Celebrate the Kentucky Derby Festival at the Kentucky Exposition Center: Hot Air Balloons, Races and Parade Preview

The Kentucky Derby Festival is underway and the Kentucky Exposition Center plays host to four popular events.

Kentucky Derby Festival Race Expo & Packet Pick Up: Thursday, April 26 – Friday, April 27
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Thursday
11 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Friday
More than 15,000 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon participants and their families stop by this annual event to pick up required information for the two races. During this time, attendees can visit exhibitors featuring fitness resources, tools and apparel. Located in the West Wing and Pavilion.

U.S. Bank Great Balloon Glow: Friday, April 27
6 p.m. Gates open
9 p.m. Glow begins
Spectators watch as pilots fill hot-air balloons that glow against the evening sky, set to a special musical score. Visitors are invited to meet the pilots and ask questions. The balloons are parked in Lots C and D.

Thorntons Great Bed Races: Monday, April 30
4 p.m. Official tailgate party
6 p.m. Parade of the beds
7 p.m. Races begin
Crowds cheer as teams dressed in costumes push decorated beds in a 600-yard dash to the finish line. Awards are presented for fastest course times, best decorated, most entertaining and more. The races take place in Broadbent Arena.

Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party Presented by Mega Caverns: Tuesday, May 1
5 – 9 p.m. Open to the public
Visitors get a sneak peek at inflatables and floats, complete with dancing costumed characters. Children can also get an autograph or photo of the Derby Festival Queen and Royal Court. The preview party is held in South Wing C.

Admission to all events is free with a 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle and $20 per bus.

For more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival, visit www.kdf.org.