KDF 2022 Return With Live In-Person Events
The Kentucky Derby Festival is an annual celebration in the City of Louisville, KY. The festival takes “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” and turns Derby City into a month-long party. It includes 70-plus events every spring, which all lead up to historically significant “First Saturday in May.” This event was first started in 1935, and is now Kentucky’s largest single annual event. After being reimagined for a pandemic, the Kentucky Derby Festival 2022 edition is back in full swing.
The festival was canceled in 2020 and was also limited in 2021 with a focus on virtual participation. However, the 2022 festival plans to resemble more of a normal production and attendance.
SEE ALSO: Kentucky Derby Party Decorations, Supplies, and Games
Thunder Over Louisville
Thunder Over Louisville is known as the largest annual fireworks display in North America. Since 1997, it has drawn an average attendance of 625,000 people. Crowds line the banks of the Ohio River, around the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge. Fireworks are launched from the bridge itself, as well as eight 400-feet long barges.
The day-long airshow which concludes with a 30-minute firework spectacle after sunset event will happen on Saturday April 23rd, 2022. From indoor viewing parties to free spots alongside the river, there are a variety of front row spots to see this33rd annual pyrotechnic spectacular.
Fireworks Finale & Recap
Air Show
This has grown to become one of the top five air shows in the country.The 2022 Thunder Air Show celebrates the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The lineup includes a packed line-up of military and civilian aircraft.
Attendees will get a mix of new cutting edge technology and vintage aircraft alike.Scheduled performances include the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo, U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo, U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, the Kentucky Air National Guard 123rd Airlift Wing with the new C-130J, and the Commemorative Air Force’s B-29, B-24, and B-25. Also included are the U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler Demo with a Legacy Flight, Younkin Airshows, and much more!
Great BalloonFest
The Great BalloonFest typically consists of several balloon-related events over the weekend. These include the Balloon Glimmer, Great Balloon Glow, Great Balloon Race, and more. They have now been running for 49 years, and are considered some of the best in the country.
Great Balloon Glow
The Great Balloon Glow has typically been the most popular event in the Great BalloonFest. Traditionally, it would attract crowds of 50,000 people although the event has been different over the last couple of years.
Great Balloon Race
The first Great Balloon Race was first held in 1973, sending hot air balloons through the Louisville skyline. This event is scheduled for April 30th.
The Great Steamboat Race
The Great Steamboat Race is an annual steamboat race which happens on the Wednesday before the Kentucky Derby. That falls on Wednesday May 4, 2022 for this year’s riverboat race. The iconic George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge serves as the start and finish line. Paddle-wheel riverboat racing has been a part of the Kentucky Derby Festival since 1963. The Belle of Louisville has been a part of the race since inception. Four Roses Distillery even honors the event with a special bourbon release.
Pegasus Parade
The Pegasus Parade is an annual event held during Derby week, which is one of the largest parades in America. This event was actually the first event held by KDF, after it was restarted in 1956. The inaugural event was launched with a budget of only $640, however it has ballooned in a variety of ways since.
Each year is fitted with a theme, and this year’s theme is titled “Loving Louisville.” Participants are encouraged to decorate with everything they love about Derby City. This includes landmarks, icons, sports teams, music, lots of hearts, and fleur de lis of course.
The Pegasus Parade returns to Broadway on Sunday, May 1. The parade will march at 3 p.m. and help kick-off the Derby week festivities.
The Pegasus Parade marches west on Broadway for 17 blocks and will last approximately 2 hours.
You can reserve bleacher and VIP seating along the parade route in various areas. Areas along Broadway, from Hancock to 6th Street, along Broadway between Floyd and Preston, and along Broadway at Preston.
Marathon & miniMarathon
The GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival mini & Marathon is the largest annual day of road racing in the Commonwealth. The 2022 running will be the 49th annual miniMarathon, and 21st annual Marathon, which started in 1974.
Runners across all 50 states and several countries take part in the2022 KDF Marathon. The scenic course itself is a loop, and partially shared amongst the 13.1-mile miniMarathon runners and the 26.2-mile Marathon participants. Those who choose the long route, simply split off at the 11-mile marker of the course, while both finish back where they started. During their route, they will traverse Iroquois Park and pass through Churchill Downs.
The race is held on the last Saturday in April, which maintains its place as the weekend before the Kentucky Derby. For those interested in running, you can signup here.
- miniMarathon
- Event Dates: Saturday April 30, 2022
- Start Time: 6:30am EDT
- Price: $95.00 Race Fee
- Registration: April 24, 2022, 11:59pm EDT
- Marathon
- Event Date: Saturday April 30, 2022
- Start Time: 6:30am EDT
- Registration Limit: N/A
- Price: $105.00 Race Fee
- Registration: April 24, 2022, 11:59pm EDT
Derby Festival Poster
The Kentucky Derby Festival Poster 2022poster called “Together,” and is designed by Louisville-based artist Kacy Jackson.
“I wanted this year’s poster design to represent the unity that stems from Derby Festival events,” said Kacy Jackson. “The geometrical shapes and multicolored scheme overlaying the city of Louisville represent the diversity of people brought together by the Festival and the harmony it creates in our community.”
Tour de Lou
The Tour de Lou is set to happen this year, marking its 9th running. Entrants will be able to participate either virtually or in-person as well. Also, bike riders will have several options when it comes to distance as outlined below. The ride happens on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Those interested can sign up here.
- Distance Options Include:
- 20 Mile Ride – (Open course, no streets closed.)
- 35 Mile Ride – (Open course, no streets closed.)
- 62.1 Mile Ride /Metric Century – (Open course, no streets closed.)
Royal Court
The Royal Court has been announced, including winner Nancy Ngo, 23, of Louisville. Jimi Porter, Sarah Rhodes, Molly Sullivan, and Haven Wolfe were also chosen as members of the 2022 Royal Court.
148th Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs plans to host the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2022. However, that will be with reduced capacity. Regardless of how many people are in attendance, you can expect them to be decked out in the wildest Derby hats.
If you’d like to attend the Kentucky Derby in person, you can check for tickets below.
About Kentucky Derby Festival
The Kentucky Derby Festival was first held in 1935 through 1937. However, since 1956 it has became an annual event in the City of Louisville. Today it consists of 70-plus cultural and sporting events leading up to the Kentucky Derby. It is the single largest annual event in the Commonwealth, attracting more than 1.5 million locals and tourists.
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