We’ve rounded up the best Kentucky Derby events for Kentucky Derby 2021 We have done our best to ensure that the details here are accurate, however, with the COVID-19 situation, things can change rapidly, so please check with event organizers to ensure accuracy. This list includes everything from official Kentucky Derby events, Derby Festival events to smaller derby parties and everything in between.

We will be continuing to update this post as we approach Derby day, so check back often for new events. If you have a Derby event you’d like to add, please email Melanie@kyspotlight.com to be considered.

Celebrating at home? Check out our Kentucky Derby Party Planning Guide here.

Get Tickets to Attend the Kentucky Derby

Limited tickets are now available for the Kentucky Derby and additional Derby & Oaks tickets may become available to purchase from existing ticketholders via the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange, the Derby’s only authorized resale platform. Book Kentucky Derby Tickets NOW on Ticketmaster

Read more here about how to get tickets to the Kentucky Derby.

Official Kentucky Derby Week Events

Dawn at the Downs

Watch the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts while enjoying a delicious breakfast.

When:     25-26 April 2021
Where:    Churchill Downs (park near the Paddock Gate), Louisville
Tickets:  From $48, Ticketmaster

 

Champions Day

Champions Day highlights the history and sport of the Kentucky Derby. This year’s Champions Day will celebrate Black Horsemen in Thoroughbred Racing. And will include a tour of the Kentucky Derby museum featuring the black Heritage in Racing Exhibit, a historic walking tour of Churchill Downs, a delicious meal, and stakes race, the Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight.

When:     27 April 2021
Where:    Churchill Downs, Louisville
Tickets:  From $14, Ticketmaster

Thurby

Be a part of the excitement at Thurby, as racing returns under the Twin Spires and Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders visit the Paddock to take a lok around before the big day.

When:     29 April 2021
Where:    Churchill Downs, Louisville
Tickets:  From $60, Ticketmaster

 

Fillies & Lilies Party

Enjoy an evening of live musical performances, dancing, gourmet food buffets and featured cocktails specially created by Superchef Darnell Furguson. This Derby-eve party will be held in the Kentucky Derby Museum after the Oaks Day races, but a Kentucky Oaks ticket is not required for party entry.

When:     30 April 2021
Where:    Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville
Tickets:  $499, Derby Experiences Website

 

Kentucky Oaks

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses – held each year the day before the Kentucky Derby. Aside from thunderous live horse racing, fans celebrate fashion and fundraising for critical women’s health issues.

When:     30 April 2021
Where:    Churchill Downs, Louisville
Tickets:  Ticketmaster

Kentucky Derby Festival Events 2021

Each year the Kentucky Derby Festival hosts more than 70 special events over a 2-week period around Derby Day. Last year, many events were cancelled, but for 2021, the Kentucky Derby Festival is set to return with much the usual schedule. Some restrictions are to be expected due to the continued impact of COVID-19, so pay close attention to the Kentucky Derby Festival website as the events approach.  There are numerous events hosted nearly year-round by the festival committee. Some of the most important events for Kentucky Derby Festival 2021 are listed below:

Touring Pegasus Parade

The 2021 Pegasus Parade, themed “A Tribute to the Community” will feature nearly 20 units, including some colorful inflatables, mascots and Festival VIPs, like the 2021 Royal Court. It will travel over 60 miles and through more than 35 neighborhoods around Louisville.

When:     10-11 April 2021
Where:    Louisville
For more information:  Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade Website

 

Thunder Over Louisville 2021

This year’s Thunder Over Louisville will be themed “Illuminating our Community.” The 2021 version of the popular pre-Derby fireworks show will be a made-for-television event as the air show and fireworks are moved to undisclosed locations throughout the community. Kentucky Derby Festival has created a whole host of “Thunder At home” activities for those who will be celebrating Thunder in their backyard.

