One of America’s greatest community celebrations, the Festival is known for its whirlwind of more than 70 special events and programs, and how it brings the community together in celebration every spring.
The Kentucky Derby Festival is a private, not-for-profit, community organization dedicated to providing unique entertainment for the Greater Louisville area.
More details on the 2023 Festival can be found online at KDF.org or on social media @KyDerbyFestival. *Schedule subject to change.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
Celebrating Kentucky’s famous Run for the Roses® has become so popular and so massive, the Kentucky Derby Festival this year presents TWO parades, THREE different types of Pegasus Pins, MULTIPLE parties and countless food options. The list of events, parties, competitions and concerts making up the annual festival is as exciting as it is extensive.
FAMILY FUN
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
CULINARY ENTERTAINMENT + SOCIAL
Photos courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Festival
What makes the Pegasus Parade better? How about two of them! “We love a parade so much that we’re having two again in 2023,” said Christa Richie, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Communications Manager.
The first will be the Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade on April 1. This is the third year for the touring parade.
“It’s comprised of about a dozen units traveling through neighborhood streets,” Richie said. “[It] offers a sneak peek of what’s to come in the traditional parade.”
Balloons of Goldie Pegasus, Buddy the Dinosaur, Brainy Smurf and Daniel Tiger will be floating down streets in various community neighborhoods, including St. Matthews, Shelby Park, Downtown Louisville, Portland, Russell Neighborhood, Shively and more. The Royal Court and other KDF VIPs will take part in the daylong tour. A complete neighborhood-by-neighborhood schedule can be found at kdf.org.
The beloved Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade, now in its sixth decade, will wind its way west down Broadway with a theme of “Celebrating Derby Traditions” to highlight everything Kentucky Derby.
Previously held on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, “the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade will be held on Sunday again this year so more festival fans and their families can join us to help kick off Derby week,” Ritchie said.
The Pegasus Parade hits Broadway at 3 p.m. on April 30 with nearly 100 units, including inflatables, floats, marching bands and equestrians. For those who can’t make it to downtown Louisville, the parade will be broadcast live on WAVE-TV.
TUESDAYS THROUGH MAY 9. MAIN EVENT, 12500 SYCAMORE STATION PLACE
Wear your 2023 Pegasus Pin and get special deals and promotions, like a walk-in special every day, and on Tuesdays, kids eat free with a food purchase of $11.99 or more. (*Kids 12 years old or younger.) More info at PegasusPins.com Sponsor: Main Event.
APRIL 1-30
The citywide celebration of volunteering to help others. Individuals, companies and groups can volunteer online at www.mygiveaday.com Agencies and organizations that have projects needing volunteers can also add their information to the website.
APRIL 2
ZOELLER PUMP COMPANY KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL TOURING PEGASUS® PARADE
NOON-5PM VARIOUS LOCATIONS
This traveling display takes the Derby Festival into the community and through neighborhoods to help kick off the spring celebration around the city. Routes will be shared ahead of the event to allow fans to decorate their homes and neighborhoods. Sponsor: Zoeller Pump Company. Contributing Sponsor: Kentucky Venues. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel.
APRIL 7
CAESARS FOUNDATION OF FLOYD COUNTY KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL FAMFEST
4-8PM FLOYD COUNTY FAMILY YMCA, DOWNTOWN NEW ALBANY
Family-friendly event with a special preview of the 2023 Festival, featuring inflatables, activities, face painting and more.
First 500 attendees receive a custom event pin. Sponsor: Caesars Foundation of Floyd County. Contributing Sponsor: Rumpke Waste & Recycling. Media Sponsor: 102.3 The Rose.
APRIL 15
BRIGHTSIDE SPRING COMMUNITYWIDE CLEANUP
VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT LOUISVILLE
Brightside encourages all residents to take part in the Community-Wide Cleanup. All cleanup teams will receive bags and gloves at no cost, and the first 5,000 volunteers to register will also receive a free T-shirt. Contact Brightside at Brightside@ louisvilleky.gov to participate.
