Kentucky Derby Festival releases dates for 2026 signature events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby Festival released dates for its signature events for the 2026 season.

Each year, KDF hosts more than 70 events that lead up to the Kentucky Derby.

"As each year’s Kentucky Derby Festival wraps up, planning for the next one begins," Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO, said in a news release. "We’re releasing the schedule for some of our favorite springtime traditions earlier than ever so fans can plan ahead and join us again next spring."

Some of the events include:

Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show – Thursday, March 26
Republic Bank BourbonVille – Thursday, April 2
Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Hole-In-One Golf Contest – Thursday, April 9 through Tuesday, April 21
Block Party Presented by Churchill Downs, Humana and Park Community Credit Union – Saturday, April 11
PNC Tour de Lou – Sunday, April 12
They’re Off! Luncheon Presented by BAE Systems – Friday, April 17
Thunder Over Louisville Presented by Caesars Southern Indiana, Humana, LG&E, Meijer, UA Local 502 and UPS – Saturday, April 18
Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – Thursday, April 23 through Friday, May 1
L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest – Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25
Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology – Friday, April 24
GE Appliances miniMarathon & Marathon – Saturday, April 25
Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade – Sunday, April 26
Samtec Great Bed Races – Monday, April 27
Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest – Tuesday, April 28
Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race – Wednesday, April 29
Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Festival Day at the Downs – Thursday, April 30

To learn more about the Kentucky Derby Festival, click here.

Police: Louisville woman nearly hits child, crashes into tree, attacks first responders

Man found stabbed to death in car in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood