PINK OUT PARTY PLANNED FOR 36th ANNUAL EVENT
April 27, 2025. Louisville, KY. – Beds aren’t for sleeping during Derby Week, they’re for racing! On Monday, April 28, beds on wheels will hit the racetrack during the Samtec Great Bed Races. Fifty teams are on tap to compete in a race around a figure-eight course inside Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Exposition Center during this annual Derby Festival tradition.
The theme of the 36th annual event is “Happy Derby: Pink Out Party!” and competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes in pink, one of the signature shades of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
The dormitory area will be staged outside Broadbent Arena. Bed racing fans are invited to come out early at 1 p.m. and join the tailgate party. The participating teams will have an opportunity to showcase their costumes and bed in a pre-race parade around the racing surface, beginning at 6 p.m. The first heat begins at 7 p.m. Admission is a 2025 Pegasus Pin (Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $15).
The races feature two 600-feet divisions – the Fun Division and the Champions Division. Teams also compete for prizes for fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.”
The Great Bed Races are sponsored by Samtec. Contributing Sponsors: Kentucky Venues, Louisville Paving & Construction, Snap-on and UA Local 502 Apprenticeship Program. Official Health Partner: Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care. Official Finish Line Sponsor: Texas Roadhouse. Official Broadcast Partner: WAVE. Media Sponsor: Classic Rock 107.7.