APRIL 22
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE®
DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE
RIVERFRONT, WATERFRONT PARK, RIVER ROAD AND SOUTHERN INDIANA SHORELINE
FoodFest and Thunder On the Ground open at 11AM. Airshow at 3PM. Fireworks at 9:30PM
Viewing areas: North Great Lawn opens at 9AM. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (No tents, stakes, tape or pets.)
Thunder Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park and the East River Road Beer Garden.
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Open 11AM-11 PM. No tents, stakes, tape or pets.) West Belvedere (Open 11AM-11PM. No tents, stakes, tape or pets.) Meijer Family Fun
Zone new location at the Big Four Bridge. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin.® (Open 11AM-7PM. No tents, stakes, tape or pets.)
All-day live coverage on WAVE TV and MIX 106.9.
2023 Sponsors: Caesars Southern Indiana, Humana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS. Official Health Care
Provider: UofL Health. Official
Craft Beer: TEN20 Craft Brewery. Official Seltzer: High Noon. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel.
Thunder on the Ground Military Zone Sponsor: Akima.
APRIL 22
LOUISVILLE MUHAMMAD ALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE VIP ROOFTOP PARTY PRESENTED BY FARM CREDIT MIDAMERICA AND KENTUCKY PROUD
2:30-10PM WATERSIDE PARKING GARAGE ROOFTOP
Front row seat for Thunder. Tickets: $165 each or Premium VIP Table of 8, $2,000. Purchase at ThunderOverLouisville.org
Sponsor: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Presenting Sponsors: Farm Credit Mid-America and Kentucky Proud.
APRIL 28-29
L&N FEDERAL CREDIT UNION KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GREAT BALLOONFESTSM
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Contributing Sponsors: Breeze Airways, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
APRIL 28
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GREAT BALLOON RUSH HOUR RACE
7AM LAUNCH, BOWMAN FIELD
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union.
Contributing Sponsors: Breeze Airways, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
APRIL 28
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GREAT BALLOON GLOW
9PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Streamed live on WLKY.com on April 28. Broadcast special on April 29 at 8PM on WLKY. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: Breeze Airways, Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport and Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
APRIL 29
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GREAT BALLOON RACE®
7AM LAUNCH, BOWMAN FIELD
Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: Breeze Airways, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
APRIL 29
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL KEN-DUCKY DERBY
2-5PM. VIP PARTY 2PM. CALL TO THE POST 4PM. DUCK LAUNCH
5PM. KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT
See the launch of 46,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville. Produced by Harbor House of Louisville. To adopt a duck, visit gotducks.org. For more information, go to KDF.org or call (502) 717-0072. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
APRIL 29
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL EXOTIC CARS & COFFEE PRESENTED BY LIBERTY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
4-8PM. JUDGING 4:30-6:30PM AWARDS 7PM. KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Enjoy exotic cars, muscle cars, imports, and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Entry fee to display a car: $30. Register online at KDF.org Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin. For more information, visit Exotic Cars and Coffee on Facebook, online at KDF.org/carshow. Produced by Exotic Cars and Coffee. Sponsor: Liberty Federal Credit Union.
APRIL 30
3PM WEST ON BROADWAY FROM CAMPBELL TO 9TH STREET
Annual parade that kicks off the Derby Week festivities, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, giant inflatables and equestrians. 2023 theme: “Celebrating Derby Traditions.” Bleacher tickets along route: $10. VIP Reserved Bleacher tickets in TV Zone: $35 (includes parking pass). Tickets available at KDF.org or call (502) 584-FEST. Broadcast live on WAVE. Sponsor: Zoeller Pump Company.
Contributing Sponsor: Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. Official Health Care Provider: UofL Health. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel.
MAY 1
6PM PARADE OF BEDS. 7PM RACING, BROADBENT ARENA
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. $12 KEC parking. $150 entry fee for team of 5. The 2023 theme is “Through the Decades” featuring inspiration from movies, music, fashion, television and sports. Sponsor: Samtec. Contributing Sponsors: Drexel Metals, Kentucky Venues and Texas Roadhouse. Media Sponsor: Classic Rock 107.7. Broadcast live on WAVE.
