LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Derby Festival highlight is almost here. The nine-day Kroger Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront will open Thursday, April 25 with an 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The event is open daily until Derby Eve, Friday, May 3, and admission is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Along with favorites such as concerts, food and midway rides, this year's festival includes several new events. A drone show will take place nightly at 9:30 p.m., featuring an estimated 75 to 100 drones. The festival said three different shows will be in the rotation, meaning visitors can attend multiple times and see a new show. Two balloon glows are also set for Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26 at 9 p.m., where guests can watch balloons glow against the night sky synchronized to a special music score.

Looking to "Shake It Off" in "Style?" Taylor Swift fans can do just that Saturday, April 27 at the Taylor Swift Silent Disco, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Grove. Visitors can come decked out in their favorite Swift era, wear their glowing headphones and dance the night away on the Waterfront. Two channels will play Swift's hit songs while a third will feature other top hits. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.

Returning for a second straight year is "Exotic Cars and Coffee," April 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn. Guests can enjoy different types of cars under the lights, along with an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. recognizing "Best of Show," "Best American Muscle" and "Best Euro/German/Import." Car enthusiasts can also visit the next day, Sunday, April 28, for a Custom Car Showcase from noon to 5 p.m., featuring detailed custom cars from across the U.S. and Canada.

Rounding out the new events are a movie night featuring a showing of the hit movie "Barbie" Wednesday, May 1 at 8:30 p.m. in the Grove and performances from the Louisville Turners Circus Thursday, May 2 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Lawn, featuring a mix of aerial and ground acts.

Other festival events include:

• Chow Wagon, an outdoor food and live music venue open all nine days, including Happy Hour Weekdays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $4 beers at the Beer Garden

• Pegasus Play-Ville, which features a variety of kid-friendly activities such as Charlie Chopper, Little Wheel, Fun House, Fun Slide and more

• Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront, Friday, April 26, noon, Great Lawn, is a yoga event where festival goers can relax and recharge with views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline

• Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes, Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Great Lawn, will feature a meet-and-greet with Ohio Valley Wrestling Stars at 5 p.m., followed by six matches, including an "Every Man for Himself Free-For-All" over the top rope Battle Royal

• Kentucky Derby Festival Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show, Saturday, April 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage, will feature some of Louisville's prominent entertainers. Guests can purchase a $350 VIP Experience, featuring prime seating for a table of eight, plus $80 in food and drink tickets. Individual VIP tickets are $35 (18 and over only)

• Ken-Ducky Derby, Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will see nearly 50,000 ducks launch into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. The Call to the Post and Duck Drop is 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Harbor House of Louisville

• Mascot Party presented by the League of the Mascots, Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• GospelFest, Sunday, April 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage, will include a gospel artist and choir showcase with performances by Jason Clyborn & Thee Ensemble, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Kenny Lewis & One Voice and more

• Fitness Day, Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Lawn

• HappyTail Hour, Tuesday, April 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Great Lawn, where visitors can bring their four-legged friends for a pet-friendly evening

• Great Steamboat Race Watch Party, Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Great Lawn

• Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match, Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Great Lawn. The live televised event will feature a four-corner battle with HollyHood Haley J, Freya The Slaya, Leila Grey and more, along with a special meet-and-greet at 6 p.m.

• Motorcycle Night on the Lawn, Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m. to close

• Heroes in Education Day, Thursday, May 2, will offer free admission for educators

• Military Day, Friday, May 3, will offer all-day free admission for veterans and active military with their military ID

A variety of local and regional acts will perform daily on the Miller Lite Music Stage, including:

• Thursday, April 25 — Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Moonshine Magnolia (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Blacktop Rodeo (8 p.m. to close)
• Friday, April 26 — Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Frankie Moody (8 p.m. to close)
• Saturday, April 27 — Lampus (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m. to close)
• Sunday, April 28 — Latin Party (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 29 — Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.); V-Groove (8 p.m. to close)
• Tuesday, April 30 — Bill May Trio (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); DJ Honest Ave (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.); The Jesse Lees (8 p.m. to close)
• Wednesday, May 1 — E&R Project (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Eric & The Iconics (3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.); Marine Band (6:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (8 p.m. to close)
• Thursday, May 2 — Jack N Lindsey (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Top Shelf (8 p.m. to close)
• Friday, May 3 — Derby Eve Jam featuring Kimberly Alana (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Most Wanted (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Friday Night Special (8 p.m. to close)

Artists will also perform daily in the Grove.

Admission to the festival is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin, which are $7 at stores and $10 at the entrance to events. Visit the Derby Festival website for more information on Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront and other events.