Louisville Events Guide
Derby
Week
2026
✦ ✦ ✦
Your Complete Guide to the Greatest Week in Louisville
Thursday, April 30 — Wednesday, May 6
The roses are blooming, the hats are stacked, and Louisville is about to go completely off. Derby Week 2026 is here — Thurby, Oaks Day, Derby Day itself, and a full post-Derby weekend before the city finally catches its breath. Here’s everything happening, day by day.
Thursday
April 30 — Thurby
🏇 KDF Featured: Thurby Presented by Old Forester
x Frazier Kentucky History Museum — Celebrating Cool Kentucky
Gates Open 10:30 AM · First Race 12:45 PM · Churchill Downs
In partnership with the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, Churchill Downs transforms into a vibrant celebration of Kentucky’s rich heritage. Dive into the state’s storied past with photo ops, cultural experiences, bourbon, music, and thoroughbred racing. A must for history buffs, music lovers, and racing fans alike.
⚡ More KDF at Churchill Downs
11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Festival Day at the Downs
Churchill Downs — Skye Terrace
Kentuckiana Honda Dealers presents a full afternoon of racing at Churchill Downs on the Skye Terrace.
5:00 – 11:00 PM
Motorcycle Night at Fest-a-Ville
Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville, Waterfront
Bikes and the waterfront — one of Derby Week’s most unexpected and beloved traditions.
7:00 PM
Ohio Valley Wrestling LIVE
Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville
Live televised wrestling at Fest-a-Ville. Truly only during Derby Week in Louisville.
🏈 Sports
8:00 PM ET
UFL Derby Classic: Louisville Kings vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Lynn Family Stadium
Kick off Derby Week with the Kings on the gridiron. The UFL Derby Classic, presented by DraftKings. Hard-hitting football to open the greatest week in Louisville.
Home Game
Louisville Bats vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
Louisville Slugger Field
Triple-A baseball during Derby Week. Catch a game before the Thurby festivities begin.
🎵 Thurby Parties & Nightlife
Red Carpet 7:00 PM
Fly Hip Ageless Live Concert
The Pointe, 1205 E Washington St
Nappy Roots, Ed Lover & Nicholas Cole on stage. Live jazz meets hip hop, with a full cigar lounge experience. Tickets at flyageless.com.
7:00 PM – Midnight
A Trust Black Women Derby Kickoff
The Last Refuge, 600 E Market St
A community celebration centering and honoring Black women during Derby Week.
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Access: The Bet On Yourself Prelude
Mash Up Food Hall
Watch the Thurby races live, enter the raffle, and network before the night kicks off. From $11.99 at posh.vip.
7:00 PM
Thurby Silent Disco
Bar Nada Nada
Three channels — Pop, Hip Hop & Decades — all through your headphones. $13.26 via Louisville Silent Disco.
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
GVO Thurby Edition
Dasha Barbour’s, 217 E Main St
Quality Culture brings the Grown Vibe Only energy to Thurby. DJ Slikk, DJ Empty Beats & DJ John Q on the decks.
10:00 PM – 2:30 AM
Therby Opening Night w/ H3adband
Atomic, 1125 Bardstown Rd
Whereismeechie hosts the official Thurby opener at Atomic. From $15 via Posh.
10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Yo! Derby Jamz hosted by Ed Lover
The Pointe, 1205 E Washington St
The Life Foundation presents a “party with a purpose.” DJ Q, DJ Cam & DJ Boogie Bang across 3 rooms. $33.85 on Eventbrite.
Doors 8:00 PM · Free Entry
Baila Conmigo: Thurby @ Midnight — Salsa Con Bachata
Midnight Club, 651 S 4th St
Derby Week Edition. Salsa lessons at 8:30 PM by Jaime C. & Sabrina Sorelle. DJ MP on the main floor. Karaoke Night on the Patio Bar with DJ Seizure. Free entry. RSVP: 502-716-1120.
10:00 PM
Thurby Thursday Ladies Night
The Palm Room
DJ Redbone & DJ Steele. Free entry, $1 shots all night.
6:00 PM
West Louisville Social Mixer: Derby Edition
Spinelli’s, 614 Baxter Ave
West Louisville Sports & Entertainment Complex community mixer. Free entry.
No Cover · Thu–Sat
DJ Miles B Live: Derby Weekend
Sports & Social / Flanagan’s Ale House
West End Louisville presents DJ Miles B all Derby Weekend — Thursday through Saturday. Hip Hop, EDM, Top 40 & More. No cover.
