Kathryn Harrington's Society - April 2025

Kathryn Harrington

Ah, springtime in Louisville—the busiest time of the year for our fair and quirky city. Louisville bursts forth with a plethora of activities surrounding the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby!

While Derby events started off strong in March, April is when the pre-Derby festivities really kick into high gear. There’s definitely no shortage of options! Our event calendar is busting at the seams with Derby fashion shows, galas, official Kentucky Derby Festival events, and, of course, the extravagant star-studded parties leading up to the big day. Let’s trot through a few of the best Derby experiences in town!

Let’s start things off strong with Thunder Over Louisville, a symphony of pyrotechnics set against the backdrop of the Ohio River. The skies ablaze as if Zeus himself decided to throw an impromptu party, complete with a soundtrack that makes you feel like a hero in an action movie. This spectacular event kicks off the Kentucky Derby festivities and draws crowds like moths to a flame—and there are so many ways to partake in the festivities! If you’re really looking to party, get yourself down to the waterfront. However, if you’re looking for a smaller viewing party of the action, there are several venues with great views of the show hosting their own Thunder parties, including the Kentucky Science Center, Slugger Field, Copper and Kings, and the Muhammad Ali Center.

We can’t possibly talk about Derby without mentioning the Pegasus Parade, where floats come rolling down the street like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show. As the streets become a runway, you’ll see everything from giant inflatable creatures to local high school marching bands struttin’ their stuff like rock stars. It’s a visual feast and an impromptu dance party waiting to happen—because who can resist tapping their feet to the infectious rhythm of live music filling the air? With every float that passes, the crowd erupts into cheers, all while trying to catch a glimpse of those elusive candy tosses from the parade participants. You’ll even get to see royalty! Derby Royalty, that is. Make sure to give your best wave to the Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court as they make their way down Broadway.

If getting dressed up for an evening of elegance is more your speed, there are plenty of galas with incredible parties to follow. Here are several great events that I guarantee will knock your socks off: 

• The Kentucky Derby Museum is hosting its annual gala and afterparty to celebrate its 40th anniversary. 

• The Louisville Urban League’s Derby Gala featuring a performance by Janelle Monáe. 

• If you’re lucky enough to snag an invite, The Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala is one of the hottest parties not just of Derby season, but of the whole year! If you can attend, you may even get a chance to rub elbows with a celebrity or two. 

• Unbridled Eve at the Galt House never fails to impress, and with your ticket, you’ll be supporting Blessings in a Backpack! 

Finally, when race day arrives, get ready for an experience unlike any other. Cheers echo, hats are tipped, and the sound of hoofbeats races through the air. All eyes are on the track, and for those two glorious minutes, everyone is united in fist pumps and hoarse cheers (pun intended). Whether you win, lose, or simply enjoy the ambiance, there’s nothing quite like the Derby spirit.