When John Holland ’s big brother asked him to run a 13.1-mile race the next morning, the 15-year-old couldn’t pass up the chance to spend time with his sibling, even though it was a school day.
“I had to get a permission slip from my mom to get out of school,” Holland said. “Of course, we had no idea what we were getting into.”
That was 1974, and it was the first–ever Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon.
Fast forward to 2023, and Holland, now 64, is gearing up to run the 50th miniMarathon. It will be his 49th.
He missed the 11th running due school obligations, and a mother’s note would not have excused him that time. “I was actually there,” Holland said. “I’ve been to all of them, but that year, I had finals in school, and I just didn’t prepare for it.”
Except for 1984, Holland has laced up and hit the pavement, running either by himself or with siblings, and later, with his daughters.
In 1974, the mini started at the top of Iroquois Park and ended on the steps of the Belvedere in downtown Louisville.“That was really brutal,” Holland recalled.
Since then, he has seen many changes to the race, including course alterations, the addition of a full marathon 22 years ago, and an exponential increase in the number of participants. In recent years, more than 10,000 runners have participated in either the miniMarathon or Marathon.
Holland said he’s just grateful to still be a part of it.
“As I’ve gotten older, it does get a little harder to do it, but I can still climb that mountain and still get there,” he said. “It’s really a sense of accomplishment for me. To be fortunate to be able to do it and be a part of it is really important to me.”
15-week training program for the GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon. For more information, log on to DerbyFestivalMarathon. com Sponsor: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsors: GE Appliances, a Haier Company, and Swags Sport Shoes. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
3PM LYNN FAMILY STADIUM
Racing Louisville kicks off the 2023 season at home against Washington Spirit. Join us in celebrating the Kentucky Derby Festival and for an exciting matchup. Don’t miss your chance to purchase a limited-edition Racing Louisville/Kentucky Derby Festival scarf and warmup top! Visit racingloufc.com for tickets!
APRIL 13-23
DERBY
April 13-21: 10AM-8:30PM (closed April 22 for Thunder), April 23: 10AM-5PM, semi-finals
6PM SENECA GOLF COURSE DRIVING RANGE
$1 per swing. Take a swing at $1 million. Special promotions daily. Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no hole-in-one): $5,000. April 15: Jr. Day – under 18 get 2 swings for $1. April 17: First Responders and Veterans Day –get 2 swings for $1. April 18: Ladies Day – get 2 swings for $1. April 19: College Day – students get 2 swings for $1. Weekdays: Senior Special 10AM-2PM, 62 and up get 2 swings for $1. Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank. Contributing Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 15
JUNIOR DAY AT STOCK YARDS BANK KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL $1 MILLION HOLE-IN-ONE GOLF CONTESTSM
10AM-8:30PM Open daily through April 23. (Closed April 22 for Thunder.)
SENECA GOLF COURSE DRIVING RANGE
Under 18 get two swings for $1. Over 18 is $1 per swing. Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no hole-in-one): $5,000. Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank. Contributing Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 16
PNC KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL TOUR de LOUSM
Staggered start based on distance: 62.1 Metric Century –
8AM, 35-mile ride – 8:15AM, 20-mile ride – 8:30AM. Open course cycling event with three distances for beginners to
experienced cyclists. Family Adventure Ride – 9:30AM. 2.5mile looped course featuring a scavenger hunt through Waterfront Park. Recommended for children 14 and younger (children riders must be accompanied by an adult).
Entry fees and registration info at KDF.org Sponsor: PNC. Official Medical Provider and Training Partner: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsors: Ten20 Craft Brewery and Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling. Supporting Sponsors: Churchill Downs, Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Water Company. Media Sponsor: ALT 105.1.
APRIL 17
FIRST RESPONDERS AND VETERANS DAY AT STOCK YARDS BANK KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL $1 MILLION HOLE-IN-ONE GOLF CONTESTSM
10AM-8:30PM
SENECA GOLF COURSE DRIVING RANGE
First Responders and Veterans get two swings for $1. Other participants pay $1 per swing. Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no hole-in-one): $5,000.
Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank.
Contributing Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 18
LADIES DAY AT STOCK YARDS BANK KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL $1 MILLION HOLE-IN-ONE GOLF CONTESTSM
10AM-8:30PM
SENECA GOLF COURSE DRIVING RANGE
Ladies get two swings for $1. Other participants pay $1 per swing. Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no hole-in-one): $5,000. Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank.
Contributing Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media
Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 19
10AM-8:30PM
SENECA GOLF COURSE DRIVING RANGE
College students get two swings for $1. Other participants pay $1 per swing. Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no holein-one): $5,000. Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank. Contributing
Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 22-30
One of the country’s largest outdoor volleyball tournaments. 2023 is 34th annual event. For more information, call The Volleyball Connection (502) 5823530 or visit BaxterJacks.com
Contributing Sponsors: ASICS and Mikasa.
Sand Divisions at Baxter Jacks
APRIL 22-23: 9AM-6PM
APRIL 29-30: 9AM-6PM
Grass Divisions at Seneca Park at the Tennis Courts
APRIL 29-30: 9AM-6PM
APRIL 23
STOCK YARDS BANK
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL $1 MILLION HOLE-IN-ONE GOLF CONTESTSM SEMI-FINALS
6PM SENECA GOLF COURSE DRIVING RANGE
Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no hole-in-one): $5,000.
Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank.
Contributing Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media
Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 25
STOCK YARDS BANK
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL $1 MILLION HOLE-IN-ONE CONTESTSM FINALS
6PM SENECA GOLF COURSE, HOLE NO. 8
Free for spectators. Grand Prize: $1 million. First Prize (if no hole-inone): $5,000. Sponsor: Stock Yards Bank. Contributing
Sponsor: Louisville Parks & Recreation. Media Sponsor: WLKY TV.
APRIL 27-28
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL RACE EXPO AND PACKET PICKUP
KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER, FREEDOM HALL
Two-day Expo where you can see the latest running gear, get nutritional advice and pre-race running tips, and pick up your race packet for the GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon®. Contributing Sponsor: Kentucky Venues. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
Thursday: 4-8PM Expo and Packet Pickup.
Friday: 11AM-9PM Expo and Packet Pickup
APRIL 28
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL NEIGH-MASTE ON THE WATERFRONT
NOON-1PM KROGER’S FEST-AVILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Relax and recharge at this yoga event at the Waterfront. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Produced by 502 Power Yoga. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
APRIL 29
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING RUN FOR THE ROPES
5:30-7PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5PM, followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-forAll” over the top rope Battle Royal. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. For more information, call (502) 759-7665. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
GE
KENTUCKY
FESTIVAL miniMARATHON®/ MARATHON
7AM
Kentucky’s largest day of road racing with both 13.1-mile and 26.2-mile routes. The miniMarathon marks a major milestone in 2023, as it celebrates its 50th run. Free for spectators. For more information, visit DerbyFestivalMarathon.com
Sponsor: GE Appliances, a Haier Company. Official Race Medical Provider & Training Partner: Norton Sports Health. Official IT Partner: Deloitte. Contributing
Sponsors: Baird, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Department of Tourism, Louisville Water Company, Powerade and TEN20 Craft Brewery. Official Finish Line
Sponsor: Louisville City FC/ Racing Louisville FC. Official Bourbon Retail Partner: Evergreen Liquors. Official Pace Team: Dick’s Sporting Goods. Official Refuel Partner: Prairie Farms. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Official Radio Partner: 99.7 DJX.
MAY 1
NOON SOCIAL HOUR. 1PM SHOTGUN START. UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE GOLF COURSE
The 4th Annual Jamon Brown Foundation Golf Scramble benefiting the Jamon Brown Foundation Empowerment Center in West Louisville. Produced by Jamon Brown Foundation. For more information, contact Danny Mosby, (502) 553-2322 or danny. mosby@gmail.com.
