2011 Derby Festival Events: April 29-May 1
This weekend's Kentucky Derby Festival events are all about hot air balloons, running and music. Here's what's going on April 29-May 1. Events are free with a 2011 Pegasus Pin unless otherwise noted.
Now through Friday, May 6
Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park
Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat.: 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun.: 1-11 p.m.; Waterfront Park
The Chow Wagon features good food and great live music – just add some friends and you're in for a fun time.
Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat.: 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun.: 1-11 p.m.; Waterfront Park's Great Lawn
Concerts, food, a kids' inflatable playground – there's something for everyone at the Fest-a-Ville.
Friday, April 29
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Rush Hour Race
7 a.m., Bowman Field
The first of two balloon races in this year's Great BalloonFest.
Running Wild Expo and Pasta Dinner
Expo: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC)
Dinner: 5:30-8:30 p.m., KICC – $9/adults; $6/kids under 12
Check out the latest running gear and get nutritional advice and running tips.
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow
7 p.m. gates open, glow starts at 9 p.m.; Bowman Field – Parking $5
See the balloons inflate into their launch positions and fire their burners, causing them to “glow.”
Movie Night on the Great Lawn Featuring "Twilight"
9:15 p.m., Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront/Great Lawn
Brink a blanket and enjoy the movie outside on a 45-foot inflatable screen.
Saturday, April 30
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Race
7 a.m., Bowman Field
Come watch as the “chase” balloons take off in pursuit of the “hare.”
Marathon/miniMarathon presented by Walmart
7:30 a.m., Start line near Louisville Slugger Field – Free for spectators
Cheer on the runners along their route through the city.
Da'Ville Classic Drum Line Showcase College Fair
2 p.m., Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall B – $10 per person
A showcase of regional community drum lines and college and university bands.
TheSlice: Spice, Style & Soul
6-9 p.m., St. Augustine Church (1310 West Broadway) -- $45
This event, featuring live entertainment and food and wine samplings, benefits local community service organizations.
Sonic Saturday Featuring Soul Asylum
9 p.m., Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront/Great Lawn
Enjoy music from the alt-rock band best known for its Grammy Award-winning single “Runaway Train.”
Sunday, May 1
Louisville Youth Orchestra Concert
4 p.m.; Iroquois Amphitheater
Featuring music from five Louisville Youth Orchestra ensembles.
Celebration Sunday with 88.5 WJIE
5 p.m., Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront/Great Lawn
A concert with Christian rock bands Rush of Fools, Downhere and Building 429.
Posted on Apr 29, 2011 by Loren Reni Beard
