May 27, 2025. Louisville, KY. – Mark your calendar for next spring! The Kentucky Derby Festival is rolling out the dates of some of its signature events for the 2026 season. Festival fans can start planning ahead for their favorite Festival events.
“As each year’s Kentucky Derby Festival wraps up, planning for the next one begins,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “We’re releasing the schedule for some of our favorite springtime traditions earlier than ever so fans can plan ahead and join us again next spring.”
Here’s a first look at some of the just-announced dates on the 2026 Derby Festival line-up. Additional dates can be found on the Festival’s website at KDF.org:
- Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show – Thursday, March 26
- Republic Bank BourbonVille – Thursday, April 2
- Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Hole-In-One Golf Contest – Thursday, April 9 through Tuesday, April 21
- Block Party Presented by Churchill Downs, Humana and Park Community Credit Union – Saturday, April 11
- PNC Tour de Lou – Sunday, April 12
- They’re Off! Luncheon Presented by BAE Systems – Friday, April 17
- Thunder Over Louisville Presented by Caesars Southern Indiana, Humana, LG&E, Meijer, UA Local 502 and UPS – Saturday, April 18
- Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – Thursday, April 23 through Friday, May 1
- L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest – Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25
- Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology – Friday, April 24
- GE Appliances miniMarathon & Marathon – Saturday, April 25
- Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade – Sunday, April 26
- Samtec Great Bed Races – Monday, April 27
- Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest – Tuesday, April 28
- Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race – Wednesday, April 29
- Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Festival Day at the Downs – Thursday, April 30
Stay tuned for more details about 2026 Derby Festival event dates. For more info, visit KDF.org.
