Kentucky Derby Festival adds new events to this year's lineup

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby Festival is right around the corner, and this year, it comes with some new events.

Two of the new events are being held this weekend. The Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show on Sunday, March 24, will feature an exclusive look at the latest designs from the museum's featured milliners. There will also be cocktails and "brunch bites" as well as a runway show.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the museum. Tickets cost $75, or $125 for VIP tickets, which include front-row seating for the fashion show and a swag bag. Tickets can be purchased online now by clicking here.

The Gallopalooza Collection Preview and Unveiling is also scheduled for this weekend. The event provides the opportunity to see the colorful parade of horse statues headed to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 150. The display starts Friday, March 22, and runs through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs. Admission is free with a Pegasus Pin.

There are also a number of sporting events being added to the lineup of events. During the Louisville City FC game against Indy 11 at 4 p.m., Saturday, April 6, you can get a limited edition Lou City/Derby Festival scarf and/or warm-up top. To purchase game tickets, click here.

UofL Football's spring game is also now on the KDF lineup. During the game on Friday, April 19, you can get a look at the Cardinal football team and get a commemorative UofL Pegasus Pin. For more information about the game, click here.

A new Children's Tea with the Derby Festival Princesses will be held on Sunday, April 21, from 1-3 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center. Tickets for "Tea in the Candy Kingdom" cost $35 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

The Hats, Bowties & Bourbon Derby Day Party is being held Saturday, May 4, from 4-9 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center in the DaVinci Room. A portion of proceeds raised from the event will support a youth mentoring program, the Louisville Kappa League, which helps those 21 and older with college prep and tutoring. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Organizers said Tuesday there will be several new attractions for this year's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront that will be announced "in the coming weeks."

For more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival, and to look at other events leading up to Kentucky Derby 150, click here.

KDF Pegasus Pins are available for purchase. They cost $7 and are available on the KDF website by clicking here, or at retailers across the area, such as Kroger.

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