11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
The After Party of Derby 152 — Smokeasy
Smokeasy The Private Lounge
Thursday night: DJ Reece. Late nite breakfast available every night through Saturday.
Friday
May 1 — Oaks Day
🌸 KDF Featured: Longines Kentucky Oaks — 152nd Running
Gates Open 11:00 AM · First Race 12:30 PM ET · Churchill Downs
America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies. A $1.5 million purse and the iconic “Lilies for the Fillies” garland await the winner. One of the longest-running sporting events in U.S. history. Oaks Day is also a celebration of breast cancer awareness — embrace the Pink Out tradition and wear shades of pink. All reserved-seat tickets include food and beverage.
🥃 Daytime Events
7:00 PM – Close · Every Friday
Line Dancing Fridays
Platform, New Albany IN
Weekly line dancing with crowd favorites and beginner-friendly fun. New to line dancing? No problem — it’s beginner-friendly every week.
11:30 AM
Pocket Cone: Oaks Day Bourbon Tasting Adventure
Story Louisville, 828 E Market St
Phil Talks Whiskey raises a glass to Kentucky’s best legends on the unofficial vacation day of the Commonwealth. $23.18–$28.52.
4:00 – 7:00 PM
International Workers’ Day Block Party
1227 Logan St
PSL Louisville & Louisville Tool Library host a free community block party. All ages welcome.
May 1–2 · Free Admission
2nd Annual Derby Kick Back
728 S 26th St
Louisville Black Business Network’s two-day free celebration for Oaks and Derby Day. DJ Jazzy V, corn hole, cards, cash bar. Vendors welcome — call 502-830-5714.
🌹 Derby Eve Parties
8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Derby Eve Party ft. BigWalkDog
1780 Plantside Dr
Big Star Entertainment presents BigWalkDog as headliner, hosted by Capone, with DJ Cam on the decks. Best dressed prizes, pre-order VIP available. 21+. bigstarentertainment.us
8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
20th All White Attire Old School Party
Mellwood Art Center
Twenty years strong. Five DJs: DJ Maverick, DJ Empty Beats, DJ Hurricane, DJ Slikk & DJ Lifesaver. Hosted by Chea K. Tickets: 502-509-4834 or allwhiteattireoldschoolparty.com.
10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Goodtimers Annual Derby Eve Experience
Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club (inside Cardinal Stadium), 2550 S Floyd St
DJ YK & DJ Bandcamp. Upscale dress required — ladies: dresses preferred, fellas: suits preferred. No ball caps, athletic wear, jeans, or shorts. goodtimersentertainment.com.
Doors 7:00 PM
Rhythm & Blues Oaks Night ft. Arin Ray
Headliners, 1386 Lexington Rd
Live R&B on Oaks night. Arin Ray headlines with Coop Le Moderne, Outhere & DJ Honest Ave. @rhythmandblues502.
10:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Club 10PM: Oaks Night
Midnight Club
DND, Ferris, YK & Whereismeechie. From $28.
10:00 PM
Oaks Day Watch Party
OMNI Library Bar
Meauxmentum, Nyce Vibes & Derby Crown run the vibes.
10:00 PM
Pink Oaks Social
Flanagan’s Ale House
Derby chic dress encouraged. DJ Milesb502 keeps the Oaks energy going.
10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
After Party at Sake A GoGo
Sake A GoGo
DJ Syimone spins til 1 AM. $20 cover includes a cocktail + complimentary sushi bites. Already dined with them? Entry is complimentary.
11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
The After Party of Derby 152 — Smokeasy
Smokeasy The Private Lounge
Friday night: DJ Dnasti. Late nite breakfast available. The private lounge runs all Derby Weekend.
8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Tribe Derby Lounge: Oaks Night
Tribe, 430 S 3rd St
Tribe opens its Derby Lounge series on Oaks night. A full evening of vibes heading into Derby Day.
Saturday
May 2 — Derby Day
🏆 KDF Featured: Kentucky Derby 2026 — Run for the Roses
Gates Open 9:00 AM · Post Time 6:57 PM · Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave
The 152nd Kentucky Derby. The greatest two minutes in sports. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.
☀️ Daytime Derby
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Every Saturday
Douglas Loop Farmers Market
Douglas Loop, Louisville
Fresh local produce, vendors, and community every Saturday morning. A Louisville staple — rain or shine.
