The Kentucky Derby
In its 140th year, The 2014 Kentucky Derby is finally here! Raise the stakes, toast to the odds and bet on your favorite at Churchill Downs on Saturday. “The most exciting two-minutes in sports” promises to be a day of thrills, the rarest of sights to see, and a Kentucky tradition like no other. Experience American horse racing society in its finest moment at the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
May 3, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Churchill Downs
700 Central Ave
www.kentuckyderby.com
502-636-4400
Celebrate Oaks Day at the Jim Beam Distillery
Jim Beam will celebrate Oaks Day with a party! In addition to guided tours of the Beam distillery – the largest producer of bourbon in the world – and the delicious barbeque offerings of Fred’s Smokehouse, the party will include live music, samplings of the Beam family’s mint julep recipes and a chance to meet and mingle with Beam family members.
May 2, 12 – 4 p.m.
Jim Beam Distillery
526 Happy Hollow Road
Clermont, KY 40110
www.americanstillhouse.com
502-543-9877
Free
Oaks and Smokes Block Party at the Icehouse
Live music, cigars and the best cuisine- all in the name of the Derby eve gala. The Ice House will shut down E. Washington St. on Friday, May 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight for its Oaks and Smokes Derby eve gala. Crushed Ice Events executive chef Laurence Agnew’s signature Kentucky inspired dishes and drinks will pair with cigars and live music for one of the best places to enjoy an outdoor Derby celebration away from Churchill Downs. Proceeds from the annual event benefit local charity, Kentucky Harvest that provides meals for the less fortunate in the Bluegrass state.
May 2, 7 – 11 p.m.
226 E. Washington St.
Louisville, KY 40202
www.oaksandsmokes.com
502-894-9999
$125
2014 Triumph Gala - hosted by Clark Memorial Hospital Foundation
Let's Toast Before They Post! Please join us for Southern Indiana's Premier Derby Eve party. Don't miss this celebration of hope, survival, and life, benefitting Cancer Care Services and Health Education initiatives at Clark Memorial Hospital. The Triumph Gala will be held the evening following the running of the Kentucky Oaks. Guests will enjoy dinner, music by Jamey Abersold and 100 percent Poly, and auction.
May 2, 7:30 – 12:30 a.m.
Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyards
19816 Huber Road
Borden, IN 47106
www.triumphgala.com
812-283-2105
$100 general admission/ $250 VIP
Derby Eve Reggae Night
Dance to Derby with Reggae Night! The only place dedicated to Reggae music is located in the heart of downtown Louisville at the Addis Bar & Grill. Rock out and dance out with DJ Mixa & Guest DJ playing the latest and greatest Reggae, Soca, Hip Hop and more.
May 2, 11 – 3:30 a.m.
Addis Bar & Grill
109 s. 4th street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-418-3414
$5.00
Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant After Derby Party
Celebrates the Run for the Roses with a special Derby Party of Kentucky bourbon and cuisine. Guests can choose from two options: dinner and drinks for $100; or drinks only for $75. The evening will feature a full buffet dinner, a live entertainment band, extraordinary flavors and specialty cocktails. Down One Bourbon Bar boasts a featured Bourbon spot along Louisville’s expanding Bourbon Row and features more than 100 bourbons, rye whiskeys, local craft beer, specialty cocktails and distinctive wines by the glass. Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant is featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “Best in the World: Must-See Places in 2014” and the number three Best Bourbon Bar in Kentuckiana by Louisville.com.
May 3, 7 – 11 p.m.
Down One Bourbon Bar
321 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
www.downonebourbonbar.com
502-566-3259
$100 dinner & drinks or $75 drinks only
28th Annual Billy's Burger Bash at Varanese Restaurant
Savor the delectable food and dance to live music at Varanese Restaurant. The party is free and open to anyone who has the energy to attend one last Derby event. The evening will include live music, dancing, a late night menu of appetizers, bar bites, burgers and fries and drink specials.
May 3, 11 – 2 a.m.
Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY 40206
www.varanese.com
502-899-9904
Free
Local author Barbara Sullivan-Nelson Signing at Carmichael’s
Carmichael's welcomes local author Barbara Sullivan-Nelson for a reading from her new science fiction thriller Dowsing the Universe. Barbara Sullivan-Nelson began writing inspirational articles after her retirement as a successful business owner and operator. She is the author of Tracking and Ryan’s World. Join Carmichael’s in this book reading in support of local Louisville.
May 4, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Carmichael's Bookstore
2720 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
www.carmichaelsbookstore.com
502-896-6950
Free
WizeCrackz & Silly Sundayz
Comeday Caravan brings the laughs as the post-Derby world goes on. WizeCrackz Media is back with Silly Sundayz and they have made it bigger and better for their loyal fans. WizeCrackz Media will be showcasing a group of diverse comics that will be sure to smack everyone's funny bones.
May 4, 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Comedy Caravan
1250 Bardstown Rd
Louisville, KY 40204
laughingderby.com
502-459-0022
$12
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
