FANS CAN ORDER ONLINE AND RECEIVE SPECIAL, LIMITED-TIME DISCOUNT
February 6, 2026. Louisville, KY. – A sign that spring is just around the corner debuted this morning as the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2026 Official Poster rolled off the presses at Welch Printing in Louisville. The poster was created by Louisville artist Shae Goodlett. The Derby Festival’s new Official Merchandise collection featuring the poster design was also unveiled.
“I wanted to create an illustration that looked like a vintage travel poster for Louisville,” Goodlett said. “I drew the image digitally, but it was important to me that the design felt hand drawn. I leaned into the spontaneity of mark making and color application, creating moments in the piece that might be hard to replicate even for myself. I think this approach holds an energy like the events of the Derby Festival itself.”
Goodlett’s artwork channels the charm of a nostalgic destination poster, and features familiar Kentucky Derby Festival elements, including fireworks, steamboats, and the Festival’s Pegasus mascot. The design also celebrates Louisville through signature landmarks like the Ohio River and city skyline.
“Shae’s poster beautifully blends a classic, soft color palette with iconic Derby Festival imagery and captures the spirit of Louisville in a timeless and elegant way,” said Jennifer Morgan, Kentucky Derby Festival Director of Merchandising. “The Festival’s 2026 merchandise collection carries that same look into wearable pieces, with cozy sweatshirts and t-shirts in on-trend colors that coordinate with the poster design.”
The Derby Festival’s Official Merchandise Line features more than 100 products, including colorful t-shirts, caps and mugs. All items are produced by the Derby Festival’s Official Merchandise Partner, 12/13 Apparel by Synergism. Posters and merchandise are available for purchase online at KDF.org. Merchandise will be available at select Kroger stores and A Taste of Kentucky beginning in March.
ORDER DETAILS: Festival fans can order the 2026 Official Poster and Merchandise online beginning today (Friday, Feb. 6) and receive a 20 percent discount (excluding all Pins) through Monday, Feb. 16. The Official Poster retails for $30. Limited Edition of 500 signed and numbered posters is $60. Post Card Size: $5. A selection of shirts and giftware items are also available, with prices ranging from $5 to $45.
Welch Printing is a longtime print partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival. While the Louisville based company has worked with the Festival on other print projects, 2026 marks the fifth year that Welch has printed the official poster image. It’s the 46th poster in the Festival’s iconic poster series, which launched in 1981 and has showcased a stylistic and geographical mix of artists over the years.