Doors 9:30 AM · Starts 10:00 AM
In the Winner’s Circle: 45th Derby Brunch Experience
Kentucky International Convention Center
The Hortense B. Perry Foundation x Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Eta Omega Chapter) — silent auction, fashion show, bourbon pull, vendors, mimosa bar & live entertainment. Free parking at Cower Garage with ticket. $125 at HortenseBPerryFoundation.org.
9:00 AM
Rise & Vibe: Silent Party Derby Edition
Fourth Street Live
Start Derby Day with a morning silent disco. 4thstlive.com.
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Rich Auntie Merch Grab & Go
1103 Larchmont Ave
Shop Derby Day looks and merch all day long.
12:00 – 5:00 PM
M St Derby Darty
315 M St
Greek fraternities + DJ Press Play. From $25.
1:00 PM
Derby City Yacht Party
5700 Captains Quarters Rd, Prospect, KY
Iota Phi Theta (Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter) 2nd Annual. Food, music, race watching & cash bar. $115.06–$205.56.
2:00 – 6:00 PM
Dukes & Boots: The Derby Darty
Louisville
@crowdcontrol_ky hosts the afternoon darty. Dress the part.
4:00 – 9:00 PM
Soft Life at the Races
Tribe, 430 S 3rd St
Afrobeats, Afrohouse & Amapiano. 25+ crowd. From $22. A gorgeous, intentional Derby Day afternoon.
4:00 – 10:00 PM
4th Annual Derby Day Party
Indoor & Outdoor Venue
Vybe & Splash Bros. Pre-sale $10. VIP sections from $350. For sections: 502-821-7074 or DerbyDay502.Eventbrite.com.
7:00 – 11:00 PM
Derby Day Adult Skate: “Kentucky Derby Roll”
Robben’s Roost Skating Rink, 5906 Six Mile Ln
DJ Chop & DJ Markice. New school meets old school — the party before the parties. $20 cash only. Early arrival strongly suggested.
🌙 Derby Night
8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Tribe Derby Lounge: Derby Day
Tribe, 430 S 3rd St
Tribe’s Derby night installment of the Derby Lounge series. Round two — all night long.
7:00 PM
Derby Takeover: T.I. + Keyshia Cole Live
Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center
Two legends on one stage. Derby night just got elite.
7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Winners Circle Celebration 2026 ft. Big Boogie
Mellwood Arts Center
Big Boogie performs live. 18+.
8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Oaks & Legacy feat. Wale
Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
Wale headlines Derby night at Paristown. 21+.
9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The Premier Derby Night
Louisville Palace, 625 S 4th St
DJ Jermaine Dupri on the decks. Hosted by Larenz Tate. The most elegant Derby night party in the city. thepremierderbnight.com.
9:00 PM
Fillies & Stallions: 2-Day Red Carpet Event
Atomic Louisville, 1125 Bardstown Rd
Derby Eve + Derby Day at Atomic. Saturday night dancefloor opener: Pastel Death.
9:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Spin the Block! Kentucky Derby Kickoff
111 Bonnie Lane
UpTillDawn presents, hosted by Jayso. Cocktails, music, good vibes. Derby attire encouraged. Come dressed. Come ready.
9:00 PM – Until
Grüvy Saturday Night Vibes
Grüv, 9434 W Market St
DJ Cam live on Grüv Control. Must be 25+. Dress code strictly enforced. Kitchen open til 3 AM.
10:00 PM – 4:00 AM
The Main Event: YFN Lucci Live
Bourbon Hall, 116 W Jefferson St
YFN Lucci performs live at Bourbon Hall.
10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
GVO: Roses After Dark
Dasha Barbour’s, 217 E Main St
Quality Culture’s signature Derby night. Grown Vibe Only. DJ Slikk, DJ Empty Beats, DJ John Q. Dress code: Chic, Sharp, Sophisticated. $24.57–$143.34 at qualitycultures502.com.
Doors 10:00 PM
W.B.W. — White Boy Wasted
Louisville (address drops the day before)
Hosted by Ace + Friends. $10 at the door. Tag @ace1oak with promo for a discount.
11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
The After Party of Derby 152 — Smokeasy
Smokeasy The Private Lounge
Saturday night: DJ YK closes out Derby 152. Late nite breakfast available.
Doors 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM · 21+
Midnight Club Derby Weekend
Midnight Club, 651 S 4th St
Three rooms running all night: Main Floor with DJ Seizure & DJ MP · Baila Conmigo room with DJ VK & DJ Angel · Patio Bar with DJ D1. More info & RSVP: 502-716-1120.
