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

Get ready to kickoff Derby weekend the right way with incredible hip hop icons! Derby Soundstage features hip hop legends T.I., Jeezy, Trina & DJ Drama! They will all be hitting the stage performing their top hits and classics. This is an event you do not want to miss!

Opening acts are B Simm, Suzie Tatyana, Paperboy Casino and DJ Slikk. The event will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Come and kickoff Derby weekend with these legends! Get your tickets here.

937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209

Fourth Street Live! returns with another year of Derby Concerts leading up to and concluding the most exciting two minutes in sports! Starting Thursday, welcome three nights of unique artists to Louisville! 

Thursday night, enjoy Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr. Doors open at 6 p.m., this is an 18+ concert. All guests purchasing a ticket that includes a drink package must be 21+.

Get your tickets to see Granger Smith here.

Friday night, Diplo takes over the stage to party on Derby Eve! Doors open at 6 p.m., this is a 21+ concert.

Get your Diplo tickets here. 

Finally, enjoy the Derby After Party with Ryan Coxx on Saturday night! Doors open at 6 p.m., this is a free concert. Show starts at 8 p.m.

411 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1.25 Million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland of lilies, appropriately named “lilies for the fillies.”

Like the Kentucky Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks race is one of the longest continually held sporting events in American history, and one of the only horse races to take place at the original site of its inception. The race was established on May 19th, 1875, by the same founder of the Kentucky Derby, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, and is modeled after the British Epsom Oaks.

Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs is the second highest attended horse race in the United States – following the Triple Crown of racing; the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Aside from thunderous live horse racing, fans celebrate fashion and fundraising for critical women’s health issues.

700 Central Ave., Louisville, KY 40208

Derby week is back in full force and Kegs and Eggs has returned to start the weekend off the only way Breakfast, Brews and Booze can!

Lou Lou Food & Drink and the new Lou Lou on Market are hosting this comeback of an event that promises a “Rosey” outlook for any Derby revelers’ day. Kegs and Eggs provides nutrition and “nuance” while donating much needed funds to Apron, Inc.

Lou Lou on Market will host a patio party; “The infield vibe” for those wanting fresh air. Inside will be indoor “3rd floor” fun. Chef Christian’s Cajun-themed brunch will feature Biscuits and Crawfish Gravy, Cajun Omelet, Hot Brown Pizza and more.

There will be a special bar menu which will include the debut of “London Balling”, a Monk’s Road and Against the Grain collaboration! 

Live music will be happening at both Lou Lou’s! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. check out Danny Flanigan at Lou Lou on Market. 

Lou Lou Food & Drink
108 Sears Ave., Louisville, KY 40207

Lou Lou on Market
812 E Market St., Louisville, KY 40206

Goodtimers Annual Derby Eve Experience returns to Cardinal Stadium this Friday night! The event will feature sounds by DJ Emptybeats and DJ Bandcamp.

Upscale dress code strictly enforced.
Fellas - No athletic wear, No jeans, No ball caps, No sneakers
Ladies - No athletic wear, No sneakers or flip flops, No ball caps, heels preferred, No purse larger than a clutch

Get your tickets here. 

2800 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40209

You Sherwoodn't want to miss this fun, local Derby Eve tradition! Sherby is returning for the 11th year to the Highlands for a fun filled day of music, food and more. 

Live music will be played by Jesse Charles Hammock & his Banditos, Kiana & the Sun Kings, the Jesse Lees, Heathers, and DJ Matt Anthony! Food trucks will be on site including Bamba Eggroll Co., Lil Cheezers, and Traveling Kitchen. 

Mile Wide Beer Co. will be set up serving their delicious brews, including the 2023 Sherby Northeast Pale Ale.

Admission is $20. This is a rain or shine event. No outside food or alcohol allowed. 

2093 Sherwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40205

Kentucky Derby 149 is right around the corner, and before the horses get to the starting gate, head to Paristown for the 2nd Annual Rockin’ Derby Eve! Rockin' Derby Eve is Louisville’s premier after-Oaks destination celebration, featuring multi-platinum superstar Dustin Lynch and chart-topping duo LOCASH.

