FANS INVITED TO RIBBON CUTTING AT 11 AM

April 21, 2026. Louisville, KY. – One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s signature events – Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – opens Thursday, April 23 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.)

New additions include high-energy entertainment with the Ringling Circus Hype Crew and a serene experience with the Water Lantern Festival, along with new food and beverage options through Official Concessionaire, Khalil’s Catering. The 2026 line-up will also include two balloon glows, two car shows, a motorcycle night, wrestling matches, daily concerts and more.

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is open daily from Thursday, April 23 through Derby Eve on Friday, May 1. 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 2026 Pegasus Pin. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. Proof of age is required and IDs will be verified at the entrance. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted).

Highlights of the 2026 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 23 and Friday, April 24. 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., on the Ringling Circus Party Lawn (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: Ivy Tech Community College Sellersburg, KCS Foundation and Waterproofing, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park, Kentucky State Parks, Shady Rays and UA Local 502/MCA. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
• 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.
• 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. For more info and to purchase lantern kits: https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/events/louisville.
• Two Car Shows: Show off your ride at the fourth annual Cars & Coffee on Saturday, April 25 from 1-5 p.m., Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn). From exotic supercars and classic muscle to imports and American and European favorites, this high-energy showcase invites car enthusiasts from across the region to put their vehicles on display on the waterfront. Produced in partnership with Bourbon City Camaro Club and Stir Crazy 4×4 Club. Contributing Sponsor: Digital EFX. Supporting Sponsor: NICS Horsepower. Media Sponsor: ALT 105. Back for the third straight year is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 26 from noon-5 p.m., Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn). Featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from all across the U.S. and Canada.
• Food and beverage: As the new Official Concessionaire, Khalil’s Catering has worked closely with local culinary talent, food trucks, and vendors to expand the menu at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Attendees will find a variety of food and beverage options from favorites like turkey legs, corndogs and funnel cakes to new bites including specialty wraps, grilled Brazilian pineapple and gourmet egg rolls. Plus, mocktails, specialty cocktails and slushies.
• Cincinnati Helicopters LLC will offer daily helicopter rides from the Harbor Lawn at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. throughout the event, this experience provides a unique view of the Louisville waterfront and downtown skyline. Guests can choose between a three-to-four-minute flight for $40 per person or a more extensive six-to-eight-minute experience for $75 per person. To make it a family-friendly excursion, a $5 discount is available for children, ensuring fans of all ages can experience the thrill of the Festival from above.

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.
• Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 24, 6-7:30 p.m., Ringling Circus Party Lawn (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 25, 1 – 5 PM. Call to the Post 4 PM. Duck Drop 4:02 PM. 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 25, 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 26, 1-3 p.m.
• GospelFest Presented by Passport By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 26, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Tatiana Barnett, Nate Bean & 4Given, Antwaun Cooks and Jason Clayborn. Sponsors: Passport by Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
• Senior Day is Monday, April 27. Seniors ages 65 and older receive free admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 28, 5-8 p.m., Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn). Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event. Produced by Metro Animal Services.
• Motorcycle Night is set for Thursday, April 30, 5 p.m.-close, Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn). Enjoy a variety of motorcycles from all over the region.
• Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, April 30, 7-9 p.m., Ringling Circus Party Lawn (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, April 30. Free admission for educators.
• Military Day is Friday, May 1 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 23: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Southern Sirens (4-7 p.m.); V-Groove (8 p.m.-close)
• Friday, April 24: Savannah Dean Reeves (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (4-7 p.m.); and Latin Night featuring Baila Con Micho (8 p.m.-close)
• Saturday, April 25: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Hank Linderman and Friends (8-9 p.m.); Doorway: A Tribute to The Doors (9-11 p.m.)
• Sunday, April 26: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 27: Shotgun Serenade (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Soul Kitchen (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
• Tuesday, April 28: Hartshaker (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Exit 105 (4-7 p.m.); Cicily B and The Muse Effect (8 p.m.-close)
• Wednesday, April 29: Leather & Lace (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees Band (4-7 p.m.); The Aesthetic (8 p.m.-close)
• Thursday, April 30: Flat Possum (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Allen Lane Band (4-7 p.m.); Sound Machine (8 p.m.-close)
• Friday, May 1: Derby Eve Jam featuring Mike Tracy Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); The Leftovers (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 2026 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at local retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. Proof of age is required and IDs will be verified at the entrance. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted).

Sponsored by Kroger. Ringling Circus Party Lawn: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®. Music Stage Sponsor: Miller Lite. Pegasus Play-Ville Sponsor: Norton Children’s. Official Safe Ride Home Partner: Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

About Kentucky Derby Festival
2026 marks the 71st year for the Kentucky Derby Festival, a month-long celebration packed with 70+ events leading up to the first Saturday in May. As an independent community organization, it’s supported by 4,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people every spring and has a local economic impact of more than $200 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.