RINGLING CIRCUS HYPE CREW AND WATER LANTERN EVENT MAKE FESTIVAL DEBUT

March 23, 2026. Louisville, KY. – Festival Fans have even more ways to celebrate this year! As the countdown continues to this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival, several events are debuting on the 2026 lineup. New additions include high-energy entertainment with the Ringling Circus Hype Crew, a serene water lantern experience, an action-packed soccer match, a Derby-themed party for seniors, and an elegant afternoon tea. These new events are all part of the Festival’s month-long schedule of more than 70 events held in the weeks leading up to the first Saturday in May.

New Events on the Derby Festival’s Official Schedule for 2026 include:

• Experience high-energy entertainment as the Ringling Circus Hype Crew makes its debut at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront this spring. The group will perform multiple times daily April 23-25 on the Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn), bringing action-packed fun for all ages to the waterfront. Kids and families will be treated to a 30-minute, family-friendly live performance featuring unicycle tricks, jump rope acrobatics, hand balancing, wheel gymnastics, singing and a brief appearance by Bailey Circuit, Ringling’s Robo-Pup! This appearance is part of their advance tour leading up to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents The Greatest Show On Earth® playing at KFC Yum! Center, May 15–17. Admission to the Ringling Circus Hype Crew at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2026 Pegasus Pin. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.
• Take in the beauty of thousands of lanterns glowing along the Ohio River at the Water Lantern Festival at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. This family-friendly event is held Wednesday, April 29 from 6-10 p.m. on the Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn). Guests can personalize and release their lanterns at sunset creating a stunning display of light and reflection. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. For more info and tickets: https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/events/louisville.
• The Kentucky Derby Festival Senior Derby Party Presented by Chandler Insurance Group Foundation is a special event created for seniors who may not otherwise get to enjoy Derby season festivities. The celebration is on Thursday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.) at Louisville Slugger Field. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring a DJ, plated lunch, virtual horse racing, a “best hat” contest, and door prizes every 15 minutes. Chandler Insurance Group is an agency of local insurance agents committed to the service of seniors. Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance (no tickets sold at the door). For more info and to purchase tickets: www.chandlerigfoundation.org
• The pitch is set for the Kentucky Derby Festival Official Soccer Match on Saturday, April 18 at Lynn Family Stadium. Louisville City FC – a powerhouse in the USL Championship, American soccer’s second division league – will host Sporting Club Jacksonville on Thunder Day with a kick-off at 5 p.m. After the game, Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium ticket holders can enjoy a prime view of the fireworks show. More info and tickets: LouCity.com.
• Tea time! Enjoy an English afternoon tea at the Kentucky Derby Festival Afternoon Tea Presented by SOS for Addictions, LLC on Sunday, April 19 from 1-3 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at the Brown Hotel. Guests will be treated to tea sandwiches, savory bites and sweets, along with a special trifecta of premium loose-leaf teas. The afternoon will also feature a tea etiquette lesson and a special guest appearance. Derby attire is encouraged. Proceeds support addiction recovery programs. Tickets and more info: Email Kim at Kim@sosforaddictions.org or (502) 381-9023.