2015 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade
The 2015 Pegasus Parade will march down Broadway on Thursday, April 30. This family-friendly annual event showcases some of the nation’s finest marching bands and equestrian units, along with inflatable characters and colorful floats that are designed and decorated to reflect the 2015 theme, “Best of Louisville.”
April 30, 5:00-8:00 PM
Parade Route
Broadway, from Campbell to 9th
Louisville, KY
Tickets [5]
$0 - $30

Thurby of Derby Week
Celebrate the trifecta of Kentucky pride at Thurby, Thursday of Kentucky Derby week. Guests can register for an opportunity to win a box for 6 for the 2015 Kentucky Derby and Oaks. Enjoy great horse racing, an Old Forrester Cocktail showdown, specialty bourbon cocktails, and live music from 91.9 WFPK Radio Louisville!
April 30, 11:00-9:00 PM
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
More info [6]
(502) 636-4400

Jim Beam Perfect Mint Julep Day Celebration
Jim Beam is kicking off Derby season with a Perfect Mint Julep Day Celebration on Thursday, April 30 at the Jim Beam distillery. Bourbon fans near and far who are of legal drinking age are invited to join seventh generation Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe for a day full of live music, delicious barbeque from Fred’s Smokehouse and samples of the Beam family mint julep recipe. Must be 21+ years old.
April 30, 11:00-5:00 PM
Jim Beam American Stillhouse
526 Happy Hollow Road
Clermont, KY 40110
More info [7]
630-346-8722

Celebrity Day at the Downs
Hollywood celebrities highlight the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Celebrity Day at the Downs each year at Churchill Downs. Presented by the Kentuckiana Honda Dealers, this star-studded event is held annually at Churchill Downs, home of the legendary horse race. Stars in the Pegasus Parade and other Festival events are on hand for this an exciting and glamorous day at the races.
For more than twenty years, the luncheon has featured the Grand marshal or Marshals of the parade and recently added more parade celebrities in the last decade as the parade began to draw more entertainers and Hollywood stars.
April 30, 11:30-2:00 PM
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
More info [8]
1-800-928-3378
$115 for single ticket, $920 for table of 8, $1,000 for a preferred table of 8

Horses & Courses
Ladies, show off you hats & heels and gentlemen, grab your bowties as we celebrate your favorite race! Louvino is now taking Thurby, Oaks and Derby, reservations. 
4-Course Prix Fixe seatings: April 30 & Oaks: 5-5:15p, 7-7:15pm, or 9:15-9:30pm; Derby: 6-6:15pm and 9:15-9:30pm
April 30, 11:45-11:45 AM
Louvino
1606 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40205
More info [9]
365-1921
$85/per person with optional $40 premium wine pairing
 

Yelp's Countdown to Derby: Pegasus Parade Watching Party at The Cafe
Why sit on the hard bleachers on Broadway when you can sit under a covered porch, enjoy delicious eats and drinks and take part in activities before and during the Pegasus Parade? The Cafe is playing host to yelpers, with discounted eats and other fun. Bring your family, or bring your coworkers.
April 30, 3:00-6:30 PM
The Cafe
712 Brent Street
Louisville, KY 40204
More info [10]
(502) 589-9191
$5
 

100 Black Men Derby Scholarship Gala
The 100 Black Men of Louisville offers financial assistance to students in their high school mentoring program to assist them in entering college. In order to be eligible for selection, youths must excel in school, stay off drugs and act as Big Brothers and Big Sisters and peer leaders at their respective schools.
April 30, 6:00-11:00 PM
Galt House Hotel
Louisville, KY
More info [11]
$200
 

Sixth Annual Taste of Derby
Taste of Derby will showcase cuisine from popular horse racing destinations across the country, where masterful chefs from these cities will serve samples of their signature dishes.  Guests will enjoy unique wines paired with the chefs’ regional offerings, and mix and mingle with Thoroughbred horse racing celebrities.   
April 30, 7:00-11:30 PM
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
More info [12]
(502) 636-4400

Fest-A-Ville with Vance Joy and MisterWives
On tour with Taylor Swift this summer, you can see Vance Joy first at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Waterfront Jam Presented by the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign.  The FREE concert is set for Thursday, April 30, at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville.  Special guest MisterWives will open the show at 8 p.m.  Admission is free with a 2015 Pegasus Pin.
April 30, 8:00-10:00 PM
Waterfront Park
Louisville, KY

Horseshoe Southern Indiana Derby Kickoff Party with The Louisville Crashers
Horseshoe Southern Indiana is proud to present local legendary act The Louisville Crashers to kick-off our Derby weekend on Thursday, April 30 at 8PM at Legends. For VIP reservation information, call 812-969-6144.
April 30, 8:00-11:45 PM
Horseshoe Southern Indiana
11777 Casino Center Drive
Elizabeth, IN 47117
812-969-6763

First Friday Hop - Downtown Louisville
The Republic Bank First Friday Hop is excited to announce its monthly Hop event, featuring downtown art galleries, retailers, and restaurants that will be open extended hours and offering specials/discounts and refreshments. Explore the 50+ unique boutiques, artists, and galleries along the Republic Bank First Friday Hop route.
March 6, 5:00-11:00 PM
Downtown Louisville
Louisville, KY 40202
More info [13]
502-376-5195
FREE!

