Kentucky Derby Festival Adds New Events for 2026 Season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 23, 2026) – As the countdown continues to this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival, several events are debuting on the 2026 lineup. New additions include high-energy entertainment with the Ringling Circus Hype Crew, a serene water lantern experience, an action-packed soccer match, a Derby-themed party for seniors and an elegant afternoon tea. These new events are all part of the Festival’s month-long schedule of more than 70 events held in the weeks leading up to the first Saturday in May.

New Events on the Derby Festival’s Official Schedule for 2026 include:
- Ringling Circus Hype Crew, performing multiple times daily April 23-25 on the Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn), bringing action-packed fun for all ages to the waterfront. Kids and families will be treated to a 30-minute, family-friendly live performance featuring unicycle tricks, jump rope acrobatics, hand balancing, wheel gymnastics, singing and a brief appearance by Bailey Circuit, Ringling’s Robo-Pup! This appearance is part of their advance tour leading up to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents The Greatest Show On Earth®playing at KFC Yum! Center, May 15–17. Admission to the Ringling Circus Hype Crew at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2026 Pegasus Pin. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

- Water Lantern Festival, held Wednesday, April 29 from 6-10 p.m. on the Ringling Circus Party Lawn (Great Lawn) the at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Guests can personalize and release their lanterns at sunset creating a stunning display of light and reflection. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. For more info and tickets: https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/events/louisville.

- Kentucky Derby Festival Senior Derby Party is a special event created for seniors who may not otherwise get to enjoy Derby season festivities. The celebration is on Thursday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.) at Louisville Slugger Field. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring a DJ, plated lunch, virtual horse racing, a “best hat” contest, and door prizes every 15 minutes. Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance (no tickets sold at the door). For more info and to purchase tickets: www.chandlerigfoundation.org

- Kentucky Derby Festival Official Soccer Match will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Lynn Family Stadium. Louisville City FC – a powerhouse in the USL Championship, American soccer's second division league – will host Sporting Club Jacksonville on Thunder Day with a kick-off at 5 p.m. After the game, Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium ticket holders can enjoy a prime view of the fireworks show. More info and tickets: LouCity.com.

- Tea time! Enjoy an English afternoon tea at the Kentucky Derby Festival Afternoon Tea on Sunday, April 19 from 1-3 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at the Brown Hotel. Guests will be treated to tea sandwiches, savory bites and sweets, along with a special trifecta of premium loose-leaf teas. The afternoon will also feature a tea etiquette lesson and a special guest appearance. Derby attire is encouraged. Tickets and more info: Email Kim at Kim@sosforaddictions.org or (502) 381-9023.

While planning a trip to Louisville during the Kentucky Derby Festival, guests can download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city's top attractions and bourbon distilleries. Visitors also can get additional city attraction, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.