Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Louisville, KY.- The countdown continues to this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival  and there are several new events for Festival fans of all ages to enjoy. New additions include a viewing of  painted horse statues at Churchill Downs, a hat show at the Kentucky Derby Museum, special spring soccer and football games, a tea with Royalty, and a Derby party. These new events are produced by partners of the Kentucky Derby Festival and are part of the Festival’s schedule of more than 70 events held in the weeks leading up to the first Saturday in May.

New partner events on the Derby Festival’s Official Schedule of Events for 2024 include:

• Just in time for Derby 150, check out a colorful parade of horses headed to Churchill Downs for the Gallopalooza Collection Preview and Unveiling. This one-time-only viewing features 150 artistic horse statues on display Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the historic racetrack’s First Turn Club. Enjoy family-friendly activities and see the Kentucky Derby Traveling exhibit. Admission is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Presenting Sponsor: Churchill Downs Racetrack.

• Find a headpiece for your Derby festivities at the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show on Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Derby Museum. Get an exclusive look at the latest couture designs from the Museum’s featured milliners. Sip and savor cocktails and brunch bites and enjoy a runway show boasting the latest hat and jewelry trends. Premier tickets: $75. VIP tickets: $125 (includes reserved front-row seating and a swag bag). For tickets and more information: DerbyMuseum.org.

• Celebrate the Kentucky Derby Festival and soccer as Louisville City FC takes on Indy Eleven in one of the first games of its 2024 season on Saturday, April 6 at 4 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium. Commemorate the festivities with the purchase of a limited-edition LouCity/Derby Festival scarf and warm-up top. For tickets and to shop: LouCity.com.

• Kick off the Derby season at the Louisville Spring Football Game Presented By Paul Davis Restoration on Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at L&N Stadium. Check out an exciting look at the Cardinal football team in partnership with the Derby Festival, and don’t miss your chance to score a commemorative UofL Pegasus Pin that includes exclusive offers. Produced by the University of Louisville. Presenting Sponsor: Paul Davis Restoration. For more info: GoCards.com.

• Tea time! Rub elbows with royalty at the Children’s Tea with the Derby Festival Princesses Presented by the Fillies, Inc., on Sunday, April 21 from 1-3 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center. The theme is “Tea in the Candy Kingdom,” and tickets are $35 each. Produced by The Fillies, Inc. For more info and tickets: Eventbrite.com.

• Wear your Derby best for the Hats, Bowties & Bourbon Derby Day Party on Saturday, May 4 from 4-9 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center, DaVinci Room. The HB&B V Derby Day Party is produced by Kentucky Community Enrichment Foundation (KCEF). A portion of the proceeds will support the Louisville Kappa League (youth mentoring program) that aids in college preparation and tutoring. (21 and over only.) Tickets and more information: derbycitynupes.com

SNEAK PEEK: Several new attractions are also on tap for the 2024 edition of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!