Health and safety are always a top priority for the Kentucky Derby Festival throughout all of our events, programs and promotions. We take extraordinary measures to ensure safety and security of participants, attendees, volunteers, partners and organizers.

We work closely with experts in the fields of health and safety including LMPD, Louisville Metro EMS, Louisville Metro Fire and Rescue, EMA, Metro Safe, Department of Health and Wellness, as well as other agencies at local, state and federal levels. They work with us to develop, review, and execute our Safety Manuals, Policies, Procedures, and Emergency Action Plans.

Our goal is for everyone to have a safe, healthy, enjoyable and memorable Kentucky Derby Festival experience.

COVID-19 Policy

The Kentucky Derby Festival events, programs and promotions will adhere to local, state and federal COVID-19 safety guidelines to ensure the safety of participants, attendees, volunteers, partners and organizers. Preventative health measures including proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full COVID-19 vaccination, masks, etc., may be required.

The Festival continues to closely monitor developments with COVID-19 and will update policies and procedures as the guidance evolves. More specific guidelines will be shared in the coming weeks, as we get closer to the Festival season. Details will be communicated as early as possible and will be shared across the Festival’s websites and social media channels.

For more information on latest COVID-19 developments, vaccines and testing at local, state and federal levels, please visit kyCOVID19.ky.gov, louisvilleky.gov or cdc.gov.

COVID-19 Warning

The Derby Festival is taking health and safety measures for our participants, attendees, volunteers, partners and organizers. We ask that everyone follow all COVID-19 safety protocols while attending or participating in Derby Festival events, programs or promotions.

As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. For people who have symptoms, illness can range from mild to severe. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that is primarily spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. According to the CDC, vaccines, masking, social distancing and other safety protocols help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Kentucky Derby Festival cannot guarantee that event participants will not become infected with COVID-19. By attending or participating in Kentucky Derby Festival events, programs or promotions, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.