LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Derby festival enthusiasts will be hopping into bed tonight, but not to sleep. Instead, they'll be racing in the Ashley HomeStore Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races. This year's event is only open to participants, not the public, due to COVID-19 protocols.


What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races run Monday evening

  • Event is only open to participants, not the public

  • This year's theme is "Sweet Dreams"

  • Racing begins at 7 p.m.

To match this year's theme of "Sweet Dreams," competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes based on their favorite desserts, candies and sweets.

The bed racing course will be staged outside the Kentucky Expo Center near the site of the Old Cardinal Stadium. During a pre-race parade at 6 p.m., participants will have a chance to showcase their sweet costumes and bed. The racing will begin at 7 p.m.

This year's course features a brand new drag race format with two 600-feet divisions - the Fun Division and the Champions Division. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the "Cone Eater," "Best Decorated Bed" and "Most Entertaining."