Longines Kentucky Oaks 141
Ladies First on Friday! Join us under the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs for the 141st running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. PINK OUT: The official color of the Kentucky Oaks is PINK in honor of the Oaks official flower, the stargazer lily. In support of Kentucky Oaks Day, THINK PINK when it comes to your attire.
May 1, 8:00-4:00 PM
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
More info [14]
(502) 636-4400
Tickets available at www.kentuckyderby.com

Yelp's Countdown to Derby: Photo Finish Downtown Photo Walk
Got the day off for Oaks but don't feel like going to the track? Come down to downtown, and join us on a photo walk. Let's use our cameras and smartphones to capture the beauty this city boasts. 
May 1, 2:00-4:00 PM
Louisville Visitors Center
301 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202
More info [15]
(502) 379-6109
Free

Derby City BrewFest
Bluegrass Brewing Company is hosting the first annual Derby City BrewFest which will be held on Derby Eve outside on the KFC Yum Center Plaza!  The festival will feature Kentucky Breweries and Kentucky's own style of beer the "Kentucky Common".  There will be five local bands playing, 15 breweries and over 60 local beers. 
May 1, 4:30-12:00 AM
KFC YUM! Center
1 Arena Plaza
Louisville, KY 40202
More info [16]
(502) 690-9000
$10

Unbridled Eve Gala
On Saturday the Mint Juleps will flow, the call to the post will sound, hooves will pound, dirt will fly, bets will be made and dreams will come true. But first, come experience a night of Southern grace, glamour, charm and hospitality at its finest during the fourth annual Unbridled Eve Gala. Held the night before the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports, Unbridled Eve is one of the most anticipated black tie-optional events of the year for Louisville lovers, celebrities and racing enthusiasts!
May 1, 7:00-1:30 PM
Galt House Hotel
140 North Fourth St.
Louisville, KY 40202
More info [17]
502-589-5200
$200 for a dance-only ticket

Derby Eve Gala
The American Lung Association’s 21st annual Derby Eve Gala brings an Italian flair to the Seelbach Hilton as we present Under the Tuscan Stars. The Seelbach’s gorgeous Medallion Ballroom will be aglow with candlelight and flowers reflecting a beautiful evening in romantic Italy. The event will includes hors d’oeuves, cocktails, a seated gourmet dinner, live music and dancing. Dress: Black Tie Optional
May 1, 8:00-12:00 AM
Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202
More info [18]
(502) 585-3200
Tables of 10: $3,000 Individual seats: $300 per person

Hermitage Grand Gala
The Inaugural Hermitage Grand Gala will take place Friday, May 1st Derby Eve at Hermitage Farm. Hosted by Laura Lee Brown, Steve Wilson, & Junior Bridgeman.
Proceeds will benefit the West End School, KY School of Art at Spalding University, Cardinal Covenant Scholarship at the University of Louisville, the University of Louisville Autism Center and Kosair Children’s Hospital.
May 1, 8:00-12:00 AM
Hermitage Farm
10500 W U.S. Hwy 42
Goshen, KY 40026
More info [19]
(502) 228-1426
Winners Circle Tickets $1,200 each; Dark Star Tickets $1,000 each

Epic Derby Weekend with Fireball and Nappy Roots
We're celebrating the Run for the Roses with an epic weekend-long party! 
Anheuser Busch Beer Garden all weekend - We'll be pouring Bud, Bud Light, Goose Island 312, Goose Island IPA & Shock Top Banana Wheat.
FREE outdoor Nappy Roots concert at 10pm, sponsored by Fireball Whisky!
Epic Vodka Cocktails
May 1, 10:00-12:00 AM
Drake's
3939 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40207
614-7327
Free

5th Annual Fillies and Stallions Derby Eve Party
This year, Fillies and Stallions returns to Mellwood Arts Center and promises “plenty of surprises” in store for our hand-picked guests! Known first for being the best looking event, The Fillies and Stallions Derby Eve Party has become THE most exclusive, and star studded event of the weekend.
May 1, 10:00-3:00 AM
Mellwood Art Center
1860 Mellwood Avenue Suite 181
Louisville, KY 40206
More info [20]
502-895-3650
 

