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The Kentucky Derby: An Insiders Guide
The excitement surrounding Derby season crescendoes on the day of the race itself.
 (Photo: Dan Dry, courtesy of www.gotolouisville.com)
Events

“My favorite thing about the Derby is that it marks the beginning of the spring social season in Louisville,” says Greene. “It’s an awakening of spring and summer for the city, and everyone is ready to celebrate.”

Although the race at Churchill Downs is the main event, Derby season offers plenty of other activities, whether you’re interested in breakfasts or brunches, exclusive galas, or annual community-wide gatherings. Some events, such as the Barnstable Brown party, a favorite of celebrities, might be best viewed in the papers if you can’t get the hard-to-find tickets. But there’s plenty to choose from on the Derby agenda.


WHAT TO DO

April 25
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow
More than 50,000 people attend this annual event to see the balloons inflate and glow against the night sky accompanied by music. Kentucky Exposition Center, 502/584-6383, www.kdf.org.

April 26
Kentucky Derby Museum Gala
“A beautiful black-tie party with cocktails, dinner, and dancing that is chaired by a good friend of mine, Douglas Riddle,” says Moloney. “It is an elegant affair held under a big tent in the infield of Churchill Downs the week before the big race, and it benefits the museum.” 502/637-1111, ext. 227, www.derbymuseum.org.

U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Race
A local tradition not to miss, the balloon race is a visual feast of bright colors that began in 1973. Kentucky Exposition Center, 502/584-6383, www.kdf.org.

April 30
Great Steamboat Race and LVAA Boat Race Party
“This event benefiting the Louisville Visual Art Association is on the Ohio River. A great place to watch the steamboat race is from the historic Louisville Water Tower Park,” says Moloney. This year’s race is between the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen. 800/261-8586, www.kdf.org.

May 2
Oaks Brunch
“The Brown Hotel has a great luncheon in the ballroom the day of the Oaks race,” says Greene. “It benefits the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, and there are pieces for sale by local artisans.” 35 West Broadway, 502/589-0102, ext. 211, www.kentuckyarts.org.

Kentucky Oaks 134
This race kicks off the weekend for many Louisvillians. 502/636-4400, www.kentuckyoaks.com.

The Mint Jubilee Gala
The gala benefits the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville and Gilda’s Club Louisville. 502/562-3153, www.mintjubilee.org.

May 3
30th Annual Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast at the Farmington Historic Home
“Wonderful for out-of-town guests,” says Greene. “The home is furnished with period pieces, and tours are available. People love dining outside on the lawn.” 3033 Bardstown Rd. For tickets, call 502/899-5079, or visit www.historichomes.org.

Grand Gala
Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at this year’s gala, which benefits the 828 Foundation. Galt House Hotel & Suites, www.grandgala.com.

Kentucky Derby 134
“The best place to view the race is personal preference, but locals, horse owners, and trainers like the third floor Clubhouse section, close to the finish line but not past it, so they can hear the rumble of the horses’ hooves on the track,” says Moloney. “Visitors and celebrities prefer the new Skye Terrace or, of course, Millionares Row. After two straight days of parties, however, some think the best Derby seat is a comfortable one in front of the television.” 502/636-4400, www.kentuckyderby.com.
RESOURCES: Moloney-Smith & Associates, 502/584-0024.

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