Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather in Louisville for concerts, fireworks, and other extraordinary events that take place in the weeks leading up to the world-renowned horse race. We are proud of the work the Kentucky Derby Festival does in coordinating programming that brings our community together and truly makes spring in Louisville […]

July 29, 2020. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival has partnered with Passport Health Plan, as well as Louisville vocalist and songwriter Jason Clayborn, for a special music video release. Clayborn and The Atmosphere Changers perform his Grammy-nominated hit “Better” – in a tribute to the Derby Festival’s annual GospelFest event, and to share […]

July 1, 2020. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival is making sure U.S. Troops around the world won’t miss Thunder Over Louisville this year. The Festival has teamed up with the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, as well as WDRB to share an encore presentation of Thunder with the American Forces Network. It […]

DERBY FESTIVAL EXPLORES ALTERNATIVES TO IN-PERSON EVENTS DUE TO COVID-19 FESTIVAL’S LARGEST EVENTS NOT ABLE TO BE HELD June 11, 2020. Louisville, KY. – Originally postponed until August and September, the Kentucky Derby Festival, has determined many of its events, including Thunder Over Louisville, the miniMarathon and the Pegasus Parade are not able to be […]

The Kentucky Derby Festival stands against systemic racism. We support the Black community. We support equity, justice, and inclusion. We are listening. We commit to work with our staff, board, volunteers, sponsors, and partners to be part of the solution. TOGETHER, We will continue to engage leaders in the Black community and all of our […]

NEW DATE FOR HUMANA DERBY FESTIVAL MINI IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 2020 MARATHON, RELAY WILL NOT BE RESCHEDULED March 25, 2020. Louisville, KY. – As the Kentucky Derby Festival works to move events to later in the year, the new date for the annual Humana miniMarathon has been set for Saturday, August 22. While the […]

NEW DATE FOR THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE IS AUGUST 15 March 17, 2020. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival is postponing all events on the 2020 schedule until later in the year in response to concerns about COVID-19. Festival organizers have been monitoring the developments since early January, and in recent weeks have been in […]

March 12, 2020. Louisville, KY.   – In support of the efforts being taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, the Kentucky Derby Festival is postponing events on the 2020 schedule through April 5. “This is about public health and safety and at the Derby Festival that is always […]

March 4, 2020. Louisville, KY. – It’s time to start planning for spring and the 2020 Kentucky Derby Festival! Tickets for Festival events go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, March 6. To purchase tickets fans can order online at KDF.org 24 hours/7 days a week. For questions, call the Derby Festival Hotline at […]

‘FESTIVAL UNVEILED’ FEATURES ROSE JULEP CONTEST AND KENTUCKY CUISINE March 3, 2020, Louisville, KY. A Kentucky Derby Festival favorite returns this week to help usher in spring. Festival Unveiled is Thursday, March 5, at the Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses are the […]

March 2, 2020. Louisville, KY. – Runners will see purple as they cross the Finish Line for this year’s Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, Marathon and Relay on Saturday, April 25th. The finish for the annual Derby Festival road races is moving to a new location in 2020 at Lynn Family Stadium, home of Louisville […]

February 27, 2020. Louisville, KY. – ABC News’ Chief Meteorologist, Ginger Zee, will be the featured speaker at the 64th Annual They’re Off! Luncheon on Friday, April 17. Zee covers the nation’s weather headlines on Good Morning America and across other ABC News broadcasts and digital platforms. The luncheon, first held in 1957, serves as […]

COMPETITION HEATS UP WITH NEW CHEF DIVISION February 14, 2020. Louisville, KY. – Is your burger recipe top shelf? The Kentucky Derby Festival and the Kentucky Beef Council are looking for the next ‘Derby Burger’ Champion. New this year, chefs are invited to join the competition, along with local foodies. Burger recipes are being accepted […]

February 12, 2020. Louisville, KY. – Just 66 days and counting to this year’s Thunder Over Louisville – the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies set for Saturday, April 18. The Festival announced details of this year’s show at their headquarters this morning. GE Appliances, a Haier company, was announced as the newest Presenting Sponsor of […]

February 7, 2020. Louisville, KY – The Kentucky Derby Festival is sharing another sign of spring this morning, as they release the design for the 48th edition of their Pegasus Pin. The 2020 design features the Festival’s campaign tagline “Live it Up!”, with a silver Pegasus soaring over a fuchsia Louisville skyline on a teal […]

WINNER RECEIVES ULTIMATE VIP EXPERIENCE February 3, 2020. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Lottery are joining forces to give away the experience of a lifetime. One lucky winner will be named the 2020 Festival Fanatic and receive a prize package that includes unique Festival experiences ranging from VIP treatment and a […]

January 30, 2020. Louisville, KY. – It’s time to start planning for spring and the 2020 Kentucky Derby Festival! Tickets for some of the Festival’s favorite social events go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 31. “Many of our ticketed events sell out. We encourage Festival fans to purchase their tickets early to […]

Jan. 30, 2020– LOUISVILLE, KY – The Kentucky Derby Festival is looking for a new sponsor to help fund its annual Pegasus Parade. The parade was the event that established the Derby Festival back in 1956. It has brought the community together on Broadway for decades. “This is the first time in many years that […]

FANS CAN PRE-ORDER ONLINE THROUGH FEBRUARY 5 January 29, 2020. Louisville, KY. – A sign of spring this morning as the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2020 poster rolled off the presses at Derby City Litho. This year’s poster was designed by Louisville artist Casey McKinney. His artwork, “Pegasus in Bloom,” features a Pegasus racing through a […]

2020 MEDAL IS THE SECOND IN FOUR-YEAR MEDAL SERIES January 28, 2020. Louisville, KY. – The 2020 Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, Marathon and Relay are shaping up to be “the greatest” races yet. Derby Festival Officials unveiled the 2020 race finishers medal this morning at the Muhammad Ali Center. This year’s design features the […]