The Chow Wagon is food and fun! You can feast on everything from cookie dough to turkey legs and elephant ears. There’s something for everyone!

Meet your coworkers for lunch or come down for an evening concert. There’s no way to go wrong by making a visit to this great outdoor party.

Kroger's Fest-a-Ville is the ultimate entertainment experience featuring concerts with local, regional and national acts, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more! The party begins this week on the Great Lawn and runs through Derby Eve. It promises to have something for everyone, and admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin.

Fest-a-Ville will feature performances by J.D. Shelburne, Joslyn & the Sweet Compression, Marzz, Midnight Star and many more!

Hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays 12 to 10 p.m. 

Pets and outside food or drink are not permitted.

231 E. Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202

One of the most anticipated events of balloon race weekend is the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow. This year, for the second straight year, it takes place at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.

The Great Balloon Glow is a companion event to the race, the balloons on the field, but do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, watch as the balloons glow against the blackness of the night sky, synchronized to a special musical score.

You are invited to walk around the field and talk to the pilots as they have more time to show off their balloons than on race morning.

Even if you plan on coming to the race, you don’t want to miss the unique beauty of the glow. It’s a one-of-a kind experience!

Admission is free with your 2023 Pegasus Pin.

231 E. Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202

The Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race is a Hare & Hound Race. This type of race is when all the balloons launch from the same site (Bowman Field). One balloon takes off first and is the Hare balloon. The other balloons are called the Hounds, and they will launch at a predetermined time after the Hare (usually 5 to 10 minutes after). The Hare lands at a suitable site and lays out a large fabric X, usually about 50 feet in diameter. The Hound balloons attempt to drop their markers as close to the center of the X as possible. The closest marker achieves the highest score.

Balloons launch from Bowman Field, 3345 Roger E. Schupp St., Louisville, KY 40205

The L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race is one of Louisville’s beloved family traditions. The Saturday morning race gives spectators young and old more chances to take in the exhilarating view of boundless colors and shapes.

The Great Balloon Race is a Hare & Hound Race. This type of race is when all the balloons launch from the same site (Bowman Field). One balloon takes off first and is the Hare balloon. The other balloons are called the Hounds, and they will launch at a predetermined time after the Hare (usually 5 to 10 minutes after). The Hare lands at a suitable site and lays out a large fabric X, usually about 50 feet in diameter. The Hound balloons attempt to drop their markers as close to the center of the X as possible. The closest marker achieves the highest score.

Balloon Race Fact: Just 7 balloons flew in the inaugural race from Iroquois Park in 1973.

Balloons launch from Bowman Field, 3345 Roger E. Schupp St., Louisville, KY 40205

The 20th Annual Ken-Ducky Derby will drop 46,000 rubber ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Cheer your duck to victory as they race to the finish line!

Adopt your rubber duck onsite the day of the Duck Drop or purchase it online here.

Schedule:

11 a.m.: Duck sales start at Fest-a-Ville
1 p.m.: Kids Activities begin, music provided by Summit Media
3 p.m.: Duck Waddle Parade though Fest-a-Ville to show off your best Derby Doo's
3:30 p.m.: Announcement of Kids Winners for best dressed
4 p.m.: Call to post & Duck Drop
4:20 p.m.: Pluck the Ducks to select winners
4:30 p.m.: Announce 6 winners at the Chow Wagon at Fest-a-Ville

The best part? Your duck purchase benefits individuals with disabilities at Harbor House of Louisville. Harbor House is a local, nonprofit, charity that lights the way for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. It is a day program where the participants can come and engage in special programs like job training, educational/tutoring classes, cooking classes, gardening, community integration, social skills, technology classes, therapeutic activities, arts and more!

For more information about Harbor House, visit www.hhlou.org or call (502) 719-0072.

Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin.

131 W. River Rd., Louisville, KY 40202

The GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival mini & Marathon is a long-standing tradition held every spring in Kentucky.

One of the top 100 road races in the country, the Derby Festival mini & Marathon draws runners from 50 states and several countries, attracts more than 10,000 participants and is one of the flattest of the Boston Marathon qualifying races!

The course features the sights of beautiful downtown Louisville, the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, and Churchill Downs, as well as parts of the scenic Olmstead Park System. Plus, Marathon runners cross the Ohio River to run in Indiana.

In 2023, the miniMarathon will celebrate a historic milestone with its 50th run, along with the 22nd annual Marathon. It's the largest day of road racing in Kentucky and we can't wait to run again!

Marathon options: 

• Derby Festival miniMarathon: 13.1 miles 
• Derby Festival Marathon: 26.2 miles 
• Derby Festival Virtual Races: 13.1 miles & 26.2 miles option 

• Derby Festival Marathon Relay: 26.2 miles total (length divided between 3-5 relay members) 

Sign up to run here.

