Special Events

Thursday, April 30th, 8pm, Lynn Family Stadium-United Football League Derby Classic: St Louis Battlehawks take on the hometown team Louisville Kings.

Don't miss your hometown professional spring football team the Louisville Kings take on the St Louis Battlehawks in the inaugural annual Derby Classic game.

Savor an evening of exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines. Sample regional specialties with wine pairings, created by nationally renowned chefs along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, as you enjoy live music entertainment. Join us as we start the Kentucky Derby celebration with flavor!

Proudly hosted by Resolute Racing, a team committed to the ethical treatment of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack. At Resolute Racing, they believe every racehorse deserves a safe and dignified retirement, so they actively support aftercare initiatives, rescue efforts, and rehabilitation programs.

Their mission goes beyond racing—they work to hold owners accountable, promote transparency, and ensure that no horse is forgotten once their racing days are over. Through events like Poker for Ponies, they raise critical funds to support accredited non-profits dedicated to giving these horses the second chances they deserve.

The Survivors Parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle as they march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack prior to the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The 18th Survivors Parade will be presented on Friday, May 1, 2026, and will honor the 150 survivors and fighters who have been selected.

Registrations are now Closed

Internationally recognized as one of the 'Ten Best Parties in the World,' the Barnstable Brown Gala is a star-studded event held at Patricia Barnstable-Brown's hilltop Louisville mansion.

For ticket information, please email Tricia Barnstable Brown at pbarnstablebrown@yahoo.com.

Ice House | Doors open at 10 p.m. | 226 East Washington Street, Louisville, Kentucky

Sports Illustrated, renowned for its authority in honoring the world of sports and culture, is teaming up with J Wagner Group once again to make a big splash during Derby Weekend. In addition to Sports Illustrated’s premium onsite hospitality suite, Club SI at Churchill Downs, they will return for year three with the ultimate late-night kickoff to the weekend: Revel at the Races. Taking place as the city comes alive for the biggest weekend in horse racing, Revel at the Races will bring together elite athletes, celebrities, tastemakers, and fans for a celebration featuring a headlining performance by global dance music icon Tiësto. The late-night experience fuses music, culture, and sports in the heart of Louisville, creating one of the most coveted parties of Derby Weekend.

Join Derby Experiences at Fillies & Lilies, an unforgettable night at the Kentucky Derby Museum with live entertainment, an open bar, premium food, and more, all designed to dazzle your senses.

Come experience a night of Southern grace, glamour, charm and hospitality at its finest during the twelfth annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. At this incredibly fun, fast paced, and celebrity filled party, you will enjoy a sit-down dinner in the stunningly decorated Galt House Hotel Grand Ballroom, drinks from Branded Specialty Bars with crafted cocktails, a fantastic silent auction and surprises around every corner! Enjoy a variety of live entertainment provided by celebrity musical guests of different genres, and dancing to the always crowd-pleasing Louisville Crashers and other performers. The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala is a world-class event that you will want to make an annual Derby weekend tradition!

Immediately following the Kentucky Derby until 9:00 pm, at the Kentucky Derby Museum
Celebrate the exhilarating conclusion of the 'Run for the Roses' and welcome the newest Derby champion at the Winner’s Party. Mingle with the winning jockey, trainers, and owners while enjoying a lively evening featuring delicious hors d'oeuvres, premium drinks, music, dancing, and other entertainment. This is a fantastic way to conclude the 151st Kentucky Derby

*These parties are not hosted by Churchill Downs. Ticket availability and pricing are determined by event host.