Need some fun plans? We’ve got you covered. With the 150th Derby happening next week, there are plenty of exciting events and things to do around the city.
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 ParkKen-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. Ken-Ducky DerbySUNDAY, APRIL 28
The Pegasus Parade
3 p.m. | West on Broadway from Campbell to 9th St.
The 2024 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade returns to Broadway in Downtown Louisville on Sunday, April 28. This family-friendly annual event showcases some of the nation’s finest marching bands and equestrian units, along with inflatable characters and colorful floats. The 2024 theme is “Celebrating Derby 150” in honor of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. The parade marches west on Broadway for 17 blocks and lasts approximately two hours.WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday featuring: Phosphorescent, Dehd, and Tyrone Cotton
Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park1101 River Rd | lpm.org/music | Free | 6 p.m. | All ages91.9 WFPK’s Waterfront Wednesday returns for its 22nd season in grand style when Nashville-based Americana singer/songwriter Matthew Houck, (better known as Phosphorescent), headlines this stacked
bill that also includes Chicago based indie rock trio Dehd, and local blues legend Tyrone Cotton, (who’s album, “Man Like Me”, was called a “masterpiece” and “easily one of the greatest albums ever to come out of Louisville” by LEO Weekly). Bring the kids and visit Waterfront KidsDay, a dedicated area for kids and families to do hands-on activities. The lawn open at 5 p.m., and music begins promptly at 6 p.m.SUNDAY, APRIL 28The Derby: A Documentary by Remington Smith
Speed Cinema | 2035 S. 3rd St. | speedmuseum.org/cinema | free | 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.This 15-minute documentary follows people of diverse ethnicities, economic status, and physical abilities during Derby weekend, and explores the often unseen aspects of Kentucky’s largest sporting event. Directed by Remington Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications at the University of Louisville, the film compiles footage from the 2013, 2016, and 2018 Derby events. Both screenings will be followed by post-screening discussions with the director.SATURDAY, APRIL 27Pre-Derby All White Attire with a Splash of Color Boat RideBelle of Louisville | 401 West River Rd. | eventbrite.com | $20+ | 6:30 p.m.Join DC Enterprise in Louisville for its seventh annual pre-derby all white attire boat ride to experience the Ohio River just before the Kentucky Derby. With a night full of fun and entertainment, there will also be an after party at The Jefferson Venue later that night.SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Churchill Downs Opening Night: Derby Through the DecadesChurchill Downs | $111+ | 5 p.m. | All agesEmbark on a journey through time to kick off the Derby Week festivities. Join us for a unique experience, including the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby post position draw – now open to the general public on Opening Night for the first time. It’s a night to set the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration!SUNDAY, APRIL 28 World of Flavors Food Truck Invasion529 E. Burnett St.
The Louisville Food Truck Association is hosting a “Food Truck Invasion” with a lineup that reflects the most culturally diverse food trucks in and around Louisville. Joins them in celebrating Louisville’s cultural diversity with some delicious snacks.
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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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