Attendance at many Kentucky Derby Festival Events is free with one key item: the colorful Pegasus Pin ® . This year, the pin harkens back to the 1980s and ’90s, with a geometric design and three color combinations: pink and teal, orange and teal, and green and teal.
Pegasus Pins are $7 each at many grocery stores, gas stations, banks and other retail outlets in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The pins are $10 apiece if purchased at the event itself. Packs of five are available for $30.
As a bonus, each Pegasus Pin ® envelope includes an offer from Great Clips, as well as coupons provided for locations such as Mike Linnig’s, Flying Axes, Rooties Sports Bar & Grill and the Kentucky State Fair.
Those who are lucky enough to have purchased one of the 18,000 Gold Pins will be entered into weekly prize drawings, with a grand prize of $20,000 to be announced May 12. To be eligible to win, register Gold Pins online at PegasusPins.com
The Derby Burger ® is back. After a hiatus, the Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Beef Council and Dan-O’s Seasoning put out the call to Kentuckians to see who had the best burger for 2023.
Hundreds of applications were submitted and, in March, were narrowed down to four finalists, who then moved on to a cookoff to determine the tastiest burger. All burgers were required to contain 100 percent beef and Dan-O’s seasoning and were judged on flavor, creativity, appearance and ease of preparation.
The winner had not yet been selected at press time. But head to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville at Waterfront Park beginning April 27, where the 2023 recipe will be showcased.
And visit Louisville-area Kroger stores, which will feature the winning recipe, sponsored by Kentucky Beef Council and Official Seasoning by Dan-O’s Seasoning.
APRIL 13
REPUBLIC BANK
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL BOURBONVILLE®
6:30-9:30PM FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM
Taste signature drinks from Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries, enjoy bourbon-inspired cuisine and meet the master distillers. Tickets: $55 general admission; $90 VIP experience. General admission tickets include bourbon and food tastings, commemorative glass and BourbonVille pin. VIP includes complete event experience, VIP room, plus 5:30PM early access and premium gift bag. (21 and over only. Must present ID upon entry.) Tickets available by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at KDF.org Sponsor: Republic Bank. Contributing Sponsors: Bristol Catering, Caesars Southern Indiana and Frazier History Museum. Media Sponsors: Classic Rock 107.7 and TOPS Louisville. Official Safe Ride Home Partner: Kentucky Office of Highway Safety
APRIL 25
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL “TASTE OF DERBY FESTIVAL®”
5:30-8PM LOUISVILLE SLUGGER FIELD
Features exquisite fare from more than 30 of Louisville’s finest restaurants, plus bourbon distilleries and beverage companies. Highlights this year include an expanded Wine Pull raffle and a Spirits Pull. Tickets are $90, available in advance only. Coordinated by Dare to Care Food Bank. All proceeds to benefit Dare to Care. For more information, call (502) 966-3821 or visit tasteofderbyfestival.org Sponsor: Brown-Forman Corporation.
APRIL 27-MAY 5
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL CHOW WAGON®
Open daily 11AM-11PM, except Sunday NOON-10PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT
Outdoor food and live music venue. Happy Hour Weekdays
4-6PM $3 beer at the Beer Garden. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
Sponsor: Kroger. Official Craft Beer: TEN20 Craft Brewery. Official Seltzer: High Noon. Music Stage Sponsor: Miller Lite.
