Thunder was a blast and officially kicked off the two weeks of craziness leading up to the Kentucky Derby. There are so many events going on the next two weeks, that you may find yourself double or even triple booked. Lucky for you, we’ve hand picked the best of the best just for you. Waterfront Wednesday officially kicks-off today and my oh my how we’ve certainly missed you. Also hot on our radar is Bourbon 102, which is all about cocktails! Everyone should know to make a proper bourbon cocktail, right? Trust us, you don’t want to miss out. Pick up your tickets today, before we run out.
What else is on the radar this week? Plenty of reasons to party hop! Looking for more fun events this week? Check out the local calendars on our events page. For additional info about Derby related festivities, check out the Kentucky Derby Festival website.
Wednesday (4/24) Waterfront Wednesday - The 2013 season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday is finally here and kicking off at the Big Four Lawn. Featured artists: A Lion Named Roar, Leagues and Ra Ra Riot. Gates open at 5 pm, music starts at 6 pm. Free and open to the public. More info, directions, parking, etc.
Thursday (4/25) Bourbon Series: 102 - Learn insider bartender tips on how to make top-notch bourbon cocktails. Mix and taste your cocktail creations while socializing with the coolest new folks in town! You know you want to. Tickets are $35 and space is limited. RSVP ASAP!
Thursday (4/25) - Saturday (4/27) Great Balloon Fest- 40th annual three day event filled with balloon festivities including races, team challenges, glowing balloons in the night. Super cool. Event locations are Louisville Waterfront Park, KY Expo Center and Bowman Field. Free admission with a 2013 Pegasus Pin.
Friday (4/26) Idea Mornings - This month Rajeev Bais, physician, co-founder and medical director of the Survivor Clinic, will speak about Compassion and Survivors of Torture. Location is at Catholic Charities ESL School (2234 W Market St). Coffee and snacks provided. Free and open to the public. Directions and Parking Info.
Friday (4/26) Frat Friday Movie Night - Thanks to the Kentucky Derby Festival you can watch the movie Old School on a giant, inflatable screen at Waterfront Park Great Lawn! Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Movie starts at 9:30 pm. Admission is free with a 2013 Pegasus Pin.
Saturday (4/27) Derby Festival Marathon - If you want to run the half or full marathon and haven’t registered yet, no worries, you still sigh up for a Charity Bib. There are a limited number of bibs and they will be available at the Running Wild Race Expo on a first-come, first-served starting at 4 pm on April 25 at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Saturday (4/27) Opening Night at Churchill Downs - You best brush up on your horse betting skills before the big day (Kentucky Derby next Saturday). Night Racing at Churchill Downs officially kicks off this Saturday from 4-11:30 pm. Guests entering through Gate 10 and Gate 17 will get to walk the “Hollywood Style Red Carpet”. Tickets are $10.
Sunday (4/28) Derby Dish - Enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast at the Kentucky Derby Museum and morning workouts on the track from 10 am - 12 pm. Browse hats by Formé Millinery and enjoy a personalized fitting. Special Guest speaker, Derby winning trainer Jack Van Berg (Alysheba, 1987). Tickets are $30, $25 for Derby Museum Members.
On the Radar
Monday (4/29) Great Bed Races - Teams build a bed on wheels, decorate it, dress in ridiculous costumes and then race. That pretty much sums up the Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Races. Register your own team or simply watch all the fun. Admission is free with a 2013 Pegasus Pin.
Tuesday (4/30) Pecha Kucha Louisville - What is PechaKucha? A night of ideas featuring a series of short presentations, 20 slides at 20 seconds each. This month presenters will share inspirational causes and creations at the Gheens Foundation Lodge at The Parklands of Floyds Fork (1310 South Beckley Station Rd) at 7 pm. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday (5/1) Pimento Cheese Social - Join Garden & Gun, Original Makers Club, Longwood Antique Woods at the Farmington Historic Plantation at 6:30 pm. Pimento Cheese Chef’s Challenge, Artisan Market, Live Music, Signature cocktails and Delicious Down-Home Fixins. Tickets are $35, $25 for Original Makers Club members.
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