Here are some highlights of the upcoming Kentucky Derby Festival events. Find them all at https://discover.kdf.org/
April 13th - The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Block Party
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Block Party has become a new annual tradition on the Derby Festival’s line-up of more than 70 springtime events and shines the spotlight on talent and resources throughout Louisville, including minority-owned businesses in West Louisville. Guests can enjoy an all-day celebration featuring cuisine from local food trucks, live entertainment, a shopping marketplace, wellness activations, a vendor fair, programming and more.
From food and shopping to entertainment and health and wellness, Block Party 2025 highlights include:
20+ Local food trucks including complimentary water from the Louisville Water Company, courtesy of Humana.
50+ Vendors at the MELANnaire Marketplace highlighting Black entrepreneurs. A one-stop shop for spring fashions.
Live outdoor entertainment on the Ford Motor Company Music Stage with group and solo artists, as well as visual artists, DJs, dancers, poets, theater acts, spoken word, comedy and more.
Kids’ activities in the ZEON Kids’ Zone featuring outdoor fun, inflatables and face painting.
A Community Village featuring 20 local nonprofits, all with missions to help meet the needs of residents in the West Louisville Community.
Park Community Credit Union will offer financial literacy expertise and loan information, and have a 360 Photo Booth onsite.
A health & wellness area with free health screenings courtesy of Humana.
Norton Healthcare will be onsite offering complimentary health screenings. Heuser Hearing Institute will offer free hearing screenings and hearing protection. Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky will provide a vaccination station.
Admission to Block Party is FREE. Parking at the venue will also be FREE thanks to the partnership with Park Community Credit Union.
April 20 - Thunder Over Louisville
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Plan a Family Friendly Thunder
If you’re planning on bringing along the whole family, you’re in for a day full of fun and excitement. There are plenty of family friendly activities to do to keep you and your little ones entertained all day. Though the list could go on and on, we’ve made it simple for you and narrowed it down to the top five things to do with your family at Thunder.
Ford’s Thunder on the Ground
Head over to the South Great Lawn to enjoy the epicenter of family fun at Thunder. Here, you’ll find interactive displays and kids’ activities that will keep the entire family happy. You can take a walk through the Ford X-perience, take a photo with the Idaho Potato Truck, try your best at a chin-up challenge with the U.S Marines, navigate a 4D virtual reality rescue mission with U.S. Navy, and so much more. If you somehow manage to complete all the activities, no worries, there are a variety of rides you can choose from. The little ones can enjoy rides like the Fun Slide, Hampton, and the Lil’ Wheel. If you have adrenaline junkies in the family, they will love rides like Alien Abduction, Ali Baba, Drop & Twist, and more. Ford’s Thunder on the Ground is open from 11am – 11pm and is free admission with a Pegasus pin.
Meijer Family Fun Zone
If the South Great Lawn isn’t enough to keep you busy, head over to the Meijer Family Fun Zone now at the Big Four Bridge for even more entertainment. Kids can play in bounce houses, get their face painted, play golf, get creative with crafts, and more. Then, when hunger strikes, not to worry, there are plenty of food options and snack samples that everyone can enjoy and a Beer Garden for mom and dad. Then, when the night winds down, take a seat, look up, and enjoy the show. The Meijer Family Fun Zone is open from 11am – 11pm and is free admission with a Pegasus Pin.
Big Four Bridge Lawn
If you’d like a more quiet spot to watch the fireworks, the Big Four Bridge Lawn is the perfect place for you and your family. Here, you can take advantage of the wide space, enjoy food vendors, and take part in activities all while avoiding the crowds. You’ll have plenty of space to set up your viewing spot and relax while taking in the air shows and firework display. Admission is free with a Pegasus Pin.
Get Thunder Day Info here: https://thunderoverlouisville.org/thunder-day-information/
FAQs: https://thunderoverlouisville.org/faqs/
April 21 - The Children’s Tea with the Derby Princesses presented by The Fillies
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Children ages 3 and up are invited to meet the Derby Festival Queen and the rest of the Royal Court Princesses at The Children’s Tea! Children are encouraged to dress like a prince or princess for this social event with the members of the Derby Festival’s 2024 Royal Court.
This year’s theme is “Tea in the Candy Kingdom,” and attendees will enjoy the Royal Land of Candy for a sweet, fun-filled afternoon. Little ones can sip tea, indulge in scrumptious treats, and enjoy fun activities for girls and boys!
April 25 - May 3 - Kroger's Fest-a-Ville℠
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New Events for 2024!
One of the Derby Festival’s signature events, Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, will take over Waterfront Park for nine straight days this spring and features a packed line-up. Several new events are debuting at the 2024 ultimate entertainment experience, including a nightly drone show that will light up the Waterfront skyline. Other new highlights include the addition of a second balloon glow, a Taylor Swift Silent Disco, a custom car showcase, a circus and a movie night. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront also sees the return of long-time favorites, including concerts, festive food, midway rides and more family-friendly fun. It’s open daily from Thursday, April 25 through Derby Eve on Friday, May 3. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. Admission to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin.
New Events on the Line-Up:
Nightly Drone Show: Thursday, April 25 through Friday May 3, 9:30 p.m. A Nightly Drone Show will take place each evening during the nine-day run of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Three different drone shows, featuring an estimated 75-100 drones, will be in rotation during the event, so Festival goers can attend multiple times and see an entirely new show.
