May 1, 2022. Louisville, KY. – Beds aren’t for sleeping during Derby Week, they’re for racing! On Monday, May 2, beds on wheels will hit the racetrack in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great Bed Races. After being held outdoors in 2021, the event has returned to its popular figure-eight course inside Broadbent Arena, with nearly 30 teams on tap to participate.

The theme of the 33rd annual event is “Game On,” and to match the theme, competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes based on their favorite games from board games to video and arcade games.

The dormitory area will be staged outside Broadbent Arena. Bed racing fans are invited to come out early at 4 p.m. and join the tailgate party. The participating teams will have an opportunity to showcase their costumes and bed in a pre-race parade around the racing surface, beginning at 6 p.m. The first heat begins at 7 p.m.  Admission is a 2022 Pegasus Pin (Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $10).

The races feature two 600-feet divisions – the Fun Division and the Champions Division. Teams also compete for prizes for fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations.  Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.”

Contributing Sponsors of the Great Bed Races are Drexel Metals, Kentucky Venues, Safelite AutoGlass, and Texas Roadhouse. Media Sponsor: 107.7 The Eagle.