50+ Kentucky Derby events to attend in Louisville
From galas and after-parties to brunches and foodie fests, there’s no shortage of things to do for the Kentucky Derby.
Dust off your fascinators and start crushing the ice — Kentucky Derby season is officially here.
While the world’s eyes are on the track at Churchill Downs, locals and visitors know that the real magic of the first Saturday in May happens all across Bourbon City. From star-studded galas to the most decadent morning-after mimosas, the city’s social calendar is packed tighter than the starting gate.
Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or visiting for your first "Run for the Roses," we’ve rounded up the premier parties and can’t-miss events to help you navigate the season in style.
🍾 Galas & black-tie events
Gallop Gala, Galt House Hotel | Friday, April 17
32nd Annual Derby Gala, Galt House Hotel | Friday, April 17
Kentucky Derby Museum Ball, Kentucky Derby Museum | Friday, April 24
Race for Grace, Churchill Downs’ First Turn Club | Monday, April 27
Louisville Urban League Derby Gala, Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center | Wednesday, April 29 | SOLD OUT
Barnstable Brown Gala, Barnstable Brown Mansion | Friday, May 1 | SOLD OUT
Unbridled Derby Eve Gala, Galt House Hotel | Friday, May 1
🥞 Brunches
Derby Weekend Brunch, Brown Hotel's J. Graham's Cafe | Thursday, April 30-Sunday, May 3
Vincenzo's Kentucky Oaks Brunch, Vincenzo's | Friday, May 1
The Brown-Forman Oaks Day Brunch, Conrad-Caldwell House | Friday, May 1
6th Annual Eggs & Kegs, Lou Lou Market | Friday, May 1
Oaks Brunch in the Rose Lounge, Hotel Bourré Bonne | Friday, May 1
13th Annual Oaks Brunch in the Equestrian Club, Omni Hotel | Friday, May 1
Oaks Day Brunch, Osteria Italian Seafood | Friday, May 1
The Lily & Bubbles Oaks Brunch | Friday, May 1
Oaks at the Iron Bell, Iron Bell | Friday, May 1
Rise and Vibe, Sports Social Club | Saturday, May 2
47th Annual Derby Breakfast, Farmington Historic | Saturday, May 2
The Rose & Bubbles Derby Brunch, High Stakes Rooftop | Friday, May 1
Hermitage Farm Derby Brunch, Barn8 | Saturday, May 2
4th Annual Derby Breakfast in the Equestrian Club, Omni Hotel | Saturday, May 2
The Rose & Bubbles Derby Brunch, High Stakes Rooftop | Saturday, May 2
🍽️ Dinners and foodie fests
Dare to Care Taste of Derby Festival®, Louisville Slugger Field | Tuesday, April 21
The Kentucky Bourby, Progress Park | Saturday, April 25
Biscuits & Bourbon, Kentucky Derby Museum | Tuesday, April 28 & Wednesday, April 29
Annual Handicapping Dinner, Bourbons Bistro | Tuesday, April 28 | SOLD OUT
3rd Annual Vérité Wine Derby Kickoff Dinner, Omni Hotel | Thursday, April 30
Taste of Derby, Kentucky International Convention Center | Thursday, April 30
Derby Weekend Pop-Up: Ma La Niu with Chef Andrew Whitney, Bourbon Barrel Foods | Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2
Oaks Dinner, High Stakes Rooftop | Friday, May 1
Derby Dinner, High Stakes Rooftop | Saturday, May 2
🌹 Derby Eve bashes
Silks Derby Bash, Locust Grove | Friday, May 1
Goodtimers Derby Eve Experience, Cardinal Stadium | Friday, May 1
Sports Illustrated Revel at the Races, Ice House | Friday, May 1
Derby Week Concert: BUNT, Fourth Street Live! | Friday, May 1
Oaks Lily Lounge, High Stakes Rooftop | Friday, May 1
Kentucky Derby Party, Howl at the Moon | Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2
🏇 Race day events
Paristown’s Derby Day Garden Party, Christy’s Garden | Saturday, May 2
Derby Races Watch Party, High Stakes Rooftop | Saturday, May 2
6th Annual Kentucky Furby: Run for the Noses, PG&J's Dog Park Bar | Saturday, May 2
Oaks & Legacy, Old Forester's Paristown Hall | Saturday, May 2
🎊 Post derby parties
Winner’s Party, Kentucky Derby Museum | Saturday, May 2 | SOLD OUT
Moonlight & Mint Julep Lounge, High Stakes Rooftop | Saturday, May 2
Derby Night Party with Josh Logan, Lou Lou Market | Saturday, May 2