LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival is officially in full swing and there are even more events on the line-up for festival fans of all ages to enjoy. Festival organizers announced a slate of new events being added to this year’s monthlong celebration in the lead up to the 149th Run for the Roses.
New additions to this year’s celebrations include a sneak peek of the Secretariat exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum, a silent disco, a professional soccer game, car show, a drink and dessert cruise on the Belle of Louisville and a gala. These are all part of the Festival’s schedule of over 70 events produced each year in the month leading up to Kentucky Derby.
The new events on the Derby Festival’s Official Schedule of Events for 2023 include:
Racing Louisville FC home opener
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby Festival and soccer as Racing Louisville FC kicks off its 2023 season at home with an exciting matchup against Washington Spirit on April 1 at 3 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium. You can also purchase a limited-edition Racing Louisville/Kentucky Derby Festival scarf and warmup top. Tickets and more info here.
Secretariat Bourbon Dinner & Exhibit Launch
Be the first to experience the new, immersive Secretariat exhibit celebrating America’s horse at the Kentucky Derby Museum before it opens to the public on April 21. The Secretariat Bourbon Dinner & Exhibit Launch Party is April 20 from 6:15 - 9 p.m. (This event is SOLD OUT.) More info on the exhibit here.
The Derby, Drinks & Dessert Cruise
The Belle of Louisville is helping kick-off the Kentucky Derby Festival with a special post-luncheon cruise on April 21 after the They’re Off! Luncheon presented by BAE Systems, Fifth Third Bank and Heartland. The Derby, Drinks & Dessert Cruise is from 3 to 5 p.m. Head onboard the Belle for Kentucky-inspired desserts, live music by the Hot Sauce Brass Band and horseracing-themed drinks and activities. You might even get to see a preview of the Thunder Over Louisville air show during the excursion. Tickets and more info here.
Louisville Silent Disco
Louisville Silent Disco will be hosting a silent disco on April 27 and May 5 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Grove at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Attendees can wear glowing wireless headphones and dance to music with other Fest-a-Ville goers. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin.
The Athlete’s Derby Gala
The Athlete’s Derby Gala is on April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center, DaVinci Room. The event recognizes the talent, progress and achievements of young athletes, students, women and men in Kentucky with a goal to raise $150,000 for post-secondary scholarships for underserved students. Honoree: Darrell Griffith. Tickets are $150 per person; $1,000 for a table of eight. Produced by One Plus One Equals U, Inc. Tickets and more info here.
The Exotic Cars & Coffee Car Show
Check out exotic, muscle, imports, German and American cars from all across the region under the lights at the Exotic Cars & Coffee Car Show presented by Liberty Federal Credit Union on April 29 from 4 - 8 p.m. at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin.
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