It’s Derby y’all. There is no better place to be than right here, right now. There are so many events going on this week, we had a difficult time narrowing down our top picks. So naturally we added a few extras, because it is Kentucky Derby and you can sleep next week, right?
So what’s on the radar? You mean besides the greatest two minutes in sports? Tons of reasons to make the rest of world jealous they aren’t here in Louisville celebrating with you. Looking for more great events around town? Check out our sweet New2Lou calendar thanks to the fine folks at Do502. Never again will you find yourself out of the social loop. And don’t forget to give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; you’ll be glad you did! And stay tuned for our Derby post, full of great tips for the big day!
Now - Friday (5/1) Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville - The Kentucky Derby Festival continues this week and includes concerts, chow wagon, Wild Turkey #NeverTamed Bourbon tour, and more! Admission is free with a Pegasus Pin, pick one up at any local Kroger. Enter to win one on our Facebook page. View the full schedule of events at discoverkdf.org/krogers-fest-a-ville.
Now - Thursday (4/30) Dawn at the Downs - Spend the morning at the track and watch the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby contenders workout at Churchill Downs. Tickets start at $22 (includes admission, reserved seat, and food) or simply grab a coffee and donut from the vendors at the Main Gate and head down to the rails for FREE.
Wednesday (4/29) Great Steamboat Race - Watch the race between the two Belles, the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati from Waterfront Park or grab a front row seat on your boat of choice. Tickets for the Belle of Louisville are $130 (includes food & drinks, and entertainment) and Belle of Cincinnati are $60 (cruise only) or $80 (food, cruise, and bourbon tasting). For tickets call (502) 584-FEST.
Wednesday (4/29) Kentucky Derby Festival BeerFest - Derby is only about Bourbon and Horses. Thanks to the Kentucky Derby Festival brew is joining the party too. Sample both regional and national craft beers on the waterfront with your BFF. Tickets start at $45. Party starts at 6 pm.
Thursday (4/30) Thurby - And no we aren’t slurring our words. It’s like FRamily, or BRangelina, it’s the Thursday before Derby when the locals hit up the track. Tickets are affordable (starting at $15) and the track is all decked out, but without the large crowds and long lines. Plus you can practice your betting skills before the big day.
Thursday (4/30) Republic Bank Pegasus Parade - Annual Derby Tradition since 1956. The Pegasus Parade will march west on Broadway and the theme is “Best of Louisville”. The parade starts at 5 pm and showcases some of the nation’s finest marching bands and equestrian units, inflatable characters, and colorful floats. Free and open to the public.
Thursday (4/30) Four Roses Derby Party Featuring G. Love - Kick-off your Derby celebrations a little early at this rockin’ party at Mercury Ballroom thanks to Do502 and Do317 (our neighbors to the north). Doors open at 8 pm, show starts at 9 pm. Tickets are $20, win some at new2lou.do502.com. Good luck!
Friday (5/1) Kentucky Oaks - Namesake fillies race, boasts a special flower (Lilly), official cocktail (also the Lilly) and has official charity partners that make the Oaks not only a great experience, but a party with a purpose #girlpower. If you plan on going, be sure to where pink. General admission tickets ($35) are still available.
Friday (5/1) Derby Eve with Murder By Death - After the track hit up this awesome party at Headliners featuring Murder By Death, Morning Teleportation, and Twin Limb. It promises to be a great show and it’s FREE! Doors open at 8 pm, show starts at 9 pm. Tickets are still available, but going fast so RSVP ASAP.
Saturday (5/2) Kentucky Derby - Did you know that the Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously contested sporting events in history? Yep, pretty amazing and here’s your chance to experience the magic in person at the world-famous Churchill Downs. General Admission Tickets ($55) are still available.
Saturday (5/3) Speed of Light/Derby Night Celebration - The greatest event in sports lasts just two minutes… but 21c will go all night! After the ponies are back in the stable, party with the Red Penguins at 21C Musuem Hotel. Tickets are $125 and party starts at 10 pm. Open bar, music and friction’ lasers y’all!
Sunday (5/4) Hangover Brunch - So you’ll probably be a little hung over after partying all weekend. You have two options: 1) stay at home in bed nursing your hangover or 2) saddle up and hop on down to one of Louisville’s brunch hot spots. Our favs: Silver Dollar, Toast on Market, Harvest, Con Huevos, Gralehaus, North End Cafe. Bloody Mary anyone?!?
On the Radar
Monday (5/4) - Saturday (5/31) Hometown Tourist Celebration - In conjunction with National Travel & Tourism Week, Louisville area attractions, restaurants, and hotels are offering special discounts to locals, encouraging them to get out and “be a tourist”. Stop by and celebrate with us on Tuesday (5/5) at the Kick-Off Attractions Showcase from 11 am - 1:30 pm at 4th Street Live!
Wednesday (5/13) New2Lou Social - Mark your calendars for our next 2nd Wed Social newbies! Mix and mingle with the coolest newbies in town. Event is free and open to the public, even if you are “Old2Lou” or “ReNew2Lou”. Details will be posted soon, so stay tuned.
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