APRIL 27-MAY 5
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL FLAVORS OF FEST-A-VILLE
OPEN DAILY 11AM-11PM WEEKDAYS ONLY. KROGER’S FESTA-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT
Featuring $2 to $4 samples of festival food. Enjoy a variety of Fest-a-Ville flavors at this great new event. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
APRIL 30
MAYOR’S DERBY BRUNCH ON THE RIVER
11AM-1:30PM RIVERSIDE, THE FARNSLEY-MOREMEN LANDING
A festive brunch featuring a traditional Kentucky breakfast, music, live auction and tours of the property including the Moremen Family Chapel. Tickets $120. Produced by Riverside, The Farnsley-Moreman Landing. For tickets or information, call (502) 935-6809 or visit RiversideLanding.org
APRIL 30
1-3PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, CHOW WAGON MUSIC STAGE
A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Food and drinks available for purchase. $150 VIP Experience includes prime seating for a table of 6, $50 in food and drink tickets, and a special swag bag for each VIP guest. Produced by Louisville Pride Foundation. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
MAY 1
5:30PM Social Hour. 6:45PM Opening Ceremonies. 7PM Dinner. GALT HOUSE ARCHIBALD COCHRAN BALLROOM
Dinner tickets $50. Produced by the Bishop Spalding Council of the Knights of Columbus. For tickets, call (502) 893-2220.
MAY 2
6-9PM wine tasting sessions
MELLWOOD ART CENTER
General admission tickets include wine tastings, food pairing demonstration, souvenir glass and WineFest pin. VIP includes 5PM early entrance, opportunity to barrel taste local wine, gift bag and access to private room with food stations.
(21 and over only. Must present ID upon entry.) Tickets: $15 nondrinking designated driver; $55 general admission; $90 VIP experience (limited availability).
Tickets available by calling (502)
584-FEST or online at KDF.org
Sponsor: Chicken Salad Chick.
Contributing Sponsors: 1/ST BET, Commonwealth Credit Union, Breeze Airways, Kentucky Proud and Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport. Official Safe Ride Home Partner: Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. Media
Sponsors: Today’s Woman and MIX 106.9. Supporting Partner: Kentucky Wineries Association.
Kentucky Derby Festival’s Block Party will kick off April 15 for the second year in a row at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville. Last year’s inaugural party brought in thousands of attendees who enjoyed all that local, minority-owned businesses have to offer.
Latonia Bland , the owner of Brain Freeze: Cones for a Cause food truck, said that in 2022, all the food trucks and most of the marketplace vendors sold out.
“[Last year] was amazing, and I think it’s going to grow every year,” Bland said. “It was just a wonderful, refreshing situation for the area, and I feel like the West End needed that, because so much was going on in terms of violence and just not having anything to do.”
The Block Party will feature a children’s playzone, live entertainment, health and wellness services, and the MELANnaire Marketplace, featuring dozens of vendors highlighting Black entrepreneurs. Nonprofit organizations also will be on hand to showcase services available to members of the local community.
“People are already talking about this year’s party,” Bland said. “We’ve doubled all the food trucks. We’ve doubled the vendors. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
APRIL 15
Cocktails, 6PM; queen’s coronation, 7PM; call to the post/ dinner, 8PM; dancing
9PM-MIDNIGHT featuring Bourbon Legend. NEW LOCATION: MARRIOTT LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN
Tickets $300 each, VIP Table of 10 is $3,500, includes dinner and dancing. Produced by The Fillies, Inc. Portion of proceeds benefits Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. For tickets, visit KDF. org or call (502) 584-FEST.
Presenting Sponsor: Total Wine & More. Contributing Sponsor: Capital Access Corporation –Kentucky. Official Bourbon: Log Still Distillery. Official Luxury Vehicle: Cadillac. Media Sponsor: TOPS Louisville.
APRIL 15
6:30-11:30PM THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL
A wonderful evening of Kentucky themed trivia, dancing, live band, silent auction and casino-style games. All funds raised support I Would Rather Be Reading. Individual tickets: $25 (for after party only and cash bar) or $80 (includes three-course meal, one round of Kentucky-themed trivia, and access to the after party). Table of 10, $1,000 (includes three-course meal, one round of Kentucky-themed trivia, and access to the after party.).
Produced by I Would Rather Be Reading. For information, call (502) 710-9710 or visit iwouldratherbereading.org/ triplecrowntrivia
APRIL 15
10AM-8PM NORTON HEALTHCARE SPORTS & LEARNING CENTER
Community celebration of Derbytime traditions featuring local food, fare and fun. Plus, live entertainment showcasing local talent and family-friendly activities all day! Admission is free. Sponsors: Churchill Downs, Humana and Park Community Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: Brown-Forman, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet and ZEON. Stage Sponsor: Ford Motor Company. Supporting Sponsors: Brain Freeze Cones for a Cause, Erica Denise Entertainment, Louisville Parks & Recreation, MELANnaire Marketplace, The Hope Bus and The Hope Village. Media Sponsor: REAL 93.1.