When:     17 April 2021
Where:    Undisclosed locations around Louisville, and broadcast on TV
For more information:  Kentucky Derby Festival

 

Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon

This year’s Derby Marathon and mini-Marathon will be held a bit differently than previous years due to the pandemic. Participants will have the opportunity to run in-person and socially-distanced on a new and unique course, as well as the option to participate virtually.

When:     22-25 April 2021
Where:    Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville
For more information:  Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Website

Great BalloonFest Tribute

Hot air balloons will take to the sky in a special tribute to the Great Balloon Race. There won’t be any spectators allowed at the launch of the balloons this year, but be on the lookout for Hot Air Balloons floating through Louisville!

When:     24 April (Rain date 25 April) 2021
Where:    Louisville
For more information:  Great BalloonFest

 

Great Steamboat Race

The Great Steamboat Race has been held on the Ohio river as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival events since 1963. The race will pit 3 vessels against each other – The Belle of Louisville, Belle of Cincinnati and American Duchess will compete for bragging rights. An extremely limited number of tickets aboard the vessels are available.

When:     28 April 2021
Where:    Ohio River, Louisville
For more information:  Kentucky Derby Festival website

 

Kentucky Derby-Eve Galas

Three of the biggest Kentucky Derby-Eve galas, which draw celebrities and well-heeled locals alike are all pausing their Derby Galas for 2021 due to the pandemic.  The Barnstable-Brown Derby Eve Gala, The Trifecta Derby Eve Gala and the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala are all cancelled for 2021.

 

The Kentucky Derby Museum Gala is ON!

Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Kentucky Derby Museum, followed by a seated dinner, dessert and live music. Black tie/formal attire requested.

When:     23 April 2021
Where:    Kentucky Derby Museum
Tickets:  From $550, Kentucky Derby Museum Website

 

Other Kentucky Derby Events in Louisville

Fascinator Workshop & Cocktails

Master Miliner Jenny Pfanenstiel will share all her methods for this Fascinator and Allie Dodson from Maker’s Mark will present and demonstrate how to create the perfect Mint Julep. You’ll receive all supplies for the fascinator, as well as 2 Derby-inspired cocktails, and light bites during the event and a Mint Julep Glass + Muddler to take home.

When:     16 April 2021
Where:    Work the Metal, Louisville
Tickets:  $67, Eventbrite

 

Louisville: Kentucky Derby Museum Derby Season Tours

During Derby Season, the Kentucky Derby Museum will offer five tours that offers something for everything ranging from a sunrise breakfast, to watching Derby contenders workout and exclusive VIP experiences.

When:     17-28 April 2021
Where:    Kentucky Derby Museum
Tickets:  Prices range from $25 to 250, Book tours on the Derby Museum website

Louisville:  Alice in Derbyland

This new show follows Alice as she arrives in DerbyLand just in time for the most wonderful time of the year in Kentucky. The show will have 2 showings and COVID precautions will be taken.

When:     22 and 25 April 2021
Where:    Paristown, Louisville
Tickets:  $30, Go To Louisville Website

 

Louisville: Derby Week “Bourbon Country” Tour

Learn about the history of bourbon and the process in which “America’s Native Spriit” is made. You’ll visit two Kentucky bourbon distilleries for tours and tastings, learning the processes, traditions and styles behind some of today’s top-selling whiskeys. Also included is lunch at a local, Southern-inspired restaurant.

When:     29, 30 April 2021
Where:    Mint Julep Experiences, Louisville
Tickets:  Event Website

 

Louisville: Chubby Ray’s Derby Eve Party

This Derby Eve party at Chubby Ray’s Original Louisville Pizza Co. & Bistro will feature Lindsey Lane Band.

When:     30 April 2021
Where:    Chubby Ray’s, Louisville
For more information:  Facebook

 

Louisville: Rock Station’s Derby Eve Party at New Direction

Party with Rock Station on Derby Eve at New Direction Bar and Grill.