At Rockin’ Derby Eve, Christy’s Garden is transformed into an extraordinary covered outdoor turf club featuring a champagne valet reception, a red-carpet walk, small plate dinner, and premium open bar with craft cocktails, beer, wine, bourbon and world-class service. Following the garden pre-party, guests will be treated to an up close and personal performance by Dustin Lynch and LOCASH inside Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, a state-of-the-art music venue in the heart of Paristown’s arts district.

All-inclusive tickets include: (21+only)

• Valet reception
• Red carpet photos
• Heavy hors d'oeuvres dinner
• Fresh-baked sweets
• Premium open bar
• Garden turf club pre-party
• Access to Paristown Hall concert featuring Dustin Lynch with special guest LOCASH

Get your tickets here. 

720 Brent St., Louisville, KY 40204

Explore artist studios and shops during Open Studio Night every first Friday at Mellwood Art Center. It's a great time to grab dinner and drinks from one (or more) of the wonderful dining and beverage options in the courtyard, and then take a look around.

Free admission & free parking!

Pets on-leash are allowed in the facility, but individual businesses or studios may have restrictions on animals for health and safety reasons.

1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

A trip to the Kentucky Derby is an unforgettable experience! Watch one of the world’s top ranked horse races, known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”, while immersing yourself in the iconic southern Derby traditions - sipping a mint julep, donning a beautiful hat, and joining fellow race fans in singing “My Old Kentucky Home”.

Stakes races: Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (I), Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic(I), Chruchill Downs presented by Ford (I), Derby City Distaff (I), Longines Churchill Distaff turf Mile (II), Pat Day Mile presented LG& E and KU (II), & American Turf (II).

Learn about the 149th Kentucky Derby horses here!

700 Central Ave., Louisville, KY 40208

Join PG&J's Dog Park Bar for the 3rd Annual Kentucky FURby, “Run for the Noses!”

Gates open at noon and races begin at 2 p.m. Prizes for Win, Place & Show from Maker’s Mark.

Special drinks include the Tito’s Lily, Maker’s Mark Mutt Julep, and delicious Derby Punch! Food will be available for purchase from the Poor Man's BBQ food truck.

No Dog, no prob! You don’t need a dog to enjoy the dog bar! 21+ only.

Bringing your dog? Dog requirements: You must have vet records (paper or digital) showing that your dog is spayed or neutered and vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella. Dogs must be four months or older. No exceptions.
Plan your visit and Register Your Pup: www.pgjdogbar.com

800 Baxter Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

Join Fourth Street Live! after Derby to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with family and friends. The Cinco de Mayo family fiesta features live music, Mariachis, Lindo dancers, piñatas, face painting and more!

This event is free and open to the public.

411 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202

Party with Goodtimers and bid farewell to the Kentucky Derby until next year! The Derby Day Party at Old Forester's Paristown Hall with feature sounds by DJ Bandcamp and DJ Warrenpeace. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Dress Code will be enforced: Stylish and fitted attire. No sagging or overly baggy clothing, no team ball caps, no athletic wear, no solid or plain tees (designer graphic tees allowed), no tank tops, no hoodies, no sweat suits or joggers, no timberlands, sneakers are OK. No exceptions.

All sales are final. Accessible Tickets Patrons requesting accessible seating should purchase a General Admission ticket and you will be accommodated at the venue. Questions regarding accessible seating at tables or couches can be directed to the box office at 502-584-7777.

Get your tickets here. 

724 Brent St., Louisville, KY 40204

Relax with a cool beverage and delicious appetizers while enjoying exclusive keeper talks and animal interactions in some of your favorite Zoo exhibit spaces. Tickets include entry, tasty appetizers and 2 drink tickets redeemable for beer, wine or a specialty drink. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Space is limited for these exclusive experiences, reserve your tickets early!

Get your tickets here!

This event is for guests ages 21 and older. No children will be admitted.

1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213

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

Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. experience Food Truck Wednesdays at 4th Street between Jefferson and Market Streets! Louisville Downtown Partnership has curated many amazing food trucks to serve lunchtime patrons each Wednesday!

The street will be closed off to vehicular traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week. Food trucks will serve food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come on over to 4th Street and eat some delicious, local food!

S. 4th Street between Jefferson and Market, Louisville, KY