ENJOY SPECIAL PERKS AND INSIDER ACCESS
February 10, 2026. Louisville, KY. – Give back, get involved, and help power the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world! The Kentucky Derby Festival is recruiting volunteers to help produce its more than 70 events for the 2026 celebration. Hundreds of volunteers are needed each year to help with everything from handing out medals to runners as they cross the Finish Line at the Humana miniMarathon and Marathon to being an ambassador for units at the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade.
“Our volunteers play a huge role in bringing the Kentucky Derby Festival to life each spring,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “Whether you have a few hours or a day, there are plenty of ways to get involved, along with special perks and behind-the-scenes access to some of the Festival’s biggest events.”
Volunteers are needed at several of the Festival’s signature events, including:
- Republic Bank BourbonVille on Thursday, April 2 (set up, assisting with vendor and distillery load-in and other duties)
- Publix Super Markets Race Expo & Packet Pick-Up on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 (set up, and assigning and distributing race bibs to runners)
- Festival 5K Presented by First Urology on Friday, April 24 (gear check, set up and support at the Start Line, as well as distribution of water, nutrition and medals at the Finish Line)
- Humana miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday, April 25 (corral management, gear check, and various duties at the Finish Line, including water, nutrition and medal distribution)
- Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade on Sunday, April 26 (serve as Ambassadors for participating parade units, be a shuttle host, help with Start Team assistance and dispersal support)
- Great Bed Races Presented by Snap-on on Monday, April 27 (set up, course safety, clean-up crew and more)
- Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest on Tuesday, April 28 (event set up, support and breakdown)
U.S. Bank returns for the third year as a Presenting Sponsor of the Festival’s volunteer program. Parlour Pizza is back for the second year as a Contributing Sponsor. Their sponsorship will help provide special perks for volunteers, including an Official Volunteer shirt and pin, front-row seat to your favorite Festival events and a discount on Derby Festival merchandise. Sign up to volunteer and get more information about volunteer opportunities online at KDF.org.