Bourbon and Biscuits & Derby Breakfast at Farmington Historic Home
Farmington Historic Plantation invites you to the annual Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast presented by Garden & Gun. Enjoy a traditional sit-down brunch, Bluegrass style, with an open bar, live band, and Southern cuisine. We welcome you to enjoy coffee and dessert in our social silent auction. Your buffet wristband also allows you access to the Bourbon & Biscuits tent located behind the cabin.  
May 2, 9:00-12:00 PM
Farmington Historic Plantation
3033 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40205
502-452-9920
Derby Breakfast: $150 Bourbon & Biscuits: $60

The Kentucky Derby
The 141st running of the $2 million guaranteed Kentucky Derby will be run Saturday, May 2, 2015, and for the third consecutive year, a tiered point system in select races will determine who qualifies to America’s greatest race. Each year 20 horses have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to run in the Kentucky Derby. To earn a spot in the starting gate, they must travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of 35 designated races at tracks across the country and around the world. Points are awarded to the top four finishers in each race. The 20 horses with the most points will earn a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.
May 2, 10:00-8:00 PM
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 636-4400
Ticket prices vary!

2nd Annual Royal Derby Celebrity Brunch
This year, the private VIP Derby Brunch will be held Saturday, May 2rd, from 11:30am- 3:30pm at the luxurious Roux Louisville a New Orleans inspired restaurant with eclectic mix of culture and music stems from its French, African, Creole and Spanish roots. So Louisville we brought New Orleans to Derby! This year and promises “plenty of surprises” in store for our hand-picked guests!
May 2, 11:30-3:30 PM
Roux
1325 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40204
Tickets [21]
$40

Derby Night Party Feat. Louisville Crashers
Derby night party featuring the Louisville Crashers, Jefferson Tarc Bus (all original members). Riff Raff, Tricycle and Dogville. Doors open 5 p.m.
May 2, 8:00-12:00 AM
Phoenix Hill Tavern
644 Baxter Avenue
Louisville, KY
Tickets [22]
$15

DMC at Louisville's Tin Roof
DMC of the hiphop royalty group, RunDMC will be performing at the Tin Roof in St. Matthews after the Derby at 8pm. Must be 21 or older to attend. 
May 2, 8:00-11:00 PM
Tin Roof
3921 Shelbyville Rd
$20 day of show, $15 in advance

Speed of Light Derby Night Celebration at 21C
The thundering of thoroughbreds’ fastest hooves will culminate in The Speed of Light / Derby Night Celebration at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville. Celebrate the bright future of The Speed Art Museum, while immersed in contemporary art at 21c, immediately following the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby. Featuring Open Bar, Music and Lasers by GlitterTitz.
May 2, 8:00-11:30 PM
21C
700 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502-217-6360
8pm Dinner + Dancing: $195 10pm Dancing: $125

29th Annual Billy's Burger Bash
Varanese Restaurant, located at 2106 Frankfort Avenue, will host the 29th Annual Billy's Burger
Bash on Derby Day, Saturday, May 2  from 11:00pm to the wee hours of Sunday, May 3. The party, which is named for Emmy-winning freelance field producer for NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage Billy Rapaport, is free and open to anyone who has energy left after a long day of celebrating the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby. Guests will enjoy dancing, drink specials, and a simple, late night menu of appetizers, bar bites, burgers, and fries.
May 2, 11:00-1:00 AM
Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
More info [23]
899-9904

Old Friends Annual Homecoming
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, presents its 11th Annual Open House on May 3rd, beginning at 2 pm. BBQ, farm tours, live music, live & silent auctions. Meet new superstar retirees Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm and three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game on Dude!
May 3, 2:00-6:00 PM
Old Friends Farm
1841 Paynes Depot Road
Georgetown, KY 40324
More info [24]
(502) 863-1775
$25; shareholders and members: $15

8th Annual Soul Lounge Derby Got Soul Series Launch
The Soul Lounge Louisville KY is on a Mission to Solidify Louisville KY as a mecca of Poetry, Art and Music as We Present an Alternative Social Scene for the City's Classy & Mature Cultural Art Loving Community. 
May 3, 7:00-10:00 PM
Mercury Ballroom
611 South 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Tickets [25]
(502) 583-4555
$20

Pig Roast & Movie
End Sunday with a free pig roast & movie from El Camino. Enjoy $3 shots of 100% pure agave Olmeca Altos Plata/Buffalo Trace and $3 Tecate/Modelo Especial. Check El Camino's Facebook page for the movie of the week!
March 22, 10:00-10:00 PM
El Camino
1314 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 454-5417
Free

Featured photo courtesy of Via Studios

Event times and locations may change.
Please check with venue for latest information.
Keep up with what's happening all week in Louisville at our Facebook fan page [29].