Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner and there’s no shortage of events around town to help you celebrate. From the Courier Journal’s Better Derby Betting event to Derby brunch, fashion shows, cocktail classes, a children’s tea, and more.
Here are more than 25 events happening, in date order, between now and May 4 to help you celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Model Icon Fashion Show
WHAT: The fashion show showcases several styles of clothing and accessories with models of all sizes, heights and ages.
WHERE: Shelbyville Conference & Welcome Center, 219 Seventh St., Shelbyville, Kentucky
WHEN: April 7, 5 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $50
MORE INFORMATION:eventbrite.com/e/kentucky-derby-model-icon-fashion-show-tickets.
Derby 150 Birthday Tribute Dinner
WHAT: The Kentucky Derby is turning 150 years old, and the Derby Museum is throwing a party to mark the occasion. Guest will be treated to a special toast of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, led by Master Distiller Chris Morris, a welcome cocktail, a surf and turf dinner, and a birthday cake.
WHERE: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
WHEN: April 11, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
COST: $250
MORE INFORMATION: derbymuseum.org.
Fascinator Affair 2024
WHAT: Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ third annual fashion show and luncheon featuring Kentucky Derby-season accessories for both men and women. Fashions from Ashley Russell Millinery, Peake Ties, Tiffany Woodard Designs, Frances B Hats, and Formé Millinery. Jean West will emcee. Includes lunch from A Full Plate Catering plus drinks.
WHERE: Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: April 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
COST: $100
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit Waterfront Botanical Gardens programs. waterfrontgardens.org/fascinator.
Women’s Council of Realtors presents Derby Chic & Juleps Sips Fashion Show
WHAT: A day full of derby fun with a fashion show, networking, sipping, surprises, and more.
WHERE: Van Gogh Room, Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN: April 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $100
MORE INFORMATION:facebook.com/WCRLouisville.
Children’s Tea with the Derby Princesses
WHAT: “Tea in the Candy Kingdom,” will send children and their parents/guardians to the Royal Land of Candy where they can sip tea, indulge in treats, and enjoy fun activities.
WHERE: Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN: April 21, 1-3 p.m.
COST: $35
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/the-childrens-tea-with-the-derby-princesses-presented-by-the-fillies-tickets.
Derby With J Michael’s
WHAT: Join stylist at J Michael’s Sp & Salon for hairstyle and makeup tips, skincare must-haves, mini-massages, product specials, swag bags, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails by Tartan House, and even some fun Derby-inspired games with prizes. Southern Spired will offer fascinators, hats, and race-inspired accessories, and an infinity jewelry artist will be selling jewelry.
WHERE: J Michael’s Spa & Salon, 4121 Shelbyville Road
WHEN: April 23, 6-9 p.m.
COST: Tickets are $35 and go toward product purchase
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/derby-with-j-michaels-tickets.
Better Derby Betting 2024
WHAT: Learn from experts how to bet on the 150th Running for the Roses. The Courier Journal’s lead horse racing reporter Jason Frakes will host the event alongside a panel of experts including Ed DeRosa of Horse Racing Nation; David Levitch, a former University of Louisville basketball player who is heavily involved in thoroughbred racing through the DC Racing ownership syndicate and as a handicapper, and Bailey Armour of 1/st Bet.
WHERE: Ten20 Craft Brewery, 1020 E. Washington St.
WHEN: April 24. Doors open at 6 p.m. so participants can enjoy food and drinks from MozzaPi and Happy Belly Bistro. The discussion will begin at 7 p.m.
COST: $30 for general admission and $20 for subscribers, plus applicable taxes and fees. Admission includes one drink voucher.
MORE INFORMATION: usatn.enmotive.com/events/better-derby-betting-event.
More:Better Derby Betting is back! Here’s how to get tickets to hear from our racing experts
Kentucky Derby Museum Ball
WHAT: Celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby at the museum with a cocktail hour and dinner, followed by the Backstretch Party with dancing, desserts, and live music. Presented by Central Bank.
WHERE: First Turn Club, Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
WHEN: April 26, 6 p.m.
COST: $650 individual or $5,200 for a table of eight
MORE INFORMATION: derbymuseum.org/ball.html.
Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea
WHAT: Come dressed in your Derby attire at the legendary Seelbach Hotel and enjoy tea sandwiches, savory bites, sweets, and a variety of specially crafted teas. Here stories about high-profile guests such as American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and learn about the secret connection between the Oak Room and the notorious gangster, Al Capone. Proceeds to benefit Louisville Recovery Community Connection.
WHERE: Seelbach Hotel, 500 S. Fourth St.
WHEN: April 27, noon to 3 p.m.
COST: $90 through April 21; $100 beginning April 22
MORE INFORMATION: Derby attire, hats, and fascinators are highly encouraged. Valet parking available. eventbrite.com/e/kentucky-derby-afternoon-tea-tickets.
