FANS INVITED TO RIBBON CUTTING AT 11 AM

April 24, 2024. Louisville, KY. – One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s signature events – Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – opens Thursday, April 25 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.)

Several new events are debuting at the 2024 ultimate entertainment experience, including a nightly drone show, a second balloon glow, Taylor Swift Silent Disco, a custom car showcase, a circus and a movie night. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront also sees the return of long-time favorites, including concerts, festive food, midway rides and more family-friendly fun. It’s open daily from Thursday, April 25 through Derby Eve on Friday, May 3. 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 2024 Pegasus Pin. (Food, drink and pets are not permitted).

New events on the 2024 Fest-a-Ville line-up include:

• Nightly Drone Show: Thursday, April 25 through Friday May 3, 9:30 p.m. A Nightly Drone Show will take place each evening during the nine-day run of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Three different drone shows, featuring an estimated 75-100 drones, will be in rotation during the event, so Festival goers can attend multiple times and see an entirely new show.
• Two Balloon Glows: Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, Parade of Balloons, 7:30 p.m., Glow, 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 one of the Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, Kentucky State Parks, KRC Roofing and Construction and UA Local 502. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY TV. Media Sponsor: 106.9
• Taylor Swift Silent Disco: Saturday, April 27, 6-9 p.m., in the Grove. Swifties, get ready to shake it off at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville! Secure your spot at the Swiftie themed silent disco where Louisville Silent Disco will be playing Taylor Swift hit songs on two channels (a third channel will feature Top Hits). Channel your inner Swiftie and come decked out in your favorite Taylor era as you wear glowing wireless headphones and dance to the music on the Waterfront. Pre-sale tickets: $15, includes a 2024 Pegasus Pin. $20 at the gate, includes a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Produced by Louisville Silent Disco. Purchase tickets in advance at https://discover.kdf.org//silentdisco
• Double the Car Show Fun: Exotic Cars & Coffee Presented By Speedwash Car Wash returns for the second straight year on Saturday, April 27 from 4-8 p.m., on the Great Lawn. Enjoy exotic cars, muscle cars, imports and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Media Sponsor: ALT 105.1. Making its Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville debut is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 28 from noon-5 p.m., on the Great Lawn. Featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from all across the U.S. and Canada.
• Barbie On the Big Screen Movie Night: Wednesday, May 1, 8:30 p.m., in The Grove. Enjoy the hit movie “Barbie” under the stars on the big screen.
• Louisville Turners Circus: Thursday, May 2, 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.
• Pegasus Play-Ville, sponsored by Norton Children’s, features a variety of kid-friendly activities, including Charlie Chopper, Little Wheel, Fun House/Fun Slide and more. Contributing Sponsor: Holiday World Splashin’ Safari.
• Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 26, noon, 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 26, 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.
• Kentucky Derby Festival Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show: Saturday, April 27, 1-3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. $350 VIP Experience includes prime seating for a table of 8, plus $80 in food and drink tickets. $35 individual VIP tickets. (18 and over only). Produced by the Louisville Pride Foundation.
• Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Call to the Post and Duck Drop at 4 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.
• Mascot Party Presented by the League of Mascots: Sunday, April 28, 1-3 p.m.
• GospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 28, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Jason Clayborn & Thee Ensemble, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Kenny Lewis & One Voice and more. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
• Fitness Day: Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Great Lawn.
• HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 30, 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, May 1, 6 p.m., Great Lawn.
• Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, May 2, 7-9 p.m., Great Lawn. Live televised Ohio Valley Wrestling event featuring a four-corner battle with HollyHood Haley J, Freya The Slaya, Leila Grey and more. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 6 p.m. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
• Motorcycle Night on the Lawn: Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m.-close.
• Heroes in Education Day is Thursday, May 2. Free admission for educators.
• Military Day is Friday, May 3 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 25: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Moonshine Magnolia (4-7 p.m.); Blacktop Rodeo (8 p.m.-close)
• Friday, April 26: Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4-7 p.m.); Frankie Moody (8 p.m.-close)
• Saturday, April 27: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
• Sunday, April 28: Latin Party (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 29: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees (4-7 p.m.); V-Groove (8 p.m.-close)
• Tuesday, April 30: Bill May Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); DJ Honest Ave (6-8 p.m.); The Jesse Lees (8 p.m.-close)
• Wednesday, May 1: E&R Project (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Eric & The Iconics (3:30-5:30 p.m.); Marine Band (6:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (8 p.m.-close)
• Thursday, May 2: Jack N Lindsey (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); Top Shelf (8 p.m.-close)
• Friday, May 3: Derby Eve Jam featuring Kimberly Alana (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Most Wanted (4-7 p.m.); Friday Night Special (8 p.m.-close)

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

Admission to Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2024 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. Pegasus Play-Ville Contributing Sponsor: Holiday World Splashin’ Safari. Supporting Sponsor: Derby City Gaming Downtown.