LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival has released its schedule of events for Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront.
For nine days leading up to Derby Eve, the festival has added new events to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
The annual extravaganza will kick off with a ribbon cutting on April 25.
The popular Chow Wagon returns with outdoor food an live music. There are "happy hour" weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and $4 beers at the beer garden.
Fest-A-Ville lasts through May 3. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission to Fest-A-Ville is free with a 2024 Pegasus pin.
What’s new this year?
- The festival has added a nightly drone show that runs at 9:30 p.m. nightly. There will be three different shows that will feature about 75 to 100 drones.
- The Parade of Balloons at 7:30 p.m. and the Great Balloon Glow at 9 p.m. on the Great Lawn will take place on April 25 and April 26. Pilots will fire their burners and can watch the balloons glow against the Louisville night sky!
- A Taylor Swift-themed silent disco is perfect for the “Swifties” who can’t get enough of their favorite musical icon. It happens on April 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and fans will have a chance to listen to Swift’s music on glowing wireless headphones while dancing on the Waterfront. Pre-sale tickets are $15 and includes a Pegasus pin or if you want to buy it at the gate, it’s $20 and also features a Pegasus pin. To purchase, click here for more information.
- Exotic Cars & Coffee – the show returns for its second year with exotic cars, muscles cars, imports along with German and American favorites. This will take place on April 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
- Custom Car Showcase – this show will feature painted and detailed customs cars from across the U.S. and Canada. April 28 from noon to 5 p.m.
- The Barbie phenomenon will live on as the hit movie will be shown under the stars in the Grove. 8:30 p.m. on May 1.
- Louisville Turners Circus will take over the Great Lawn on May 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The local circus company will perform aerial and ground circus acts.
Other experiences inside Fest-A-Ville
- 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 OraStripdx.
- 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.
Musical performances
- 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)
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