Kentucky Derby Festival

While the Kentucky Derby is the “most exciting two minutes in sports”, the fun and activities actually last much longer than two minutes. Kicked off two weeks earlier with Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Festival consists of over 70 events celebrating the “Run for the Roses”.

Kentucky Derby Festival Highlights

Thunder Over Louisville – this kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival attracts over 700,000 visitors from around the area to Louisville’s waterfront. “Thunder” begins at 3:30pm with a spectacular air show featuring over 60 aircrafts, both military and civilian, and concludes with the largest fireworks display in the United States at 9:30pm

Derby Festival Marathon and Mini-Marathon- consisting of runners from all 50 states and some foreign countries, the Marathon and Mini-Marathon is one of the largest races in the country with roughly 10,000 runners competing in the “mini” and 2,000 going the full distance.

Great Steamboat Race – a steamboat race on the Ohio River between the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen.

Great Balloon Race – a hot air balloon race consisting of over 40 balloons

Pegasus Parade – the festivals oldest event, the Parade attracts over 200,000 spectators and features celebrities and amazing floats.

The full list of Kentucky Derby Festival events and dates will be posted as soon as they are announced.

Please visit the Kentucky Derby Festival website for more information.