FANS INVITED TO RIBBON CUTTING AT 11 AM

April 21, 2025. Louisville, KY. – One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s signature events – Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – opens Thursday, April 24 at 11 a.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. in front of the main entrance to mark the official opening of the 9-day event. (Media and Festival Fans are invited to attend.)

Back by popular demand, the 2025 line-up will feature the return of two balloon glows and two car shows. Attendees can also experience a circus, special motorcycle night and wrestling matches. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront is also home to long-time favorites, including concerts, festive food, midway rides and more family-friendly fun. It’s open daily from Thursday, April 24 through Derby Eve on Friday, May 2. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. Admission to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted).

Highlights of the 2025 Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront line-up include:

• Double Glows: Fest-a-Ville goers can experience one of the Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events twice during the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glows on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25. The evening kicks off with the Parade of Balloons at 7 p.m., followed by a Balloon Staging at 8 p.m., and the Glow at 9 p.m., Great Lawn. Come early, get a prime-viewing spot, grab dinner and see the balloons parade over before the Glow. This one-of-a-kind experience features balloons on the field but they do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, guests can watch the balloons glow against the night sky synchronized to a special musical score. Walk around the field, talk to pilots and see eye-catching balloons on full display as they illuminate the Waterfront. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, Shady Rays and UA Local 502. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
• Two Car Shows: Cars & Coffee Presented by Mecum Auctions returns for the third year on Saturday, April 26 from 4-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Enjoy a variety of cars, including muscle, imports and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Produced by Exotic Cars and Coffee. Presenting Sponsor: Mecum Auctions. Official Vehicle Wrap Partner: Digital EFX. Media Sponsor: ALT 105.1. Back for the second straight year is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 27 from noon-5 p.m., Great Lawn. Featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from all across the U.S. and Canada.
• Motorcycle Night Presented by Mecum Auctions: Thursday, May 1, 5 p.m.-close, Great Lawn. Enjoy a variety of motorcycles from all over the region. The first 200 people will receive a free Pegasus Pin.
• Louisville Turners Circus: Thursday, May 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. The local circus company will perform aerial and ground circus acts, including aerial silks, rope, sling, aerial hoop, and dance trapeze.

Other can’t miss experiences of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville include:

• Chow Wagon: Open during the entire nine days of Fest-a-Ville, this outdoor food and live music venue is a long-running Derby Festival tradition. Happy Hour Weekdays: 4-6 p.m. $4 beers at the Beer Garden. Sponsor: Kroger. Music Stage Sponsor: Miller Lite.
• Pegasus Play-Ville, sponsored by Norton Children’s, features a variety of kid-friendly activities. Rides are open from noon-close on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and 4 p.m.-close on weekdays.
• NeighMaste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 25, noon-1 p.m., Great Lawn. Festival goers can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline. Produced by YogaSix.
• Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 25, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-For-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
• Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call to the Post: 4 p.m.; Duck Drop: 4:02 p.m. See the launch of nearly 50,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville.
• Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show: Saturday, April 26, 1-3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. For VIP tickets, visit LouPrideKy.org (18 and over only). Produced by the Louisville Pride Foundation.
• Mascot Party Presented by the League of Mascots: Sunday, April 27, 1-3 p.m.
• GospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 27, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Otis Kemp, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Jermanine Dolly and more. Sponsors: Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank. Contributing Sponsor: Park DuValle Community Health Centers. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
• HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 29, 5-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event. Produced by Metro Animal Services.
• Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race Watch Party: Wednesday, April 30, 6 p.m., Great Lawn.
• Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, May 1, 7-9 p.m., Great Lawn. Live televised Ohio Valley Wrestling event featuring a four-corner battle. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 6 p.m. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
• Heroes in Education Day is Thursday, May 1. Free admission for educators.
• Military Day is Friday, May 2 with free admission all day for Veterans and active military with their military ID.

Performances by local and regional acts spanning a variety of musical genres will take the Miller Lite Music Stage at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, including:

• Thursday, April 24: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Red Thurzday (4-7 p.m.); Latin Night Featuring Henry Miles with DJ Xavi (8 p.m.-close)
• Friday, April 25: Savannah Dean Reeves (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (4-7 p.m.); The Foxies (8 p.m.-close)
• Saturday, April 26: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
• Sunday, April 27: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 28: Mike Tracy Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Cicily B and The Muse Effect (4-7 p.m.); Level Ground (8 p.m.-close)
• Tuesday, April 29: HartShaker (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Soul Kitchen (4-7 p.m.); Unlimited Show Band (8 p.m.-close)
• Wednesday, April 30: Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees Band (4-7 p.m.); Radiotronic (8 p.m.-close)
• Thursday, May 1: Most Wanted (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4-7 p.m.); The Velcro Pygmies (8 p.m.-close)
• Friday, May 2: Derby Eve Jam featuring Roses & Rattlesnakes (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders (8 p.m.-close)

In addition to live entertainment on the Miller Lite Music Stage, there will be artists performing daily in the Grove.

Admission to Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at local retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted). Sponsored by Kroger. Music Stage Sponsor: Miller Lite. Pegasus Play-Ville Sponsor: Norton Children’s. Official After Party Sponsor: Dave & Buster’s. VIP Trailer Sponsor: Gustavo’s Mexican Grill. Official Safe Ride Home Partner: Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.