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    A showcase of sportsmanship, equine excellence, fashion, bourbon and milliners' marvels, Derby weekend is an almost nonstop Louisville party, with Churchill Downs at its epicenter. There's a little something for everyone happening around town this weekend:

     

    Friday 5/6

    Kentucky Oaks | Churchill Downs
    The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses - held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1 Million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland of lilies, appropriately named “lilies for the fillies.” Like the Kentucky Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks race is one of the longest continually held sporting events in American history, and one of the only horse races to take place at the original site of its inception. Aside from thunderous live horse racing, fans celebrate fashion and fundraising for critical women’s health issues.
    When: May 6, 8:00-8:30 PM
    Where: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208
    Website
    Cost: Varies
     
     
    Waterfront Park | Derby Eve Jam with Audien
    The Kentucky Derby Festival is turning up the bass with the 2016 Derby Eve Jam at the Waterfront Jam. The show will kick off at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 6, on the Great Stage.
    The Kentucky Derby Festival Waterfront Jam will include live music on two stages at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville featuring over 30 local and regional bands and 7 national acts beginning Thursday, April 28. 
    When: May 6, 9:00-12:00 AM
    Where: Waterfront Park, 1 River Road, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website
    Cost: Free with Pegasus Pin

     

    KFC Yum! Center | Second Annual Derby City BrewFest
    This Derby Eve event will feature more than 100 beers from 28 local and regional craft brewers, including Kentucky Guild of Brewers (KGB) members, Little Kentucky Riverwine and a Bourbon sampling. Live music will be provided by Quiet Hollers, Jericho Woods, Carly Moffa, Uncommon Houseflies, Hot Brown Smackdown and Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, who will host a CD release party at BrewFest.
    When: May 6, 5:00-11:00 PM
    Where: KFC YUM! Center Plaza, 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website
    Cost: $30 - $75 

     
     
    Speed Art Museum | Oaks Brunch
    Join the Speed Art Museum pARTnership for the 2016 Oaks Brunch. Tickets are $150 per person, and transportation from the Speed Art Museum to Churchill Downs is included. For more information, contact Joanne Caridis at 502-634-2734.
    When: May 6, 9:00-1:00 PM
    Where: The Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. Third Street, Louisville, KY 40208
    Website
    Cost: $150
     

    Jim Beam | Perfect Mint Julep Day Celebration
    Jim Beam is kicking off Derby season with a Perfect Mint Julep Day Celebration on Friday, May 6 at the Jim Beam distillery. Bourbon fans near and far who are of legal drinking age are invited to joinseventh generation Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe for a day full of live music, tours of the Jim Beam distillery, delicious bourbon-inspired fare and samples of the Beam family Mint Julep recipe. Guests who purchase a bottle of bourbon at the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse on this day will also be given the opportunity to have it signed by Fred Noe and Baker Beam from 1 – 4PM. Must be 21+ years old.
    When: May 6, 10:00-5:00 PM
    Where: Jim Beam American Stillhouse, 526 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110
    Website
    Cost: $22, RSVP required
     
     
    Buffalo Trace | Derby Eve Distilled: Bourbon & Culinary Experience 
    Join us on the eve of the 2016 Kentucky Derby for Derby Eve Distilled! This all-inclusive event Bourbon & Culinary event at Buffalo Trace Distillery that includes an After Hours Private Distillery Tour & Tasting, a Bourbon Inspired Dinner, Signature Cocktails, Live Bluegrass Band and Cigars on the Porch! The cost is $289 per person which includes includes transportation from Downtown Louisville, Tour Guide, Distillery Tour/Tasting, Bourbon Inspired 3 Course Dinner, Cigar or Mini Julep Cup and 2 Signature Cocktails (cash bar also available) Tour departs at 3:45pm from the Galt House Hotel in Downtown Louisville and returns at approx. 10:00pm.
    When: May 6, 3:45-10:00 PM
    Where: Buffalo Trace Distillery, 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601
    Website
    Cost: $289
     

    4th Street Live! | Budweiser Presents: Derby Eve with 3rd Eye Blind
    Although often lumped into the post-grunge category, Third Eye Blind sported a brighter sound than many of their late-'90s peers, taking as much influence from classic pop/rock traditions as the angst-ridden music that dominated the decade. The group scored its first hit in 1997, when the debut single "Semi-Charmed Life" cracked the Top 10. Third Eye Blind built upon that success throughout the following three years, releasing a number of singles (three of which cracked the Top 10) while touring with the likes of U2 and Oasis.
    When: May 6, 6:00-11:00 PM
    Where: 4th Street Live!, , Louisville, KY
    Website 
    Cost: $10 cover 
     
     
    The Kentucky Derby Museum | Fillies and Lillies
    Join Derby Experiences on Friday, May 6th, 2016 at the Kentucky Derby Museum for the Fillies & Lilies Party, which will feature a live performance from Grammy award-winning artist Wynonna Judd, a private bourbon lounge, and so much more! A portion of the proceeds from this exclusive kick-off party will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), a not-for-profit organization that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain, and rehome Thoroughbreds after their racing careers.
    When: May 6, 7:30-12:00 AM
    Where: The Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
    Website
    Cost: $599
     
