LOCAL STUDENTS TAKE ON COMMUNITY ISSUES AT 3RD ANNUAL JUSTICEFEST February 23, 2023, Louisville, KY. – Students from Jefferson County Public Schools will be front and center sharing their ideas on ways to solve community-wide issues this Saturday at the third annual Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation JusticeFest. Presenting Sponsors Churchill Downs and Humana are joined […]

February 21, 2023. Louisville, KY. – To commemorate the 10th annual PNC Tour de Lou, an exclusive, limited-edition jersey was unveiled tonight during an event at TEN20 Craft Brewery, which also served as the kick-off for the cycling event’s Official Training Program, which gets in gear this weekend. In a celebration of a decade of the […]

Tickets on Sale for Annual Luncheon February 20, 2023. Louisville, KY. – Host of “American Ninja Warrior” Matt Iseman will be the featured speaker at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual They’re Off! Luncheon Presented By BAE Systems, Fifth Third Bank and Heartland on Friday, April 21. The doctor-turned-comedian strives to inspire others with his motto that […]

WINNER WILL BE OFFICIAL THUNDERNATOR February 6, 2023. Louisville, KY.  – The Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Lottery are once again teaming up to give away an unforgettable experience this spring. One lucky winner will be named the 2023 ‘Derby City Fanatic’ and receive a prize package filled with one-of-a-kind Derby Festival-themed experiences, ranging from […]

KENTUCKY BEEF COMPETITION OPENS ONLINE TODAY February 1, 2023. Louisville, KY. – How does your burger stack up? The Kentucky Derby Festival and the Kentucky Beef Council are looking for the next ‘Derby Burger’ Champion. Burger recipes are being accepted now through March 3. It’s the eleventh year for the beef showdown sponsored by the […]

Special Finisher Medal Commemorates 50TH miniMarathon January 31, 2023. Louisville, KY.   –  For runners, it’s all about the bling after crossing the finish line! Today the Derby Festival released images of the finisher medals for the GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon. Kentucky’s largest road race will celebrate a major milestone this year, […]

January 26, 2023. Louisville, KY. – It may not feel like spring outside, but it’s just around the corner! That means it’s time to start planning for the return of Kentucky Derby Festival events! Tickets for all 2023 Festival events go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow – Friday, January 27. “We know everyone is […]

FANS CAN PRE-ORDER ONLINE NOW PRIOR TO PUBLIC RELEASE IN MARCH January 20, 2023, Louisville, KY.   –  Hot off the presses! A sign that spring and the Kentucky Derby Festival are on the horizon was front and center this morning as the Festival’s 2023 poster rolled off the presses at Louisville’s Welch Printing. This year’s […]

NATIONAL TEA COMPANY, LUZIANNE, ADDS ANOTHER JEWEL TO THEIR CROWN January 9, 2023. Louisville, KY. – Louisville just got a little more royal this morning, as the Kentucky Derby Festival introduced the 2023 Royal Court during an event at Dillard’s in Mall St. Matthews. Five young women have been selected to serve as Princesses for […]

December 16, 2022. Louisville, KY. – The final countdown is on for finding the perfect present, and the Derby Festival has you covered for several one-of-a-kind gifts for the favorite Festival fan in your life. Here’s a round-up of last-minute gift ideas offering “tree-mendous” value, whether you’re on the hunt for something stylish, experiential or […]

December 14, 2022. Louisville, KY. – A Louisville artist and designer, known for her colorful paint palette and unique technique of using layers of patterns and papers in her work, and whose designs are sold in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores across the country, will play a prominent role in next year’s Derby Festival. […]

Registration Opens TOMORROW!  Dec. 7, 2022. Louisville, KY. – It’s time to condition for your cycling mission! The Kentucky Derby Festival and PNC are gearing up for the annual training program for the 2023 PNC Tour de Lou. The FREE six-week PNC Tour de Lou Training Program offers in-person training options to help participants set […]

November 29, 2022. Louisville, KY. – Looking for a festive gift? Gift the Festival fan in your life with tickets to a 2023 Derby Festival event! Just in time for the holiday season, tickets for some of the Festival’s signature events go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow – Wednesday, Nov. 30. “Spring is […]

REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK FOR 15-WEEK PROGRAM November 10, 2023, Louisville, KY.   – Put a little prep in your step! The Kentucky Derby Festival and Norton Sports Health are ready to run with their annual Training Program for the 2023 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon. The FREE 15-week program is packed with in-person training options […]

DERBY WEEK PARADE TO MARCH ON SUNDAY AGAIN IN 2023 November 2, 2022. Louisville, KY. – If you’ve ever wanted to participate in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual parade, this could be your chance. Applications open this Friday, November 4, for the 2023 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade, which will return on a Sunday for […]

SPECIAL PRICING FOR 10 DAYS IN CELEBRATION OF 10TH ANNUAL RIDE October 13, 2022. Louisville, KY. – Registration for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual cycling experience – the PNC Tour de Lou – opens Thursday, Oct. 20. The event, which is celebrating its 10th year in 2023, is scheduled for Sunday, April 16, 2023. Riders […]

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2023 ROAD RACES TOMORROW September 7, 2022, Louisville, KY. – Kentucky’s largest road race will celebrate a major milestone in 2023, as the Derby Festival miniMarathon marks its 50th run. The GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon is set for Saturday, April 29, 2023. The annual event began with the […]

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2023 OPENS TODAY August 31, 2022. Louisville, KY. –   The search is on for new Kentucky Derby Festival royalty! Young women from Kentucky or Southern Indiana who are full-time college students (in at least their 2nd year) are eligible. Applications open TODAY and the deadline to submit for the 2023 Royal Court […]

August 25, 2022. Louisville, KY. – With heavy hearts, the Kentucky Derby Festival mourns the loss of Bridget Sherrill, Vice President of Merchandising, who celebrated her 50th anniversary with the organization this year and was known for her significant role in the Festival’s Pegasus Pin Program. For Derby Festival staff, Sherrill, who passed away on […]

June 30, 2022. Louisville, KY.   – In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, U.S. Troops from around the world will have the opportunity to experience Thunder Over Louisville. The Kentucky Derby Festival has teamed up with the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, as well as WLKY-TV to share a special presentation of the […]