The new year is well underway, so we're looking ahead to all the biggest events and dates coming up in and around Derby City. We've also including some dates for our neighboring city of Lexington.

Bonus: Be sure to bookmark our monthly Plan Ahead for a more complete look at what's ahead. Plus, LEXtoday has one of their own.

Louisville

Thunder Over Louisville: Saturday, April 18

The kickoff to Derby Festival is one of the biggest events of the year in Louisville. Expect heavy traffic all along the waterfront — it'll be the first Thunder since 2024.

Waterfront Wednesdays: Starting Wednesday, April 22

This monthly concert series will return to Waterfront Park in 2026. This year's lineup is still TBD, but the shows will be held on the final Wednesday of the month, April-September. This year, that's:

April 22
May 27
June 24
July 29
August 26
September 23

Expect traffic along the riverfront, especially near the Big Four Bridge.

The Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 2

The week leading up to the best two minutes in sports will be packed with events all over town, not just at Churchill Downs.

Opening night: Saturday, April 25
Dawn at the Downs Sunday, April 26 and Monday, April 27
502's Day: Tuesday, April 28
Winsday: Wednesday, April 29
Thurby: Thursday, April 30
Oaks: Friday, May 1
Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 2

Expect to see plenty of traffic in the South 3rd Street area near U of L.

The State Fair: Thursday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Aug. 30

Animal shows, concerts, and more fried food than you can shake a hot dog on a stick at: all this and more await you at the Kentucky State Fair. Expect to see heavier than usual traffic around the fairgrounds.

Louder Than Life: Thursday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 20

This annual rock and metal show is happening the weekend before Bourbon & Beyond this year, rather than the weekend after as it usually does. Expect plenty of traffic around the fairgrounds as 200,000+ people gather to see bands like My Chemical Romance and Slipknot. There are usually select exit closures and detours during the festival as well.

Bourbon & Beyond: Thursday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Sept. 27

The fairgrounds will once again be rocking as foodies and music fans alike come out for one of the biggest festivals in the US. Headliners are still TBD, but we'll let you know as soon as they're announced.

Lexington

March Madness: Sunday, March 15-Monday, April 6

College football will be in full swing for these weeks, so be on the lookout for traffic around game venues.

Lexington Pride Festival: Saturday, May 30

This annual celebration of Lexington's LGBTQ+ community will be held on Oliver Lewis Way from South Broadwat to High Street. Expect heavy traffic and detours in that area.

Railbird: Saturday, June 6 + Sunday, June 7

Tyler Childers + The Lumineers will headline this year's festival, held in The Infield at Red Mile.

Keeneland Fall Meet: Friday, Oct. 2-Saturday, Oct. 24

Kentucky's other major horse race happens in the fall, with crowds descending on the Keeneland racetrack for a month of events.