Sunday
May 3 — Derby Wind-Down
3:00 – 7:00 PM
West End Farmers Market
California Park
Change Today Change Tomorrow’s WEFM. Fresh produce, Black & local vendors, community energy. Free and family friendly.
12:00 – 6:00 PM
All White Derby Brunch hosted by Larenz Tate
Platform Dining & Lounge, 145 E Main St, New Albany IN
Bottomless mimosas, live DJ, and Larenz Tate in the building. Cross the bridge for this one.
1:00 – 5:00 PM
Brunch on Sunday: A Proper Farewell to Derby 152
Smokeasy
Pull-Up Car Show + DJ Z-Nyce. The perfect Sunday send-off.
4:00 – 8:00 PM
Closed on Sunday: Derby Classique de l’été
Undisclosed Mansion
Welcome to the Family x Bardstown Road. Location revealed via Posh. The final upscale Derby experience.
5:00 – 10:00 PM
Summa Just Begun: 2nd Shift Day Party
Bourbon Hall
The day party that picks up where everyone else left off.
6:00 – 11:00 PM
Goodtimers Annual Derby Day Party Finale
Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
The official Derby send-off from Goodtimers. 21+. A tradition for a reason.
8:00 PM
David & Tamela Mann: The Love Relationship Tour
Louisville Palace Theatre
A perfect post-Derby Sunday night out at the Palace.
8:00 PM
Detox After Derby
Sano Pecado
Afro Posh presents Afrobeats, Amapiano, Reggaeton & Dancehall. Good food. No real detox here — just the final Derby turn up. Free–$24.57.
10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Derby Finale
Midnight Club, 651 S 4th St
Big Don MJ Ent. & BL Smith Ent. close out Derby 152. DJ Eazy, DJ 270 & DJ Mr. I Do It across 3 rooms: Main Room/VIP, The Night Cap (30/30 Lounge), and R&B + Hookah Patio. derbyfinale2026.eventbrite.com.
10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tribe Derby Lounge: Finale
Tribe, 430 S 3rd St
The final night of Tribe’s Derby Lounge series. Close out Derby Week in style.
Sunday, May 3
Sonic Sirens Party
Louisville
A Louisville LGBTQ+ event to close out Derby Weekend on a high note.
Every Sunday Night
Industry Night
One Fourteen
The weekly spot for Louisville’s service industry. Every Sunday night.
Sunday, May 3
Star Wars Trivia Night
Louisville Comedy Club, 110 W Main St
May the fourth be with you — a day early. louisvillecomedy.com.
Mon–Wed
May 4–6
Every Monday Night
Industry Night
The Pearl
Louisville’s go-to Monday industry night, every week at The Pearl.
Every Tuesday · Apr 28–May 5
New Talent Tuesday
Louisville Comedy Club, 110 W Main St
Fresh faces take the stage every Tuesday. Louisville Comedy Club’s weekly showcase for up-and-coming comedians. louisvillecomedy.com.
Every Wednesday Night
R&B Night
The Lounge
The weekly R&B experience at The Lounge. Every Wednesday night.
Every Wednesday · 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wine Down Wednesday
Xhale Restaurant & Lounge, 1670 S 17th St
DJ Lil Carl spins while you sip. Wine specials all night. The midweek unwind spot.
Every Wednesday · 6:30 PM
Pit Stop Runners Club
828 E Main St
Weekly community run every Wednesday evening. Beginner-friendly and a great way to stay active mid-week.
Wednesday, May 6 · 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Wine After Work
The Depot at NoCo, 701 Michigan Ave, Jeffersonville IN
Live jazz with Carly Johnson. Free, all ages. Paint & Sip available with Pinot’s Palette. The perfect midweek recovery from Derby Week.
Louisville Nightlife
Where to Go Out
in the 502
in the 502
Whether it’s Derby Week or any other weekend, these are the spots keeping Louisville’s nightlife scene alive.
Tribe
430 S 3rd St
Lakeside Lounge
10000 Linn Station Rd
Atomic
1125 Bardstown Rd
The Grüv
9434 W Market St
Joe’s Palm Room
1821 W Jefferson St
Cedars
Louisville, KY
Double Deuces
Louisville, KY
The Hub
1125 Bardstown Rd
Midnight Club
651 S 4th St
