LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront is returning for its 19th year with the ultimate entertainment experience for guests. It’s one of the Derby Festival’s signature events, taking over Waterfront Park for nine straight days starting Thursday, April 24 through Derby Eve on Friday, May 2.
Several events are coming back by popular demand, including the return of two balloon glows and two car shows. Attendees can also experience a circus,a special motorcycle night, and wrestling matches.
People will also see the return of some long-time favorites, including concerts, festive food, midway rides and more. It’s open daily with hours running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m., Sunday.
Admission to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin. Pins are $7 in advance at local retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events.
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The Kentucky Derby Festival shared the following highlights for this year’s 2025 Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville:
- Two Balloon Glows: A one-of-a-kind experience that features balloons on the field, but they do not ascend. Happening Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25, Parade of Balloons, 7 p.m., followed by a Balloon Staging at 8 p.m., and the Glow at 9 p.m., Great Lawn.
- Two Car Shows: Cars & Coffee Presented by Mecum Auctions returns for the third year on Saturday, April 26 from 4-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Enjoy a variety of cars, including muscle, imports and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Back for the second straight year is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 27 from noon-5 p.m., Great Lawn. Featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from all across the U.S. and Canada.
- Motorcycle Night Presented by Mecum Auctions: Thursday, May 1, 5 p.m.-close, Great Lawn. Enjoy a variety of motorcycles from all over the region. The first 200 people will receive a free Pegasus Pin.
- Louisville Turners Circus: Thursday, May 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. The local circus company will perform aerial and ground circus acts, including aerial silks, rope, sling, aerial hoop, and dance trapeze.
Other Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville Experiences
- Chow Wagon: Open during the entire nine days of Fest-a-Ville, this outdoor food and live music venue is a long-running Derby Festival tradition. Happy Hour Weekdays: 4-6 p.m. $4 beers at the Beer Garden.
- Pegasus Play-Ville, sponsored by Norton Children’s, features a variety of kid-friendly activities. Rides are open from noon-close on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and 4 p.m.-close on weekdays.
- NeighMaste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 25, noon-1 p.m., Great Lawn. Festival goers can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline.
- Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 25, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-For-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.
- Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call to the Post: 4 p.m.; Duck Drop: 4:02 p.m. See the launch of nearly 50,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville.
- Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show: Saturday, April 26, 1-3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. For VIP tickets, visit LouPrideKy.org (18 and over only).
- Mascot Party Presented by the League of Mascots: Sunday, April 27, 1-3 p.m.
- GospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 27, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Otis Kemp, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Jermanine Dolly and more. Sponsors: Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank.
- HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 29, 5-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event. Produced by Metro Animal Services.
- Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race Watch Party: Wednesday, April 30, 6 p.m., Great Lawn.
- Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, May 1, 7-9 p.m., Great Lawn. Live televised Ohio Valley Wrestling event featuring a four-corner battle. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 6 p.m. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
- Heroes in Education Day is Thursday, May 1. Free admission for educators.
- Military Day is Friday, May 2 with free admission all day for Veterans and active military with their military ID.
Musical Performances:
- Thursday, April 24: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Red Thurzday (4-7 p.m.); Latin Night Featuring Henry Miles with DJ Xavi (8 p.m.-close)
- Friday, April 25: Savannah Dean Reeves (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (4-7 p.m.); The Foxies (8 p.m.-close)
- Saturday, April 26: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
- Sunday, April 27: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
- Monday, April 28: Mike Tracy Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Cicily B and The Muse Effect (4-7 p.m.); Level Ground (8 p.m.-close)
- Tuesday, April 29: HartShaker (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Soul Kitchen (4-7 p.m.); Unlimited Show Band (8 p.m.-close)
- Wednesday, April 30: Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees Band (4-7 p.m.); Radiotronic (8 p.m.-close)
- Thursday, May 1: Most Wanted (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4-7 p.m.); The Velcro Pygmies (8 p.m.-close)
- Friday, May 2: Derby Eve Jam featuring Roses & Rattlesnakes (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders (8 p.m.-close)
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