LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Fest-a-Ville is set to return to Louisville's Waterfront Park next month, offering nine days of concerts, festival food and family-friendly fun from Thursday, April 27 through Friday, May 5.

New this year are a car show and silent disco, joining the fan-favorite experience that features the Chow Wagon, Balloon Glow and Ken-Ducky Derby. Fest-a-Ville is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Highlights of this year’s concert line-up are performances by local, regional and national acts, including Kentucky singer/songwriter Elvie Shane, soul-disco group Midnight Star and Louisville native and R&B singer Marzz.

Other performers spanning a variety of genres will also take the stage:

• Joslyn & The Sweet Compression with special guest Soul Circus: Thursday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. 
• GospelFest: Sunday, April 30, 6-9 p.m.
• J.D. Shelburne with special guest Frankie Moody: Wednesday, May 3, 7:30 p.m.
• Velcro Pygmies with special guest Rock Station: Thursday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.
• Derby Eve Jam featuring Thunderstruck America’s AC/DC Tribute Band with special guest The Wilson Brothers: Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.

Admission to Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin, which are $7 in advance or $10 at the entrance. However, admission on opening day is free.

Here's a rundown of some of the premiere experiences at this year's Fest-a-Ville:

• Louisville Silent Disco: Taking place on Opening Day on Thursday, April 27 and during the Derby Eve Jam on Friday, May 5, 7:30-10:30 p.m., in the Grove. Attendees can wear glowing wireless headphones and dance to music amongst other Fest-a-Ville goers during a silent disco, which makes its debut this year.
• Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 28, noon-1 p.m. Festivalgoers can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline.
• Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-For-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.
• Great Balloon Glow: Friday, April 28, 8 p.m., featuring over a dozen balloons lighting up the city skyline.
• Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 29, 4-5 p.m. See the launch of nearly 50,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville.
• Exotic Cars & Coffee Car Show: Saturday, April 29, 4-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Enjoy exotic, muscle, imports, German and American cars from all across the region under the lights.
• Sunday Funday Drag Show Brunch: Sunday, April 30, 1-3 p.m. Produced by the Louisville Pride Foundation, this event showcases some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. Food and drinks available for purchase. $150 VIP Experience includes prime seating for a table of six, $50 in food and drink tickets and a special swag bag.
• HappyTail Hour: Monday, May 1, 5-8 p.m. Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event on the Great Lawn. Coordinated by Metro Animal Services.