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
4:30 - 11:00 PM: Texas Hold'Em Tournament
4:30 PM: Check-in begins.
6:00 PM: Tournament begins.
Join us for an evening cruise and Poker Tournament on the Ohio!
– Professional Dealers
– $100 buy-in until 4/15 ($125 buy-in after 4/15: Includes $10,000 in chips and a commemorative Texas Hold’em event pin
– Add-on* available 1st hour of play: $50 for $5000 in chips (*Cannot be out of chips to buy add-on)
– Up to 325 participants (payouts prorated based on actual number of players)
– Payouts for 10% of field
– Guest tickets: $15 at the door
– Cash bar, cash games, single table tournaments
– Cruise during first 60 minutes of play (River conditions permitting)
– Player wristbands will be issued at check-in
– 1 Re-buy in first hour of play ($10,000 in chips for $125. Must be out of chips to re-buy.)
2024 will be the 19th year for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Texas Hold’Em Tournament. The event will be held aboard the Belle of Cincinnati, beginning with a cruise starting at 6 p.m.
The cruise will last 60 minutes (river permitting) at the beginning of the tournament, with the remainder of the event taking place at the dock, so those who are out of the game may disembark.
License # ORG0001638
Location: Belle of Cincinnati
6:00 - 9:00 PM: WineFest
Held the Tuesday of Derby Week! Sip and savor over 100 local wines from Kentucky Wineries.
WineFest takes place at Mellwood Art Center in the Picasso and Monet Rooms, where you will be able to stroll some of the shops while sipping on your favorite wines.
General Admission 6-9 PM
Tickets: $75
Wine tastings
Light appetizers
Etched souvenir wine glass and WineFest event pin
Opportunity to shop our vendors and sponsor displays
VIP Experience 5-9 PM (opens one hour early)
Tickets: $125
One-hour early access starting at 5pm
VIP Private area
Kentucky-inspired cuisine sampling
VIP gift
Exclusive Barrel Wine Tasting from Kentucky Derby Festival Official Wine Old 502
Limited $25 Designated Driver tickets available at the door, includes entry and Event Pin.
Parking: Attendees will can park in the lower lot across the street from the venue.
This is a 21+ event only. Valid ID required upon entry.
Location: Mellwood Art Center
