Schedule:
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Kroger's Fest-a-Ville
(Food, drink and pets are NOT permitted)
The ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE featuring concerts with local, regional and national acts, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more.
Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront will return for its 18th year in 2024. Sponsored by Kroger, the party starts on the Great Lawn and runs through Derby Eve. It promises to have something for everyone – and admission is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin.
The 900,000-square-foot venue will host several Festival events, including the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow, Chow Wagon, Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes, HappyTail Hour, Ken-Ducky Derby, Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront and more.
Fest-a-Ville also offers a wide variety of activities for children, featuring midway-area and attractions at Pegasus Play-Ville Presented by Norton Children’s, including merry-go-round, ships ahoy, a giant slide and much more.
From the opening day ribbon-cutting to Derby Eve, Fest-a-Ville will be the downtown destination at Kentucky Derby Festival time.
Location: Waterfront Park
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Chow Wagon
The Chow Wagon returns to Waterfront Park on the Ohio River. The Music Stage will feature live concerts with local and regional entertainment and a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, R&B, country, rock and blues.
The Chow Wagon is food and fun! You can feast on everything from cookie dough to turkey legs and elephant ears. There’s something for everyone!
Where else can you find great food and live musical entertainment in a riverside setting for a 2024 Pegasus Pin admission? Meet your coworkers for lunch or come down for an evening concert. There’s no way to go wrong by making a visit to this great outdoor party.
Location: Waterfront Park
5:30 PM: Knights of Columbus Charity Dinner
5:30 PM: Social Hour
6:45 PM: Opening Ceremonies
7:00 PM: Dinner (Dinner tickets are $50.)
What’s better than enjoying a festive evening and raising money for a good cause at the same time? That’s the idea behind the Derby Festival Knights of Columbus Charity Dinner.
This annual event helps the Knights of Columbus raise money to improve the lives and opportunities of the mentally handicapped.
The presentation of the Dean Eagle Memorial Award is one of the annual highlights of the event. This award is presented to a person who has excelled in the promotion and coverage of the Thoroughbred racing industry. Special guests will include the Kentucky Derby Festival Queen and Court.
Location: Galt House, Archibald Cochran Ballroom
6:00 PM: Samtec Great Bed Races
Grab four of your co-workers, build a bed on wheels, decorate it, dress in a ridiculous costume—and then race to the finish. That pretty much sums up the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races.
The 2024 theme is “Celebrating Derby 150,” in honor of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Each year, thousands of enthusiasts gather to cheer on more than 30 teams, while on-air personalities from WAVE TV anchor the live coverage from every angle, from the crowd to the parade of beds, to every last heat.
1:00 PM: Tailgate Party Starts
6:00 PM: Parade of the Beds
7:00 PM: Races Begin
Admission: FREE with 2024 Pegasus Pin
$12 KEC Parking fee.
Entry Fee: $150/team (includes 5 participant t-shirts and 5 collectible Pegasus Pins)
