• Cars + Coffee

    Waterfront Park Big Four Bridge Lawn 1101 River Road, Louisville, KY, United States

    Returning for a fourth year to the Kentucky Derby Festival schedule, the Cars & Coffee Car Show is set for Saturday, April 25th at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville. Fans can enjoy exotic cars, muscle cars, imports, German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Produced by Exotic Cars & Coffee. Admission to view […]

  • Sunday Funday at Churchill Downs

    Churchill Downs

    Sunday racing returns to Kentucky Derby Week for the first time since 2010, which gives the community an extra day to celebrate the seasonal fun with brunch options around the […]

  • Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade

    Kentucky Derby Festival West on Broadway from Cambell to 9th street, Louisville, KY, United States

    The 2026 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade returns to Broadway in Downtown Louisville on Sunday, April 26. 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 parade marches west on Broadway for 17 blocks and lasts approximately two hours. Originating in […]

  • Great Bed Races Presented by Snap-on

    Kentucky Exposition Center 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky

    Grab four of your co-workers, build a bed on wheels, decorate it, dress in a ridiculous costume—and then race to the finish. That pretty much sums up the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races. Each year, thousands of enthusiasts gather to cheer on more than 30 teams, while on-air personalities from WAVE TV anchor the […]

  • Biscuits and Bourbon

    Kentucky Derby Museum 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY, United States

    Biscuits & Bourbon will take place Tuesday and Wednesday of Derby week, giving guests two opportunities to enjoy what has become one of the best Derby week values. The event […]

  • 502’s Day

    Churchill Downs

    502'sDay returns for its fourth year, shining the spotlight on what truly makes this city special – the community. General Admission is $5. Guests are encouraged to “Shop Local” and wear outfits from Louisville's local shops and boutiques. Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m. For tickets and more information: 502'sDay 2026 | […]

  • Winsday

    Churchill Downs

    Join us for a day of unity and giving at Churchill Downs on Wednesday of Derby Week! We are thrilled to spotlight the remarkable efforts of local nonprofit organizations through this unique event, celebrating the spirit of community and the impactful work of these vital agencies. Enhance the connections among us all, come be a […]

  • Great Steamboat Race by Shepherd Insurance

    Belle of Louisville Riverboats 401 W River Road, Louisville, KY, United States

    As one of the original and longest standing traditions of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Great Steamboat Race has been taking place on the Ohio River since 1963. Ask any local, this event has become a Louisville tradition in the leadup to Derby weekend! The event pits vessels against each other, including the Belle of […]

  • Thurby

    Churchill Downs

    Presented by Old Forester and in partnership with Frazier History Museum, the venue transforms into an interactive showcase celebrating Kentucky's rich heritage. This event is a must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, encapsulating Kentucky's rich culture, spirited music, and deep-rooted traditions. Join us for a day immersed in the true spirit […]

  • Festival Day at the Downs

    Churchill Downs

    Enjoy a day at the races with the Kentucky Derby Festival at the Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Day at the Downs. Doors open at 11:30 AM and Post Time for the first race is at 12:40 PM. The afternoon's third race is named for the Derby Festival. The 2026 KDF Chair and the Derby Festival Queen […]

  • 152nd Kentucky Oaks

    Churchill Downs

    The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America's premier and most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies – female horses- held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1.5 million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland of lilies, appropriately named “lilies for the fillies.” Like the […]

  • 152nd Kentucky Derby

    Churchill Downs

    The 152nd Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the world's Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®. You'll have the opportunity to witness the world's most promising 3-year-old thoroughbreds as they come together to compete for the cherished garland of roses. It's a race that defines the pinnacle of horse racing excitement. But the Kentucky […]