LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival party truly kicks off Thursday morning when Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville opens on the Waterfront.

What You Need To Know

  • Kroger's Fest-a-Ville opens Thursday, April 27 at 11 a.m.

  • Admission is free for everyone on opening day

  • Admission afterwards is a Pegasus Pin

  • Fest-a-Ville features events, rides, concerts and food

A ribbon cutting ceremony for everyone to attend will signal its official opening at 11 a.m. On opening day, admission is free. No one will need a Pegasus Pin to enjoy all fun and food. After Thursday pins will be needed for admission and fans can pick them up at Fest-a-Ville. Another opening day treat for fans will be the opportunity to taste $2 and $4 food samples during Flavors of Fest-a-Ville. That happens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fest-a-Ville is one of the Derby Festival’s signature events. It features live entertainment, food, midway rides, hot air displays and more. It is open daily through May 5 from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. 

KDF always wants to bring more excitement to its events and this year two new events are debuting at Fest-a-Ville. The first is a silent disco. Attendees will wear wireless headphones and shake their groove things. The silent disco will happen on opening day, April 27 and during the Derby Eve Jam on Friday, May 5 from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. in the Grove. Headphones are free to the first 50 dancers each night, everyone else will need to pay $10 per headphone.

The other new event is the Exotic Cars & Coffee Car Show on Saturday, April 28 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on the Great Lawn. Exotic, muscle, imports, German and American cars will be showcased.

Other events at Fest-a-Ville include: 

  • Kentucky Derby Festival Chow Wagon: Open during the entire nine days of Fest-a-Ville.Happy Hour Weekdays: 4-6 p.m. $4 beers at the Beer Garden.  

    Chow Wagon booths are being set up at Waterfront Park for this year's Thunder Over Louisville on April 22, 2021 (Spectrum News 1/Diamond Palmer)

  • Flavors of Fest-a-Ville: Attendees can stop by for lunch and sample favorites from a variety of vendors at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon. It’s open weekdays, only from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Samples range from $2 to $4. 

  • Pegasus PlayVille: This features a variety of kid-friendly activities, including Charlie Chopper, Rainbow Rock, Fun Slide, Lil Wheel and more. 

  • Kentucky Derby Festival Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 28, noon-1 p.m. Fan can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline.

  • Kentucky Derby Festival Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m. Special meet-and-greet with Ohio Valley Wrestling 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.  

  • L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow: Friday, April 28, 9 p.m. This Festival favorite event returns to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville for the second year. Featuring over a dozen balloons lighting up the city skyline. 

  • Kentucky Derby Festival 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.  

  • Kentucky Derby Festival Sunday Funday Drag Show Brunch: Sunday, April 30, 1-3 p.m. Produced by the Louisville Pride Foundation. Food and drinks are 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.  

  • Kentucky Derby Festival HappyTail Hour: Monday, May 1, 5-8 p.m. Bring your fur babies to this pet-friendly event on the Great Lawn. Coordinated by Metro Animal Services. 

  • Military Day is on Friday, May 5, with free admission all day for veterans and active military with their military ID. 

Highlights of this year’s concert line-up are performances by local, regional and national acts, including Kentucky singer/songwriter Elvie Shane, known for his hit single, “My Boy,” and who will be in the spotlight Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.  

Midnight Star, a soul, disco and R&B group who had its beginnings on the campus of Kentucky State University before catapulting to national stardom with their 1980’s hit, “No Parking on the Dance Floor,” will take the stage on Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. with special guest DJ Mixx.  

Louisville native and R&B singer Marzz, who has opened for Jack Harlow, will perform on Monday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Quinnette. 

Other performers taking the stage include: 

  • Joslyn & The Sweet Compression with special guest Soul Circus: Thursday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. 

  • GospelFest: Sunday, April 30, 6-9 p.m. This Gospel Choir Showcase features performances by Jamar Esaw & Triad: 4 Christ, Young Men 4 Christ, Jesse Williams & Total Praise, Antwan Jenkins & Campfire, as well as local church choirs, praise teams and solo acts.

  • 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. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at local retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events.

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