Two Balloon Glows: Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, Parade of Balloons, 7:30 p.m., Glow, 9 p.m., Great Lawn. Fest-a-Ville goers can have twice as much fun at the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow, which features the addition of a second Glow for 2024. Come early, get a prime-viewing spot, grab dinner and see the balloons parade over before the Glow. This one-of-a-kind experience features balloons on the field but they do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, guests can watch the balloons glow against the night sky synchronized to a special musical score. Walk around the field, talk to pilots and see one of the Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, KRC Roofing and Construction and UA Local 502. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY TV. Media Sponsor: 106.9.
Taylor Swift Silent Disco: Saturday, April 27, 6-9 p.m., in the Grove. Swifties, get ready to shake it off at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville! Secure your spot at the Swiftie themed silent disco where Louisville Silent Disco will be playing Taylor Swift hit songs on two channels (a third channel will feature Top Hits). Channel your inner Swiftie and come decked out in your favorite Taylor era as you wear glowing wireless headphones and dance to the music on the Waterfront. Pre-sale tickets: $15, includes a 2024 Pegasus Pin. $20 at the gate, includes a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Produced by Louisville Silent Disco. Purchase tickets in advance at https://discover.kdf.org//silentdisco
Double the Car Show Fun: Exotic Cars & Coffee Presented By Speedwash Car Wash returns for the second straight year on Saturday, April 27 from 4-8 p.m., on the Great Lawn. Enjoy exotic cars, muscle cars, imports and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Media Sponsor: ALT 105.1. Making its Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville debut is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 28 from noon-5 p.m., on the Great Lawn. Featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from all across the U.S. and Canada.
Barbie On the Big Screen Movie Night: Wednesday, May 1, 8:30 p.m., in The Grove. Enjoy the hit movie “Barbie” under the stars on the big screen.
Louisville Turners Circus: Thursday, May 2, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. The local circus company will perform aerial and ground circus acts, including aerial silks, rope, sling, aerial hoop, and dance trapeze.
Other can’t miss experiences of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville include:
Opening Day: Thursday, April 25, featuring a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.
Chow Wagon: Open during the entire nine days of Fest-a-Ville, this outdoor food and live music venue is a long-running Derby Festival tradition. Happy Hour Weekdays: 4-6 p.m. $4 beers at the Beer Garden.
Pegasus Play-Ville, sponsored by Norton Children’s, features a variety of kid-friendly activities, including Charlie Chopper, Little Wheel, Fun House/Fun Slide and more. Contributing Sponsor: Holiday World Splashin’ Safari.
Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 26, noon, Great Lawn. Festival goers can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline. Produced by Yoga Six.
Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 26, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-For-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
Kentucky Derby Festival Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show: Saturday, April 27, 1-3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. $350 VIP Experience includes prime seating for a table of 8, plus $80 in food and drink tickets. $35 individual VIP tickets. (18 and over only). Produced by the Louisville Pride Foundation.
Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Call to the Post and Duck Drop at 4 p.m. See the launch of nearly 50,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville.
Mascot Party Presented by the League of Mascots: Sunday, April 28, 1-3 p.m.
GospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 28, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Jason Clayborn & Thee Ensemble, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Kenny Lewis & One Voice and more. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
Fitness Day: Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Great Lawn.
HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 30, 5-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event. Produced by Metro Animal Services. Sponsored by
Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race Watch Party: Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Great Lawn.
Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, May 2, 7-9 p.m., Great Lawn. Live televised Ohio Valley Wrestling event featuring a four-corner battle with HollyHood Haley J, Freya The Slaya, Leila Grey and more. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 6 p.m. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
Motorcycle Night on the Lawn: Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m.-close.
Heroes in Education Day is Thursday, May 2. Free admission for educators.
Military Day is Friday, May 3 with free admission all day for Veterans and active military with their military ID.
Performances by local and regional acts spanning a variety of musical genres will take the Miller Lite Music Stage at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, including:
Thursday, April 25: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Moonshine Magnolia (4-7 p.m.); Blacktop Rodeo (8 p.m.-close)
Friday, April 26: Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4-7 p.m.); Frankie Moody (8 p.m.-close)
Saturday, April 27: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
Sunday, April 28: Latin Party (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
Monday, April 29: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees (4-7 p.m.); V-Groove (8 p.m.-close)
Tuesday, April 30: Bill May Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); DJ Honest Ave (6-8 p.m.); The Jesse Lees (8 p.m.-close)
Wednesday, May 1: E&R Project (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Eric & The Iconics (3:30-5:30 p.m.); Marine Band (6:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (8 p.m.-close)
Thursday, May 2: Jack N Lindsey (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); Top Shelf (8 p.m.-close)
Friday, May 3: Derby Eve Jam featuring Kimberly Alana (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Most Wanted (4-7 p.m.); Friday Night Special (8 p.m.-close)
In addition to live entertainment on the Miller Lite Stage, there will be artists performing daily in the Grove.
Admission to Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at local retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted).
April 25 - 27 - L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest
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Colorful hot air balloons will light up the Louisville skyline during one of the Kentnucky Derby Festival’s signature and most picturesque events – The L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest.
The 2024 BalloonFest features four events taking to the skies:
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow – Thursday, April 25, 8:30 PM at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville
L&N Federal Credit Union Rush Hour Race – Friday, April 26, 7 AM at Bowman Field
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow – Friday, April 26, 8:30 PM at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race – Saturday, April 27, 7 AM at Bowman Field
April 28 - Zoeller® Pump Company Pegasus® Parade
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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.
Originating in 1956 on a budget of only $640, the Pegasus Parade is the Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event. Today, the Pegasus Parade is one of the largest in the country, contributing an estimated impact of more than $22 million to the local economy.
