The Kentucky Derby is 31 days away, and it wouldn’t be Derby City if we didn’t spend an entire month celebrating the greatest two minutes in sports.

So we’ve rounded up some of the biggest events for families, foodies, party goers, and more leading up to the run for the roses.

🎉 Parties

Triple Crown Trivia & After Party | Saturday, April 15 | 7-11:30 p.m. | The Galt House | $15-$1,500 | Enjoy dinners, Kentucky trivia, a silent auction, bourbon pull, casino games, and cigar lounge at this party benefiting I would Rather Be Reading programming.

Kentucky Derby Museum Ball | Friday, April 21 | 6 p.m. | Kentucky Derby Museum | $600-$6,500 | Kick off this party with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Homestretch Club at Churchill Downs Racetrack followed by dinner, dessert, and live music at the museum.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly

Block Party | Saturday, April 16 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center | Free | Grab a bite from a local food truck, shop at a vendor fair, and participate in wellness activities + inflatables, face painting, and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddos.

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville | Thursday, April 27-Friday May 5 | Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. + Sundays, 12-10 p.m. | Waterfront Park | Free with Pegasus Pin | Fest-a-Ville is the hub for most pre-Derby celebrations including concerts, the Chow Wagon, carnival rides, and special events.

Great BalloonFest | Friday, April 28-Saturday April, 29 | Multiple times | Multiple locations | See colorful hot air balloons during three different events: Rush Hour Race, Great Balloon Glow, and the Great Balloon Race.

Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes | Friday, April 28 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Waterfront Park | Free with Pegasus Pin | Catch six wrestling matches, including an “Every Man for Himself Free-for-All,” with a special meet-and-greet with Ohio Valley Wrestling stars.

🚲 Active

Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon | Saturday, April 29 | Downtown | $50-$325 | Sign up for the largest day of road racing in Kentucky that starts at Slugger Field and includes a run through the Churchill Downs’ infield.

🍽️ Eat + drink

Juleps & Jazz Cruise | Friday, April 14 | 7-9 p.m. | Belle of Louisville | $81 | Ride down the Ohio River with a mint julep in hand followed by a presentation on the Derby drink at the Captain’s Quarter speakeasy with a shot of bourbon and chocolate pairing.

Concerts

Kroger’s Fest-a-ville will host numerous concerts through Derby season on the Waterfront, which are all free to attend with a Pegasus Pin. Headliners on the 2023 lineup include J.D. Shelburne, Marzz, and AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck. See the full schedule.