12 Kentucky Derby Events Locals Should Actually Care About

By Sydney Catinna on Thu, Apr 11, 2024 at 5:19 pm

The Kentucky Derby draws visitors from all around the world, but some of the best events for locals happen weeks before the first Saturday in May.

Are you excited about Derby season, but feel like most events are tailored to rich folks or out-of-town visitors? It's an understandable sentiment.

The Kentucky Derby can be a hit-or-miss event for Louisvillians. While plenty of locals take great pride in Derby season, others find no appeal in a long day at the track or simply don't want to shell out the money for good seats or gala tickets every year.

The good news is that there are actually plenty of events happening in April and early May that are not only accessible, but as fun and quirky as our city's known to be!

Take a look at these locals-oriented Kentucky Derby events and send us a note if we've left out one of your favorites.

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ArtPORTAL

Fancy Feathers, Murderous Millinery + Winning Colors

Thursday, April 11
ARTPORTAL | 1535 Lytle St. | Free | 6 p.m.
To celebrate the 150th renewal of the Kentucky Derby, ARTPORTAL presents a dual exhibition. "Fancy Feathers, Murderous Millinery" displays Derby hat fashions from the Victorian era to the present. The curation of "Winning Colors" incorporates vivid color designs that both celebrate the history and anticipate the future of Derby.

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Kentucky Derby Block Party

Saturday, April 13
Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center | 3029 W Muhammad Ali Blvd. | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center with Churchill Downs, Humana, and Park Community Credit Union will be hosting a Kentucky Derby Festival block party. The Block Party is a new annual tradition in the more than 70 events within the Derby Festival. This Block Party highlights minority-owned businesses in West Louisville and features live entertainment, free health screenings and more.

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Clay Cook

KMAC Couture

Saturday, April 13
KMAC | 715 W Main St. | $100+ | 7:15 p.m.
KMAC Couture is a wearable art runway show presented as the signature fundraiser for KMAC that provides funding for the Museum’s education programs and exhibits. KMAC Couture launched in 2013 as a distinct fashion event that allowed KMAC to showcase its unique position as a contemporary art museum that celebrates ideas at the crossroads of art, craft, and design. In recognition of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024, the 12th edition of KMAC Couture will honor one of Louisville’s most famous institutions and most notable traditions through the 2024 Theme: Runway for the Roses!

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Alice in Derbyland!

Saturday, April 19 & 21
Art Sanctuary | 1433 S. Shelby St. | $20+
Drag Daddy Productions brings "Alice in Derbyland!" to the stage at Art Sanctuary April 19 and 21. Now in its fourth year, this queer re-imagining of Lewis Carroll’s surreal tale is written and directed by Tony Lewis Executive Producer of Drag Daddy Productions. With the help of some drag make-up and wig styling, the story of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is transformed into a Derby-themed extravaganza.

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Thunder Over Louisville

Saturday, April 20
Waterfront Park | Pegasus pin required for entry
Derby season wouldn’t be the same without its unofficial kickoff. The gigantic fireworks spectacle that is Thunder Over Louisville will return for its 34th year. In honor of the 150th Kentucky Derby, the 2024 theme for Thunder Over Louisville is "Celebrating Derby 150.”

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Waterfront Park

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.

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Kentucky Dachshund Derby

The Kentucky Dachshund Derby

Saturday, April 27
Christy’s Garden | 720 Brent St. | Free
Who doesn’t love a bunch of weenie dogs in a fast (and a little distracted) race for the title of Dachshund Derby winner? Whether you’re an owner or just a fan, seeing these little guys and gals race to the finish will be worth your while. Not only will the pups race to the finish, but they’ll also be dressed up for the costume contest! In between races of other breeds, you can enter the Derby’s Bourbon raffle, gift basket raffles and see other vendors’ booths.

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Ken-Ducky Derby

Saturday, April 27
Fest-a-Ville | Waterfront Park | Free | 4 p.m.
The Ken-Ducky Derby, an Official Kentucky Derby Festival event, will drop 46,000 rubber ducks into the Ohio River for a race to win prizes. Prizes increase in value from a LEGO Bugatti Race Car to a 2023 Toyota Corolla. All proceeds from the Ken-Ducky Derby support Harbor House, the local non-profit organization who provide care for adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Adopt a duck at gotducks.org or until 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Churchill Downs

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.

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Churchill Downs

Thurby

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.

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Hillbilly Outfield

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.

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Kegs & Eggs

Friday, May 3
Lou Lou on Market | 812 E. Market St. | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
On Kentucky Oaks Day, Friday May 3, the fourth annual Kegs and Eggs event will serve up a decadent selection of booze, brews, and beignets. There will be beignets on the patio with Chef Ellen Gil McCarty, Bloody Mary’s with Beckmann, and music by Danny Flanigan. A percentage of sales will benefit APRON, inc., an organization that helps food industry workers in Louisville.

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