The Kentucky Bourby
WHAT: Sample a wide range of premium and rare bourbons, there will also be a silent auction, music, live horse racing raffles for bourbon, door prizes and hors d’oeuvres to pair with fine bourbons.
WHERE: Progress Park, 4501 Progress Blvd.
WHEN: April 27, 6-10 p.m.
COST: $100 general admission; $200 VIP (includes early access 5 p.m.)
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit TKO Flight Club. 502 House overnight packages are available. eventbrite.com/e/tko-flight-club-presents-the-kentucky-bourby-2024-tickets.
Polo Field Ladies of Derby Golf Scramble
WHAT: Ladies get ready for a day of golf and to support Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky. This is a 2-person golf scramble.
WHERE: Polo Fields Golf & Country Club, 17001 Polo Fields Lane
WHEN: April 28, noon to 6 p.m. Noon check-in, shot gun start at 1 p.m.
COST: $75 per person
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky. eventbrite.com/e/polo-fields-ladies-of-derby-golf-scramble-registration.
Mayor’s Derby Brunch on the River
WHAT: Come out and enjoy a festive brunch featuring a traditional Kentucky breakfast, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and tours of the Farnsley-Moremen property.
WHERE: Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing, 7410 Moremen Road
WHEN: April 28, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
COST: $120 for individuals or $900 for a table of 8.
MORE INFORMATION: 502-935-6809 or riverside-landing.org.
Goodtimers ‘Derby Week’ Kick-Off Day Party
WHAT: Celebrate the start of Kentucky Derby week at the Icehouse with live music by DJ Emptybeats and DJ Cam.
WHEN: April 28, 5-10 p.m.
WHERE: The Icehouse, 226 E. Washington St.
COST: Tickets start at $35
MORE INFORMATION: goodtimersentertainment.com.
Derby Cocktail Class
WHAT: In this Debry-themed cocktail class, Frances Leary will teach participants how to make an Old Forester Mint Julep (Old Forester Bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and soda water); Tito’s Lily (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice) and a Woodford Spire (Woodford Reserve Bourbon, cranberry juice, and lemonade).
WHERE: Down One Bourbon Bar, 321 W. Main St.
WHEN: April 30, 6:30-8 pm.
COST: $40 includes three cocktails and light appetizers
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/derby-cocktail-class-tickets.
Pints and Painting: Derby Themes!
WHAT: Create your own Derby painting. Choose from nine different themes including Colorful Louisville skyline, Sunset Horse, Churchill Downs, Blossom Bucket, Joyful Jockeys, Colorful Horse, Race Ready, Windowbox Flowers and Barn-board Horse Heart. All themes will be sketched on for participants and can be customized to their liking.
WHERE: TEN20 Craft Brewery Butchertown, 1020 East Washington St.
WHEN: April 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
COST: $30
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/pints-and-painting-derby-themes-tickets.
Biscuits & Bourbon
WHAT: Enjoy a southern-inspired brunch, music, unlimited Kentucky Bourbon, mimosas, and Bloody Mary’s. The menu includes made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, French Toast, and more. Ticketholders will top off their brunch with a day at the races at Churchill Downs Racetrack during Derby Week. The menu includes made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, French Toast, and more.
WHERE: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
WHEN: May 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
COST: $130
MORE INFORMATION: Sponsored by Angels Envy. derbymuseum.org.
Taste of Derby
WHAT: Indulge in a wide range of culinary delights from 14 chefs, each representing a stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby at the Taste of Derby Party. This party also features live music, open bar, dessert stations, and entertainment.
WHERE: Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S. 4th St.
WHEN: May 2, 7 p.m.
COST: $399 general admission; $499 VIP includes early entree
MORE INFORMATION: Valet service available. derbyexperiences.com/kentucky-derby-2024/taste-of-derby.
Goodtimers 26th Annual Derby Eve Experience
WHAT: A Derby Eve night of celebration at Angels Envy Bourbon Club (inside Cardinal Stadium). Music by DJ Bandcamp.
WHEN: Friday, May 3, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
WHERE: 2800 S. Floyd St.
COST: Tickets start at $45
MORE INFORMATION: goodtimersentertainment.com
Roses on the Runway
WHAT: Witness a fierce fashion extravaganza as Roses on the Runway takes center stage, where style blooms and models strut their stuff showcasing the latest trends and designs. Sponsored by the Young Nonprofit Foundation
WHERE: Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN: May 3, 4-7:30 p.m.
COST: $40 general admission; tables are sold out.
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/roses-on-the-runway-tickets.
Roses After Dark
WHAT: Roses After Dark is a night filled with music, art and entertainment.
WHERE: Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN: May 3, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
COST: $100 general admission; $120 table seating
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/roses-after-dark-tickets.