APRIL 17-18
MORNING
6–11AM
Radio stations from around the region will broadcast their morning shows live from the Kentucky Derby Museum. Sponsor: AT&T. Contributing Sponsors: Biscuit Belly, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Tourism and Kentucky Derby Museum.
APRIL 20
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM SECRETARIAT BOURBON DINNER & EXHIBIT LAUNCH PARTY
6:15-9PM KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
Celebrate America’s Horse! Guests will be the first to experience the brand-new, immersive Secretariat exhibit before it opens to the public on April 21. Enjoy a three-course bourbon-themed dinner, featuring Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked and presentations from some of Secretariat’s closest connections.
Tickets: VIP $250 (includes 5:15PM VIP exclusive cocktail hour, ribbon cutting, dinner and exhibit access). General Admission $200 (includes specialty cocktail, dinner and exhibit access). For tickets and more information, visit DerbyMuseum.org
APRIL 21
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL THEY’RE OFF!® LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY BAE SYSTEMS, FIFTH THIRD BANK AND HEARTLAND
11:30AM THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL, EAST GRAND BALLROOM
Tickets: $800 table of eight or $100 each. Official Kentucky Derby Festival kick-off luncheon. Presenting Sponsors: BAE Systems, Fifth Third Bank and Heartland. Contributing Sponsors: Kentucky Proud and The Galt House Hotel.
Supporting Sponsor: Monticello Banking Company. Media Sponsor: Business First.
APRIL 21
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL
3-5PM BELLE OF LOUISVILLE
Belle of Louisville Riverboats is helping kick off the 2023 Kentucky Derby Festival with a special post-luncheon cruise!
After the “They’re Off Luncheon” at The Galt House, join us onboard the Belle for Kentuckyinspired desserts, live music by the Hot Sauce Brass Band and horse racing-themed drinks and activities. You might even get a preview of the air show during the excursion! Produced by Belle of Louisville. Visit BelleofLouisville. org for more information.
APRIL 27-MAY 5
KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONTSM
Ribbon Cutting April 27 11AM. Open daily 11AM-11PM, except Sunday NOON-10PM
WATERFRONT PARK
Ultimate entertainment experience featuring concerts with national talent, family fun,
food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides. FREE ADMISSION on opening day (April 27) courtesy of Commonwealth Credit Union. After April 27, admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.) Sponsor: Kroger.
Contributing Sponsor: Commonwealth Credit Union Official Craft Beer: TEN20 Craft Brewery. Official Seltzer: High Noon. Music Stage Sponsor: Miller Lite. Pegasus PlayVille Sponsor: Norton Children’s.
APRIL 27
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
Sponsor: Kroger.
APRIL 28
7PM MELLWOOD ART CENTER, DA VINCI ROOM
Honoree: Darrell Griffith. The Athlete’s Derby Gala recognizes the talent, progress, and achievements of young athletes, students, women and men in Kentucky with a goal to raise $150,000 for post-secondary scholarships for underserved students. Produced by One Plus One Equals U, Inc. Tickets $150 each; table of eight is $1,000. For tickets, visit athletesderbygala.com
APRIL 29
ELVIE SHANE AT KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
Sponsor: Kroger. Media Sponsor: 97.5 WAMZ.
APRIL 30
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GOSPELFESTSM PRESENTED BY PASSPORT HEALTH PLAN BY MOLINA HEALTHCARE AND REPUBLIC BANK
6:30-9PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT
Gospel Choir Showcase. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Sponsors: Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
MAY 1
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL HAPPYTAIL HOUR
5-8PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
A pet-friendly (leashes please!) social event. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. Produced by Metro Animal Services. (Food and drink are not permitted.)
