A Local’s Guide to Derby Weekend in Louisville Fri, Sep 29, 23 A Local’s Guide to the Kentucky Derby The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Derby Festival are the epicenter of culture in Louisville each spring, boasting a variety of fun events and a longstanding history. But the Kentucky Derby and its beloved Festival weren’t always the globally celebrated events they are today. In fact, Churchill Downs, the legendary racetrack that ran its first races in 1875, initially struggled to turn a profit. While interest in horse races surged in the early and mid-1800s—prompting the opening of several racetracks in the city—enthusiasm faded by the late 19th century. Some tracks closed. Ironically, it wasn’t the Derby itself that saved Churchill Downs, but rather a broader focus on community and cultural events. The track’s owners realized it needed more than gambling to survive. They began embracing concerts, fairs and quirky public spectacles—like the time two trains were intentionally crashed headfirst for an amazed audience. This shift helped Churchill Downs evolve into a true cultural hub. As interest in horse racing rebounded, the Kentucky Derby's reputation grew. Derby Day became a local holiday, the city came alive with visitors from all over the world, and what started as a single race turned into the weeks-long Kentucky Derby Festival, featuring more than 70 events and drawing 1.5 million people annually. The Birth of the Festival The lead-up to “the most exciting two minutes in sports” began in earnest in 1956, when the first modern Festival was launched. Earlier attempts between 1935–1937 had fizzled, but this time was different. An editorial in The Courier-Journal captured the moment: “Louisville is not the same tired old town it used to be... This time the festival will succeed, they promise.” And succeed it did. What followed was a legendary tradition—and your insider guide to things to do at the Kentucky Derby and Festival. THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE Thunder Over Louisville is the official kickoff to Derby week and remains the largest annual fireworks show in North America. It began as a small pyrotechnic display in 1989, moving to the Ohio River by 1991 and adding a full air show the next year. Today, more than 600,000 people gather for the event, which includes a full day of aircraft flyovers, riverside picnics, and a show-stopping fireworks finale after sunset. In 2007, it reached a record crowd of 850,000. In true Kentucky fashion, the celebration includes bourbon. Cox’s Spirit Shoppe was the official sponsor of the 2022 Official Bourbon of Thunder, a Four Roses Barrel Strength aged 9 years and 11 months, available exclusively at Evergreen Liquors. THE PEGASUS PARADE The Pegasus Parade, first held in 1956, was the original Derby Festival event. Today, more than 200,000 spectators line the streets of downtown Louisville to see a 1.7-mile procession of floats, inflatables, celebrities, and the iconic Pegasus balloon. Over the years, the celebrity grand marshal has included icons like Muhammad Ali, John Wayne, Diane Sawyer, and Colonel Sanders. THE GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE Launched in 1963, the Great Steamboat Race is a 14-mile contest along the Ohio River, where paddlewheelers compete for the Golden Antlers. Originally a two-boat event, it’s now a three-vessel showdown with the Belle of Louisville, Belle of Cincinnati, and American Duchess. Thousands watch from the shore, while others join the fun by boarding the boats themselves. THE CHOW WAGON/FEST-A-VILLE Started in 1972, the Chow Wagon evolved from a Derby Day breakfast into a full-blown food and concert experience. Now part of Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville at Waterfront Park, it’s a favorite among locals for lunch, elephant ears, and live music. From playgrounds to Kentucky bourbon tastings, it’s a neighborhood-style celebration on a massive scale. THE GREAT BALLOON RACE Launched in 1973, the Great Balloon Race is a “hare and hound” hot-air balloon competition where pilots aim to drop markers on a target. It’s preceded by the Great Balloon Glow, a crowd-favorite evening event where balloons are lit up against the night sky. More than 50,000 attendees enjoy up-close access to the pilots and balloons, making it one of the most visually stunning events of Derby weekend. RACES AND MORE RACES Derby isn’t just for horses. The Festival lineup includes: The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini-Marathon The Great Bed Races (yes, actual beds on wheels) The Ken-Ducky Derby, a floating race of thousands of rubber ducks The Run for the Rosé, where hospitality workers race while balancing glasses of wine These events showcase the creative, community-driven spirit of the Festival. THE KENTUCKY OAKS Held the day before the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is a race for fillies (young female horses) that draws more than 100,000 spectators. Guests wear pink, support cancer awareness, and sip the signature Oaks Lily cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and citrus. The race dates back as far as the Derby itself, and the winner is draped in a garland of lilies. It’s a proud local tradition that’s nearly as beloved as the Derby. THE KENTUCKY DERBY On the first Saturday in May, more than 150,000 fans arrive at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, America’s longest-running sporting event. From elaborate hats to outrageous costumes, everyone celebrates in their own way. The race, known as the Run for the Roses, is reserved for 3-year-old horses and ends with the winner draped in a stunning garland of roses. And of course, you can’t talk Derby without the Mint Julep — a bourbon cocktail that’s been the official drink of the Derby since 1938. Whether you’re attending the Kentucky Derby or throwing a backyard party, it’s a celebration that connects Louisville to the world. Tradition, style, and spirited fun — that’s what makes Derby weekend unlike anything else. By digitalteam@high10digital.com
