The Anti-Derby Derby: What To Do When You're Avoiding Churchill Downs

By Sydney Catinna on Thu, May 2, 2024 at 3:28 pm

Does the idea of Derby conjure images of traffic, tourists and a general sense of dread? If so, you're not alone. While the Derby has an economic impact of over $405 million, it's not always a local's favorite time of the year.

From off-site Derby parties that feel a whole lot more like the Louisville you know and love to totally unrelated things to do, you can still have a great weekend without having to head to Churchill Downs.

After all, we can't forget that this weekend is also the time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Star Wars day!

Take a look at these events and ideas perfect for anyone whose idea of a good time is staying as far away from the track as possible.

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Bizarre Bazaar

Saturday, May 4
Zanzibar | 8 p.m. | $20+ | 18+
Everyone in Kentuckiana knows that Saturday, May 4, 2024 is Derby Day. But with respect to the 150th renewal of the Kentucky Derby, May 4 is also Star Wars Day. In a "rebel scum" style defiance of all things Derby, Zanzibar in Germantown will welcome the Bizarre Bazaar instead. The Bizarre Bazaar is the Louisville-based femme circus and vaudeville collective, who have celebrated Star Wars Day since 2018 in the most appropriate and memorable way: with drag queens, drag kings, and burlesque dancers who queer the Star Wars saga in a way that would make Finn and Poe finally make up their minds.

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Get Out of Town

If you really hate Derby and just need to get away, we’ve got you covered. Check out these weekend getaways that are driving distance from Louisville.

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Cinco De Mayo

Various dates & locations
It’s easy to forget it’s Derby when you spend the weekend celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Check out this post for a list of local things to do. From Friday’s Street Party at Guacamole to celebrations at HopAtomica and 8Up, there’s no shortage of places for a margarita-filled fiesta.

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Big Bounce America

The Big Bounce

Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5
Sportsdrome SpeedWay | 1207 Kopp Ln. Clarksville, IN | $22+ kids & $45+ adults
What’s less Derby than a gigantic bounce house in Indiana? The Big Bounce America, a touring attraction of gigantic inflatables, opens Friday in Clarksville. The 2024 tour is bringing the bounce to the 502 area from Friday, May 3 until Sunday, May 5th at Sportsdrome SpeedWay. The Big Bounce America is the biggest touring inflatable event in the world and features seven massive inflatable attractions.

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Kegs & Eggs

Friday, May 3
Lou Lou on Market | 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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Make Cocktails At Home

For anyone who really wants to escape the madness, try these cocktails, pick up a local pizza and prepare for a little staycation at home.

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Myriad Hotel Block Party

Saturday, May 4
Myriad Hotel | 10:30 a.m. | $25
Baxter Avenue's Myriad Hotel will be hosting its inaugural Derby Block Party on Saturday, May 4 starting at 10:30 a.m and by the looks of their recent Instagram post featuring a bike that blends margaritas, this is going to be one fun day. Stop by for a pre-fixe Derby menu at Paseo as well as delicious drink specials.

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Adina Howard

Saturday, May 4
The 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.

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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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Derby 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.

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Trifecta Gala

Friday, May 3
Near Slugger Field | Sold Out | 8 p.m. | 21+

You don't have to like the Derby to go see Bruno Mars perform!

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.

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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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Brunch and Beats

Sunday, May 5
Mellwood Arts Center | 1860 Mellwood Ave. | $20 | 12 – 5 p.m. | 21+

You don't have to go to Derby to be hungover. Head to Mellwood for a hangover brunch where you can recover from the weekend.

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