MAY 1
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
Sponsor: Kroger.
MAY 2
KENTUCKY DERBY
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.) Sponsor: Kroger. Media Sponsors: B96.5 FM and MAGIC 101.3.
MAY 3
SHEPHERD INSURANCE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE
4:30-5:30PM boarding. 5:45PM departure. Race begins at 6PM
The Belle of Louisville, Belle of Cincinnati and American Countess will compete for bragging rights on the Ohio River. Awards presentation immediately following on the Belle of Louisville. Tickets on the Belle of Louisville $165 (limited availability). For Belle of Louisville tickets, call (502) 584-FEST or visit KDF.org Tickets on the Belle of Cincinnati $80 cruise only; $125 dinner and cruise. For Belle of Cincinnati tickets, call 800-2618586 or visit BBRiverboats.com
Free spectator viewing at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and along the banks of the Ohio River. Sponsor: Shepherd Insurance. Contributing Sponsors: Don Julio Tequila, Brough Brothers Distillery and PPL Therapeutic Services, PLLC. Official Bourbon: Brough Brothers Distillery. Media Sponsor: Q103.1.
MAY 3
JD SHELBURNE AT KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
MAY 4
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL DAY AT THE DOWNS PRESENTED BY KENTUCKIANA HONDA DEALERS
11:30AM CHURCHILL DOWNS, FOURTH FLOOR, SKYE TERRACE
Celebrate Thurby at the track with a great view and allinclusive ticket. Presenting
Sponsor: Kentuckiana Honda Dealers. Contributing
Sponsors: Guess?, Inc. and SoIN Tourism. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
MAY 4
VELCRO PYGMIES AT KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
MAY 5
THUNDERSTRUCK:
TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT
4:30PM boarding and check-in; 6PM tournament begins, plus one-hour cruise. BELLE OF CINCINNATI, DOCKED AT KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT $125 Buy-in includes $10,000 in chips and commemorative pin. Add-ons available 1st hour of play $50 for $5,000 in chips. $2,500 first-place prize. Payouts for 1st–24th place. Payouts for 10% of field. Payouts based on 325 players, payouts pro-rated based on actual number of players. $15 for guests. LICENSE# ORG0001638. Register by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at KDF. org Official Bourbon: Log Still Distillery.
MAY 3
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL LOUISVILLE URBAN LEAGUE DERBY GALA
DOORS OPEN AT 5PM, NORTON HEALTHCARE SPORTS AND LEARNING CENTER
Gala created in 2017 for the community. Joe, Dru Hill and Stokley will headline this year’s event. Produced by Louisville Urban League. All proceeds benefit the Louisville Urban League. Tickets $350. Tickets on sale at LUL.org/events/derbygala or (502) 585-4622.
AMERICA’S AC/DC TRIBUTE AT DERBY EVE JAM®
7:30PM KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONT, GREAT LAWN
Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted.)
MAY 12
PEGASUS PIN® GOLD PIN WINNER GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Gold Winner Pins are eligible to win a new $20,000 cash Grand Prize given away on Friday, May 12. To be eligible, register pins online at PegasusPins. com. Drawings broadcast on WAVE.
Welcome!
Announcing the grand opening of the “Gallery at Long Island Studios” Friday, April 14th 5:00 – 8:00 PM
You are invited to view the Samara Anjelae Collection of exquisite abstract and Healing Hands paintings as well as Robin Hamon’s profoundly unique sculptures. Prepare for an evening of spectacular music, light refreshments, and art; all under the roofs of Long Island Studio located at 2566 Palumbo Drive in Lexington. Opening night will feature world-renowned and KY Hall of Fame blues artist Tee Dee Young and new age pianist Kory Caudill, currently coming
unique sculptures art; all under the roofs of Island Studio l world-renowned and KY Hall of Fame blues a off a world tour for this event.
or an evening of spectacular music, light refreshmen 566 Palumbo Drive in night will ee Young and new age pianist Kory Caudill, currently
Tee Dee Young