Starting line at Main and Brook streets, Louisville, KY 40202

YSF Records presents its 2nd annual Kentucky Derby Kickoff Festival. After an amazing first year turnout, they are back again but bigger and better! YSF Derby Fest will showcase Kentucky's hottest talents!

Hang out all day with them and indulge in some amazing southern style cooking, sweet treats and merchandise! VIP sections will be available to party and enjoy the festivities in style.

Performing throughout the festival: ELZ Bentley, Mikey Trillfiger, Dame Debiase, Keepushinkp, 38 Hauncho, Qcream, Barren Lee, Leah Lahkiak, Cam Harris, and Toni Bean.

There will also be some surprise music industry guest in the building checking for talent!

Get your tickets here.

1512 Portland Ave., Louisville, KY 40203

Who doesn't love a pop-up market with vintage clothing and locally handmade artistry?! Meet Hard Times Collective for this one-day event at Never Say Die Bar in St. Matthews! 

There will be more than 25 vendors set up with their vintage clothing, locally made jewelry and other hand-crafted goods.

As always, there will be a DJ spinning vintage vinyl, setting the mood and vibes. Commemorate the moment in the photo booth set up with a professional photographer. Sip while you shop, delicious drinkable options from the new NSD spring drink menu available at the bar. If you are hungry, pop in next door at the Raven for authentic Irish pub grub.

This is a free event.

3900 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville, KY 40207

The Westport Village Spring Market will return to the green space near Tunie’s this Saturday for shopping and fun!

Shop 18 local artists, makers and small businesses offering treats, home decor and more!

Vendors are Barkin’ for Bows, I Am the Evergreen, Tin Lizzie Baked Goods, Honeybear Farms, Kentucky Made & More, Dope Rope Designs Co., Lendenwood, Sailor Ceramics, Paris Printing Co., Designs by Carr, Brooke Roush, Lubna Bakery, Maddie About Cake, Ketoarte, StretchLab, Woodville Store, Kim Perry Studio, Owen & Mae.

This is a free, family friendly event. 

1315 Herr Ln., Louisville, KY 40222

The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is a juried fair with more than 200 artists’ booths. The Art Fair is held in Louisville’s historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood on tree-lined Cherokee Parkway between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road.

In addition to a high-quality and diverse selection of art, patrons of the fair can enjoy food, drink and entertainment. The popular Children’s Parade kicks off the event each year at 10 a.m. Additionally, a street party is held on Saturday night from 6 to 8 p.m. after the booths close up for the day. Here, neighbors and artists can enjoy socializing, live music and drink & food specials.

Other attractions include the Cherokee Triangle Association booth with offerings of Cherokee Triangle branded merchandise and apparel, the plant sale booth to stock up for your summer garden, and a Children’s Art Tent for hands-on activities throughout the weekend.

The annual Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is the major fundraiser for Louisville’s Cherokee Triangle Association (CTA). The art fair proceeds are returned to the community and neighborhood through free public events, charitable donations and other projects. The CTA and Art Fair volunteers ask that attendees respect the following requests while inside the event premises: No pets, weapons, outside alcohol or soliciting.

The two-day event is free and open to the public.

1402 Willow Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

The 2023 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade returns to Broadway in Downtown Louisville on Sunday, April 30. 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 2023 parade theme is “Celebrating Derby Traditions” to showcase all that makes Derby Festival and Derby time a memorable time of year — everything from Derby Festival events, fashions and fascinators to family traditions, horse racing and springtime.

The parade marches west on Broadway for 17 blocks and lasts approximately two hours.

Get the best seat on the route! Reserve your Bleacher or VIP seating along the parade route.

Ticket options include:

• Bleacher seating $10 (along Broadway from Hancock to 6th Street).
• VIP RESERVED bleacher ticket includes premium viewing in TV zone, parking pass for every four tickets purchased and complimentary drinks and snacks $35 (along Broadway between Floyd and Preston).

Purchase tickets here. 

Broadway, starting at Campbell St. and concluding at 9th St., Louisville, KY

Setting the pace for the fastest two hours of fun!

Join the Paddock Shops on Sunday for free giveaways, entertainment, a balloon artist, face painting and more!

Free* $10 Paddock Shop Tenant Gift Card with each $100 receipt while supplies last! (*Receipt(s) can be from ANY Paddock Shops retailer; One free Gift Card per customer, per original receipt, while supplies last. April 30th only.)

4055 Summit Plaza Dr., Louisville, KY 40241

Head to PG&J's Dog Park Bar the last Sunday of each month for a Pet-Centric Market with a variety of vendors and a food truck.

