2ND ANNUAL EVENT IS THIS SATURDAY March 3, 2022, Louisville, KY. – Students from Jefferson County Public Schools will share their ideas to solve community-wide issues this Saturday at the second annual Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation JusticeFest Presented by Churchill Downs and Humana. The JusticeFest event showcases projects and collaborative work done by JCPS students […]

2022 SHOW CELEBRATES 75TH AIR FORCE ANNIVERSARY March 3, 2022. Louisville, KY. – Just 51 days and counting until Thunder Over Louisville returns to the Waterfront with one of the nation’s top air shows and largest fireworks displays. Festival officials released details about the show this morning at the Waterfront, including the unveiling of the […]

February 28, 2022. Louisville, KY. – It’s time to start planning for spring and the return of Kentucky Derby Festival events! Tickets for 2022 Festival events go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow – Tuesday, March 1. “We are excited to return to live and in-person events this spring and celebrate our favorite traditions together […]

EVAN WILLIAMS CREATES SPECIAL GOLD PIN BOURBON BOTTLE Thursday, February 24, 2022. Louisville, KY. – A sign of spring! The first shipment of 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pins arrived this morning at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Main Street. It’s the first place you can purchase this year’s pins starting today for $6 […]

February 21, 2022. Louisville, KY. – Louisville has new royalty this morning, as the Kentucky Derby Festival introduces the 2022 Royal Court. Five young women have been selected to serve as Princesses for this year’s Festival. The Court will act as ambassadors for the Festival and the community as they attend more than 70 events […]

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR PARTICIPANTS February 14, 2022. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival is sharing a special Valentine with the city of Louisville this year. With help from Zoeller Pump Company employees, Festival organizers revealed the theme for this year’s Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade. The 2022 theme is “Loving Louisville.” Parade units […]

TICKETS FOR ANNUAL SHOW ON SALE TODAY February 11, 2022. Louisville, KY. – It’s time to start planning what you’ll be wearing this spring to all the Derby Festival events. You’ll find the latest looks and hottest trends as Macy’s Presents the Kentucky Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show on March 31. Tickets go on sale […]

WINNER WILL BE OFFICIAL THUNDERNATOR February 10, 2022. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Lottery are teaming up to give away the experience of a lifetime this spring. One lucky winner will be named the 2022 Derby City Fanatic and receive a prize package that includes one-of-a-kind Derby Festival-themed experiences, ranging from […]

FANS CAN PRE-ORDER ONLINE PRIOR TO PUBLIC RELEASE February 7, 2022, Louisville, KY. – A sign of spring and Kentucky Derby Festival this morning, as the Festival’s 2022 poster rolled off the presses at Welch Printing in Louisville. This year’s poster called “Together” was designed by Louisville artist Kacy Jackson, whose mission is to impact […]

January 28, 2022, Louisville, KY. – A Louisville artist known for his colorful murals around our community, as well as throughout the country, will have a unique role during this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival. Kacy Jackson, who likes to inspire others with his art, has been selected as the Festival’s Official Poster Artist for the […]

DOWNLOAD 2022 DERBY FESTIVAL HIGHIGHTS SCHEDULE January 12, 2022, Louisville, KY. – Mark your calendars! The Kentucky Derby Festival is planning for a return to live and in-person events in 2022. The Festival, known for producing more than 70 events leading up to the first Saturday in May, is releasing dates for its upcoming season. […]

November 19, 2021. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival and PNC are adding new features to their annual cycling event. The 2022 PNC Tour de Lou is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2022. Cyclists will have the opportunity to ride through Churchill Downs, as well as across state lines. Plus, there’s a new family-friendly […]

REGISTRATION OPENS TODAY FOR 15-WEEK PROGRAM November 18, 2021, Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival and Norton Sports Health are ready to run with their annual Training Program for the 2022 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon. The FREE 15-week program will return in 2022 with in-person training. Registration for the Norton Sports Health Training […]

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR mini & MARATHON ON NOVEMBER 2 October 28, 2021, Louisville, KY. – GE Appliances is teaming up with the Kentucky Derby Festival as title sponsor of the 2022 Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon set to return next year on its traditional Saturday – April 30th. The annual race is one of the […]

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2022 CLOSES OCTOBER 24 October 18, 2021. Louisville, KY. – The search continues for new Kentucky Derby Festival royalty! The deadline to submit applications for the 2022 Royal Court has been extended one week to October 24th. Young women from Kentucky or Southern Indiana who are full-time college students (in at least […]

EVENT OFFERS VACCINES, SCREENINGS & FAMILY FUN October 12, 2021. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival and WellCare of Kentucky have teamed up to help the community put health first. The Derby Festival’s Health Fair Presented By WellCare Health Plans® is set for this Thursday, October 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. After […]

September 29, 2021. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival is celebrating fall with some great deals. The Festival will hold its 19th annual Yard Sale this Friday, October 1, at the KDF office at 1001 South Third Street in Old Louisville. The sale is one day only and will run from 8 a.m. to […]

July 2, 2021. Louisville, KY. – U.S. Troops around the world will see Thunder Over Louisville in honor of the July 4th holiday. The Kentucky Derby Festival has teamed up with the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, as well as WHAS11 to share a special presentation of the 2021 Thunder show with the American […]

FamFest event June 24 in New Albany June 22, 2021. Louisville, KY. – Derby Festival fun is not over! Fans are invited to bring their families out this Thursday evening for the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County FamFest. The event will be held from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Riverfront Amphitheater in New […]

June 16, 2021. Louisville, KY. – Louisville native Mike Shea will chair the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival. Shea, who has served on the Festival’s board for 20 years, was elected by the Festival’s Board of Directors at its annual meeting today. Shea is a partner in the government relations firm, Government Strategies, LLC. He follows […]