Silks Bash
WHAT: Enjoy authentic mint juleps, a Kentucky Derby hat contest, live horse races, live music, VIP lounge, food and more
WHERE: Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane
WHEN: May 3, 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
COST: $150 general admission; $250 VIP
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit Operation Open Arms. silksbash.com.
Old Louisville Whiskey Co.’s Oaks Day Brunch
WHAT: Set against the backdrop of the front lawn at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with a breakfast brunch provided by Terri Lynn’s Catering by Design, plus live music, cocktails and live coverage of the races.
WHERE: The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court
WHEN: May 3, 10 a.m.
COST: $100 for individual, $400 for a table of four, $600, table of six
MORE INFORMATION: conradcaldwell.org/oaks-day-brunch.
Hillbilly Outfield Kentucky Derby Party
WHAT: Family-friendly weekend backyard party features games, food drinks, a silent auction, live music, camping, and a corn hole tournament. Kentucky Derby coverage and more.
WHERE: 12202 Old Shelbyville Road
WHEN: May 3, 4 p.m. and continuing through May 4
COST: For ages 21 and older: $55 cash in advance, $60 advance online, $70 cash day of party, $75 credit card day of party. All other tickets are available at the door with the purchase of an adult ticket. $30 for ages 11-20, $10 for ages 6-10, free for ages 5 and younger.
MORE INFORMATION: hillbillyoutfield.org.
30th Annual Derby Eve Gala
WHAT: Enjoy a gourmet dinner with wine service, a full-service hosted bar, dancing, and music by Burning Las Vegas. Proceeds to benefit the American Lung Association in Kentucky.
WHERE: Seelbach Hilton, 500 S. Fourth St.
When: May 3, 8 p.m. to midnight
COST: $400
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/events/seelbach-hotel/american-lung-association-derby-eve-gala
2nd Annual Derby Breakfast
WHAT: Begin your Kentucky Derby morning with cocktails in the Library Bar with passed hors d’oeuvres and live music, followed by a 4-course breakfast. The event features signature Woodford Reserve Bourbon cocktails, Jackson Family fine wines, live music, and an elegant, seated breakfast experience.
WHERE: Omni Hotel Louisville, Library Bar, 400 S. Second St.
WHEN: May 4, 9 a.m.
COST: $375
MORE INFORMATION: oaksandderby.com/derby-breakfast.
Paristown’s Derby Day Garden Party
WHAT: The party includes food, bluegrass music, and live streaming of the races on a giant LED video screen and on TV’s located throughout the area. Local handicappers will also be on site to inform the crowd on their picks prior to each race. Craft cocktails and beverages featuring Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Finlandia, Tequila Herradura, and Korbel will be available throughout Paristown.
WHERE: Outdoor pavilion and inside the Café Atrium, Paristown, 731 Brent St.
WHEN: May 4, noon to 8 p.m.
COST: $25, $10 for ages 11-17; VIP $150 and includes include two complimentary cocktails, a box lunch from the Café, private indoor space with restrooms, and all-access throughout Paristown.
MORE INFORMATION: paristown.com.
Historic Homes Foundation Derby Brunch
WHAT: Indulge in a three-hour gourmet buffet crafted by the culinary experts at A Full Plate Catering, plus an open bar featuring Blade & Bow Bourbon, Tito’s Vodka, and more. Live music by Electria Strings and valet parking.
WHERE: Farmington, 3033 Bardstown Road
WHEN: May 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
COST: $275 per person, table of eight, $2,000
MORE INFORMATION: historichomes.org/derbybreakfast.
Hermitage Farm Derby Brunch
WHAT: Experience the epitome of Kentucky elegance at the Hermitage Farm Derby Brunch, will feature an open ultra-premium bar and delectable food prepared by our culinary team at Barn8 Restaurant. As you mingle, immerse yourself in the ambiance of live Gypsy Jazz music.
WHERE: Hermitage Farm, 10500 US 42
WHEN: May 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
COST: $175
MORE INFORMATION: exploretock.com/barn8-restaurant/event/466346/hermitage-farm-derby-day-brunch.
Super Drew’s Crew Derby Fundraiser
WHAT: Featuring food from The Backside Grill, a silent auction with rare bourbons and one-of-a-kind items, a family-friendly area (open from 3 to 6 p.m.) and live music. Proceeds to benefit Super Drew’s Cancer Charity and Norton Children’s Cancer Institute.
WHERE: 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens, 6300 Old La Grange Road, Crestwood
WHEN: May 4, 3-11 p.m.
COST: $15-$100
MORE INFORMATION: touroldham.com.
Goodtimers After Derby Finale
WHAT: Just because the Kentucky Derby has been run doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Goodtimers throws party number three of the Derby week celebrations the Sunday after the Kentucky Derby at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall. Music by DJ Bandcamp and DJ Emptybeats.
WHEN: May 5, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
WHERE: Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St.
COST: Tickets start at $32
MORE INFORMATION: goodtimersentertainment.com
Reach News Clerk Gege Reed at [email protected].