The Kentucky Derby isn’t a single event. It’s a two-week spectacle that takes over Louisville every spring. From the fastest horses in the world to rubber ducks in a river, here’s every essential stop, stacked from worst to best in my opinion.
7. The Steamboat Race…
The steamboat race is probably the least exciting event. The Belle of Louisville and The Belle of Cincinnati race at a whopping 12 miles per hour up the Ohio River. Personally I do not watch and I don’t think that will change this year.
6. Pegasus Parade (The Kentucky Derby Parade)
This event is a hit or miss for everyone. Some people love it, some people hate it. However it is a staple in derby week. The Derby Parade winds down Broadway with floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. It’s a proper old-school parade in the best sense.
5. Ken-Ducky Derby
Yes, this is a rubber duck race. Over 40,000 numbered rubber ducks are dropped into the Ohio River and the crowd watches them float to the finish line. This event isn’t all that great in my opinion but it’d definitely be fun towards the end. Personally I’ve never attended but I think it’s cool to see on the tv.
4. Balloon Glow Festival
The Balloon Glow is the most underrated event on this list by far. Thousands of people at the water front with live music, good food, fun rides, and dozens of hot air balloons to cap it all off. This event is really fun with family and definitely a staple of the Derby events.
3. Thunder Over Louisville
The official kickoff to Derby season is, quite simply, the largest fireworks show in North America. Fired from the Clark Memorial Bridge over the Ohio River, with a full air show preceding it, Thunder draws over half a million spectators to the waterfront. It’s big, it’s loud, and it sets the tone perfectly. Derby week will kick off this Saturday with the air show starting at 3:00 pm and the fireworks at 9:30 pm.
2. The Kentucky Oaks
The day before the Derby belongs to the fillies and honestly, the crowd might be even more passionate. The Oaks is more for the hometown people and they love it. The Oaks has carved out its own identity with lily hats, pink out in support of breast cancer awareness, and a race that’s every bit as competitive as the Derby.
1. The Kentucky Derby
There’s a reason they call it the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports. The Derby is the anchor of it all. 150,000 people in their finest hats, bets in hand, packed into Churchill Downs for a race that lasts barely longer than a song. Those not at the track are likely at a party having a great time watching with family and friends. Every other event on this list exists in its orbit.
