Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race
BUY TICKETS!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 leadup 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 Mary M. Miller was declared the winner in 2025. Come see if our beloved local steamboat reigns supreme and takes back the coveted Silver Antlers in 2026.
The race lasts about 2 hours, finishing back at the Wharf. Following the race, the victor is awarded the pair of Silver Antlers during an Awards Ceremony on the Belle of Louisville.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Boarding
5:45 PM: Departure
6:00 PM: Race Begins
Awards Ceremony Following
Belle of Louisville Tickets: $200 (includes cruise on the Ohio River, grab-and-go dinner, beverages, open bar and live entertainment) (limited availability).
Belle of Cincinnati Tickets: $85 Cruise Only; $130 Dinner and Cruise. For Belle of Cincinnati tickets, call 800-261-8586 or visit BBRiverboats.com.
Free spectator viewing at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
A tradition of riverboat rivalry and race day shenanigans, the Great Steamboat Race has been dubbed the most interesting race of Derby Week by Garden and Gun magazine. CLICK HERE to read more.
It all started with a steamboat named Idlewild.
“It’s pretty exciting knowing you’ve got a 104-year-old steamboat cruising up and down the river on a daily basis,” Captain Mark Doty, Belle of Louisville said. “But on the day of the Steamboat Race, you know that’s our day, the Belle’s day, to shine.”
Read more about the history of the Belle of Louisville: The Great Steamboat Race A Story of Revival.
