ADVERTISEMENT

Kentucky Derby Festival adds new events to 2025 line-up

Kentucky Derby Festival adds new events to 2025 line-up These new events are part of the Festival’s month-long schedule of more than 70 events held ahead of the first Saturday in May.
By Julia Huffman

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) -As we count down the days to Kentucky Derby 151, the Kentucky Derby Festival has added some new events for Festival fans to enjoy. New additions this year include a 5K evening race, a special celebration for the parade, a tea party and a Derby breakfast.

These new events are part of the Festival’s month-long schedule of more than 70 events held ahead of the first Saturday in May.

New Derby Festival events include a pre-celebration of the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade and a spring race.

  • Before the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade marches down Broadway on Saturday, April 5 from noon to 4 p.m., adults and children can enjoy inflatables, a bounce house and obstacle course, face painting and food trucks, There will also be an appearance by the Derby Festival’s 2025 Royal Court. Admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin.
  • The new Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology will debut on Friday evening, April 25, followed by the traditional GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday, April 26. The 5K will start at 7 p.m. Participants will run a looped course that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and includes a lap on the Big Four Bridge. Registration is $45 and is open online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.

New Partner Events on the Derby Festival’s Official Schedule of Events for 2025 include:

  • An English afternoon tea experience at the 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea on Sunday, April 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Seelbach Hilton, Grand Ballroom. KDF said guests will be treated to traditional tea sandwiches, savory bites and sweets and a special trifecta of hot and cold teas. Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day will make a special guest appearance. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Derby attire. For tickets and more information, click here or call (502) 398-5258
  • Kick off Derby Day on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the Historic Homes Foundation Annual Derby Breakfast. Dress in Derby attire for a buffet breakfast on the Pavilion at Farmington. Highlights include a gourmet buffet, open bar, live music, valet parking and tours of Farmington. Tickets are $275 per person. Click for more information.

Copyright 2025 WAVE. All rights reserved.