Posted by Julie Skaff on April 24, 2024
The Insider's Guide to Louisville during Kentucky Derby® Week
Louisville, or “loo-a-vul” as the locals call it, is already an incredibly happening city. Add in the Kentucky Derby®, and there’s suddenly a bounty of things to see and do!
Churchill Downs® is known to host over 150,000 people on Derby day, with the majority coming from out of town. It’s no surprise that Louisville aims to share its many attributes that make it nationally known and a fantastic home to its locals. After all, if you’re a tourist visiting a city, you should go exploring and see all it has to offer!
Everything from Kentucky Derby parties, festivals, local hot spots, historic sites, bourbon distilleries, delicious restaurants and horse farms should be on your hit list of things to do while in town for the Kentucky Derby.
So without further ado, take a look at our Insider's Travel Guide to Louisville during Kentucky Derby Week, because these 10 things should definitely be on your list of things to do!
Start at the Museums
Louisville is home to a variety of museums that hold all kinds of history and stories within them. A few that should definitely be on your itinerary are:
Kentucky Derby Museum
Tour the exhibits that represent one of America’s oldest sporting events, and be sure to check out the 360 video display to immerse yourself in the history.
Louisville Slugger Museum
Learn the story behind the legendary baseball bat and the family that still creates them to this day. Don’t forget to get your picture taken with the giant slugger!
Kentucky Art and Craft Museum
View all the wonderful hand made products made in Kentucky throughout history.
Become a Foodie
This city is home to some of the most delectable tastes that will ever hit your taste buds! While in town, you have got to experience a few of the delicacies and Louisville native dishes.
Hot Brown
You’ve got to try this popular local dish at the same place it was created: the Brown Hotel. A hot brown is an open-faced sandwich filled with turkey, bacon and Mornay sauce and baked until the bread is crisp!
Derby Pie
This sensational chocolate and walnut tart fills a pie shell with a pastry dough crust. The best place to taste it is at the Melrose Inn, right outside Louisville
Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
This dessert can be found in many bakeries throughout Louisville; the sweetness of the bread pudding is offset by the hardy bourbon sauce which will leave you asking for more!
Fried Egg Sandwiches
This delicious breakfast entrée hits home; try it out at Wagner’s on 4th Street to treat your taste buds!
Grits
It doesn’t get any more southern than this! Try this side dish with cheese.
Experience the Nightlife & Kentucky Derby Parties
Louisville is home to some great nightlife for all ages! There are plenty of different bars that you and your group can check out throughout the city, and 4th Street Live is a great area, but during Kentucky Derby week, you should have these Derby parties on your to do list:
The Tase of Derby party is the kick-off to Derby weekend! On Thursday evening, masterful chefs from around the US will culminate in one location making some of the most mouth-watering dishes you'll ever taste!
Held immediately following the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, attend Fillies & Lilies Party for a night of music, celebrity jockey appearances, gourmet food, open bar, and much more!
Be there and celebrate with a Champagne toast as the winning owner, jockey, horse and trainer are celebrated and presented with their rings!
The Barnstable Brown Gala is a black-tie affair, hosted annually by Patricia Barnstable Brown. Celebrities are known to frequent this party where proceeds benefit Diabetes Research at the University of Kentucky.
Find the Natural Beauty
Situated off the Ohio River, Louisville has incredible natural beauty. Take a trip across the bridge that crosses the Ohio River to see the city from the water, walk down the riverside to see the historic Belle of Louisville and go for a ride, or take a visit the falls of Louisville!
Tour a Horse Farm
You’re in Kentucky – you’ve got to visit some of the top horse farms! See how prize thoroughbreds are raised and trained, plus see how a horse farm operates on a day-to-day basis.
Visit Historic Landmarks
A lot of Kentucky’s historic landmarks are in and around Louisville. Take the time to learn about Kentucky’s rich history!
Farmington
The home of President Lincoln’s closest friend, Joshua Fry
Locust Grove
The home of the younger sister of Lewis Clark from the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Two Words: Mint Juleps
This tasty adult beverage has such incredible ties to Louisville, Kentucky that it’s the official drink of the Derby. Whether you’re inside Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby day or stopping for a bite and a drink in the city, a Mint Julep will be on the menu and better be your drink of choice!
Attend the Kentucky Oaks®
The day before the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks race is held to kick-start Derby weekend. Grab your pink attire and hit the track to help raise breast cancer awareness, and watch the fillies race for the lilies!
Become an Adventurer
Louisville has plenty of things for the outdoor adventurer. For example, take a ride on a zip line in Louisville’s underground into the limestone caves!
Try some Bourbon
Everyone knows that Kentucky is known for its bourbon, so enjoy a flight of Kentucky’s finest! Let the sweet nectar hit your lips and see for yourself why Louisville is known for this indulgence. Plus, you and your group can even plan a trip to tour a bourbon distillery while in town.
Attend the Kentucky Derby
If you haven’t already secured your Kentucky Derby tickets, you should obviously have that on your list of things to do Derby week! With Official Ticket Packages, you can have an incomparable Kentucky Derby experience with exclusive hospitality access, jockey meet and greets, premium bars and much more!
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