     
    Club Liv | 50 Cent Derby Takeover
    Rapper 50-Cent is hosting a Derby Eve Party in Louisville. The 50 Cent Derby Takeover will happen Friday, May 6, at Club Liv on West Liberty Street. The party will feature several DJs, celebrities and food vendors. Guests will include DJ E-Feezy, The Wolf of South Beach. Young Buck, DJ Fresh, (Rich Homie Quan’s DJ) and DJ Slikk will be a part of what promoters are calling the "Main Event." There will be a Taste Room with some of Louisville’s top chefs. The Seafood Lady and Latricia Soul Food will be there, too. The party is expected to last from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m .
    When: May 6, 11:00-6:00 AM
    Where: Club Liv, 133 W Liberty St, Louisville, KY
    Website
    Cost: $53.75

     

    Saturday 5/7

    Churchill Downs | Kentucky Derby 142
    Experience the thrill of the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" on May 7, 2016 under the iconic Twins Spires of Churchill Downs.
    When: May 7, 8:00-8:30 PM
    Where: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208
    Website
    Cost: Varies
     
     
    Against the Grain | Neighborhood Derby Party
    You're invited! Join us May 7 for a casual race day soiree. We don’t have boxes or a paddock, but we do have beer and a sweet patio. It’s going to be across-the-board fun with our giant outdoor games, themed photo opt, and race day screenings. Sip on Pomegranate Mint Juleps and Finlandia Oak Lilies, but don’t forget to try our exclusive bourbon ball inspired brew, Strai8ht Ballin’, brewed in collaboration with Ei8ht Ball Brewing! Dive into our Kentucky Classic menu showcasing our Hot Brown sandwich, Derby Pie doughnuts, and Woodford Double Oaked truffles. Horse around from open to close!
    When: May 7, 11:00-2:00 AM
    Where: Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse, 401 East Main St. at Slugger Field, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website
     
     
    Butchertown Grocery | Red Carpet Derby Dinner
    Butchertown Grocery will host its first Kentucky Derby party Saturday, May 7 from 7 p.m. to midnight. In honor of the 142nd Run for the Roses, a red carpet step-and-repeat will welcome guests inside the chic eatery for an upscale post-race celebration with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the downstairs dining room, and live music and a variety of action stations in the upstairs bar. A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s festivities will benefit neighboring non-profits, Home of the Innocents and the soon-to-open Hildegard House.
    When: May 7, 7:00-12:00 AM
    Where: Butchertown Grocery, 1076 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206
    Phone: 502-742-8315
    Cost: $125

     

    Sunday 5/8

    The Galt House Hotel | Mother’s Day Brunch
    It’s more than a Mother’s Day Brunch, it’s a celebration of all things Mom. Brunch in the Fountain Room will include made-for-you omelets, Belgian Waffles, hand-carved beef with rosemary demi, grilled swordfish, chicken breast, pasta station, sweets display, and a special Children’s buffet! Guests will be invited to stroll through a botanical garden and they can bring a camera to take a family photo. The Mother’s Day Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 8th. Adults are $36, children ages 4-12 are $16 and children ages 3 and under are free.
    When: May 8, 12:00-12:00 AM
    Where: Galt House Hotel, 140 North Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40202
    Website
    Phone: 502-568-4241
    Cost: $36 per adult; $16 per child
     
     
    8UP | Help Mom Recover after Derby Weekend 
    Join us for a special a la carte brunch, courtesy of Chef Jacob Coronado. You and your mom can enjoy brunch from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Can’t make it to brunch? 8Up will be open for dinner from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. To make a reservation, please call or visit our website.
    When: May 8, 8:00-2:00 PM
    Where: 8UP, 350 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website
    Cost: Varies

     
    Brasserie Provence | Mothers Day Brunch
    Give mom the gift of Provence! She will enjoy our 3-course Mother's Day Brunch with choices 11am-2pm on Sunday, May 8.
    When: May 8, 11:00-2:00 PM
    Where: Brasserie Provence, 150 N Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40222
    Phone: (502) 883-3153
    Cost: $35 per adult; $15 per child (under 12)
     
     
    4th Street Live! | Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
    Bring your friends and family and enjoy the Mariachis, the balloons, the face-painting, the piñatas and special dance performances as well as our area’s best Latino salsa groups! Cinco de Mayo at downtown Louisville is a free fiesta for everyone! Hosted by the Mayor’s Office for Globalization’s Louisville Latino Council. Sponsors: Fourth Street Live, LG&E and Adhawks, LLC.
    When: May 8, 1:00-9:00 PM
    Where: 4th Street Live!, 400 S. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website
    Cost: Free
     

     

    Cover Photo: Gail Kamenish

    Michelle Eigenheer's picture

    About Michelle Eigenheer

    A Louisville transplant beginning to appreciate all the city's small things.

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