LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A renowned lineup of chefs will participate in the 2025 Taste of Derby, Churchill Downs announced.

What You Need To Know

  • The 2025 Taste of Derby is Thursday, May 1 at the Kentucky International Convention Center 

  • The annual culinary celebration kicks off Kentucky Derby weekend

  • Guests can expect an impressive roster of acclaimed chefs for a night of exceptional cuisine

  • Culinary icon Guy Fieri will be among those in attendance 

The annual culinary celebration kicks off Kentucky Derby weekend at the Kentucky International Convention Center. This year's theme is "The Road to the Kentucky Derby," which Churchill Downs said will set the stage "for a culinary journey inspired by the cities that shape the path to the first Saturday in May."

Guests can expect an impressive roster of acclaimed chefs for a night of exceptional cuisine, Churchill Downs said. Each chef's dish will be paired with a selection from Jackson Family Wines.

The event will also include appearances by culinary icon Guy Fieri and Dylan Dreyer, co-host of the 3rd Hour of NBC's TODAY Show.

Here is the lineup for this year's event:

  • Akira Back
  • Maneet Chauhan
  • Dylan Dreyer
  • Todd English
  • Robert Lopez
  • Aaron May
  • Marc Murphy
  • Shota Nakajima
  • Damaris Phillips

“We’re thrilled to welcome this extraordinary group of chefs to the 2025 Taste of Derby,” said Casey Ramage, Churchill Downs vice president of marketing and partnerships. “This event continues to bring together the best in food and sports.”

Churchill Downs added guests can also enjoy offerings from event partners Woodford Reserve, Longines and Q Mixers. Kentucky Derby 151 Artist Tyler Robertson will also be on-site signing official artwork of the Derby.

Taste of Derby will take place Thursday, May 1 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. VIP entry begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by general admission at 7 p.m.

Get your tickets for the 151st Kentucky Oaks (Friday, May 2) and Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 3) by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com or calling 502-636-4447.

To stay informed about everything KDF, Kentucky Oaks or Kentucky Derby, check out Spectrum News 1’s special section.

Related Stories

Connor Smith - Digital Producer

Connor Smith is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined the team in November 2023 and hails from the Chicago area. In summer 2023, he received his Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School in Chicago, where he covered Super Bowl LVII, the Chicago Marathon and other stories around the city.