Vendors include the Crafting Cupboard, Bluegrass Resuscitation, Salmon Skinnies, PBSF Dog Rescue, The Arrow Fund: Dog Rescue and Rehab, Cornbread Hemp, Mini Pet Portraits by Sarah Tidwell and more!

If you are new to PG&J's and are bringing your dog, please register online by clicking "Plan Your Visit". Dogs must be 4 months and older, spayed or neutered and have the following vaccinations: Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo, Canine Flu (If available). 

Humans must be 21 and up. 

800 Baxter Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

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 live coverage from every angle, from the crowd to the parade of beds, to every last heat.

The 2023 theme is “Through the Decades,” featuring inspiration from movies, music, fashion, television and sports.

Schedule:
1 p.m.: Tailgate Party Starts
6 p.m.: Parade of the Beds
7 p.m.: Races Begin

Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin.

Parking fee is $10.

937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209

502 Beer Appreciation Day is back! Join the Louisville Ale Trail on Tuesday, May 2nd, to honor Louisville's rich beer culture and its connection with the iconic Kentucky Derby.

For the third consecutive year, local breweries will come together to showcase their craft, offering special releases with some participating taprooms offering pint specials priced at just $5.02.

Did you know: Before the mint julep took center stage, Kentucky Common beer was the drink of choice at the Derby.

502 Beer Appreciation Day serves as a reminder that local beer has always been part of Kentucky Derby festivities and is a celebration of the thriving beer community in our city.

In addition to events around town, this year's Louisville Beer Week theme and dates will be revealed at the Trail Tuesday gathering at Shippingport Brewing Co. between 6 and 8 p.m. The announcement will set the stage for the highly anticipated Beer Week this upcoming October.

Various locations. 
Shippingport Brewing Co., 1221 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40203

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 lead up to Derby weekend!

The event pits vessels against each other, including the Belle of Cincinnati, as they compete for bragging rights in this race on the river!

The Belle of Louisville was declared the winner in 2022. Come see if our beloved local steamboat reigns supreme in 2023!

The race lasts about 2 hours, finishing back at the Wharf. Following the race, the victor is awarded the pair of coveted Silver Antlers during an Awards Ceremony at the Chow Wagon at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville.

401 W. River Rd., Louisville, KY 40202

All month long in April you can make a difference in our community through Give a Day, the Mayor's Celebration of Service! This program partners with Metro United Way who works every day to lift our community by mobilizing people and maximizing our community’s resources to advance equity and share opportunities for all. 

Check out all the opportunities to volunteer and register for service here! Some volunteer opportunities include giving fresh paint to community buildings, clean-up and landscaping of our shared outdoor spaces, clothing drives for children and babies, food deliveries to those in need, and so much more. 

Any act of service helps! If you are unable to register for a physical act of service but would still love to contribute, donations to the Mayor's Give a Day are accepted here. Your donation will help to keep Give a Day going and provide supplies needed to help the community! 

The region's largest lantern festival comes to the Zoo in a whole new way! Experience the stunning locations, flora and fauna from Around the World as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of enormous, handcrafted, silk-covered lanterns. Don’t miss your Zoo aglow with more than 50,000 LED light bulbs. The wonder of Wild Lights is sure to create glowing smiles and bright, everlasting memories.

Dramatic archways illuminate the way on a magical journey encompassing the famous landmarks, flora and fauna of six continents. Feast your eyes on dramatic cultural displays celebrating the rich heritage and craftsmanship of lantern artisans. Engage with interactive, animated and color-changing displays. Commemorate your visit with awe-inspiring photos at our stunning photo opportunity locations. Kids (and kids at heart) can become part of the magic while swaying on our glowing moonlight swings or exploring the panda game station! The wonder of Wild Lights is sure to create glowing smiles and bright, everlasting memories.

Advance tickets are required and are valid for the date and time listed on your ticket only. Be sure to apply the $7 parking fee to your order, otherwise you will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Purchase your Wild Lights tickets here! 

1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213

Dinos will take over Louisville Mega Cavern again with Dinos Under Louisville! Visitors will venture under Louisville to uncover 80 life-size moving dinosaurs on a gripping 20-minute adventure through more than half a mile of Louisville Mega Cavern’s underground passageways.

As visitors travel through Dinos Under Louisville, they enter a wormhole and are suddenly transported back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth! Guests will enjoy an epic adventure alongside the “live” dinosaurs and experience the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous time periods and the extinction event that ended the time of dinosaurs on the planet.

Right before their eyes, dino lovers of all ages will see dozens of colossal dinosaurs as they take over Louisville like never before.

Get your tickets here. 

1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, KY 40213