When:     30 April 2021
Where:    New Direction Bar and Grill, Louisville
For more information:  Facebook

 

Louisville: African American Heritage Foundation Derby Day Party 2021

The official Derby Day Party at the African American Heritage Foundation will feature DJ Esco on the music and the bar will be open. 21 and up only.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    African American Heritage Foundation, Louisville
Tickets:  From $20, Eventbrite

 

Louisville: Gallant Fox Derby Party

Gallant Fox Brewing will host their first official Derby Party. They’ll be showing the races, with lots of drink specials and Traveling Kitchen Food Truck.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Gallant Fox Brewing, Louisville
For more information:  Facebook

Kentucky Derby Events and Derby Parties in Other Parts of Kentucky

Shelbyville:  Derby Painting Party

Join Copper Daisy Boutique for some derby fun! Your evening includes all material for your artwork, instruction from Paula Kingsolver, a glass of wine, a cheese tray and a 10% off your shopping coupon.

When:     24 April 2021
Where:    Copper Daisy Boutique, Shelbyville
For more information:  Facebook

 

Paris: Rotary Club of Paris 2021 Annual Run for the Roses Fundraiser

The 2021 Annual Run for the Roses fundraiser will be held at Mustard Seed Hill, outside of Paris in Millersburg, KY. The evening will feature Tom Leach, a Bourbon County native who will handicap the 147th Kentucky Derby. There will also be a full dinner, a live performance of My Old Kentucky Home and an Auction.

When:     29 April 2021
Where:    Mustard Seed Hill, Millersburg
Tickets:  $50, Eventbrite

 

Lexington:  Derby Hat Contest and Dance Party

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a night of fun, dancing and a hat contest. The night will begin with a 30 minute group dance class followed by a night of dancing and a hat contest.

When:     30 April 2021
Where:    The Ballroom House, Lexington
Tickets:  $10 for non TBH Members, Facebook

 

Lexington: Watch the Derby at Keeneland

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby at Keeneland. With over 1,000 tvs, access to wagering, great food, and live music, Keeneland is the perfect place to watch the Run for the Roses.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Keeneland, Lexington
Tickets:  Keeneland Website

Lexington:  Derby Party at Curbside Bar

Curbside Bar will be hosting a derby party in Lexington, KY with live music, games and more.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Curbside Bar, Lexington
For more information:  Facebook

 

Harrodsburg: Kentucky Derby After Party

Come with your best Derby attire and don’t forget the hat! Best hat wins! The Food truck will be smokin with some amazing food and there will be live music by Matthew Castle.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Rock Haven Cigar Tap Pour House, Harrodsburg
For more info:  Facebook

 

Bardstown:  Derby Party at My Old Kentucky Home Country Club

Members and friends are invited to celebrate Derby Day at My Old Kentucky Home Country Club in Bardstown. Expect cocktails, food, music and horse racing. RSVP required.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Old KY Home Country Club, Bardstown
For more information:  Facebook

New Haven: KY Derby Party at Long Branch

Long Branch Saloon is having their annual Derby at Long Branch Party. Expect all day events followed by The Cotton Johnson Band performing that evening.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Long Branch Saloon, New Haven
For more information:  Facebook

 

Owensboro:  Kentucky Derby Party @ The American Legion

This Derby party in Owensboro will feature Derby race pots, a live auction, Derby trivia, best hat and face masks contests, food and drink specials and more.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    American Legion, Owensboro
For more information:  Facebook

 

Newport:  Derby Day Party Tent

Food, fun, prizes and more outside under the big tent with 103.5 WGRR. The party will feature sweet meats BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream Food Trucks. Wagering windows available.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    Newport Racing & Gaming, Newport
For more information:  Facebook

 

Bellevue:  Kentucky Derby Party at The Fairfield Venues

Join this Derby Party for a night of fun, food, mint juleps, a bourbon raffle, and to watch the big race.

When:     1 May 2021
Where:    The Fairfield Venues, Bellevue
For more information:  Facebook

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