comYacht Rock Revue at Iroquois Amphitheater
May 1st, 8PM | Iroquois Amphitheater | Starting at $23
Get your yacht rock on this Thurby at the Iroquois Amphitheater! Iroquois Amphitheater | iroquoisamphitheater.comThurby feat. Cutlass Supreme
May 1st, 8PM | Zanzabar | 18+ | $15
Kick off your Derby weekend by making your way down to Zanzabar for a night of live music! Zanzabar | zanzabarlouisville.com
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