The new year is already moving along, so it’s time to look ahead at some of the biggest events and important dates coming up in and around Derby City. A few key dates for nearby Lexington are included as well.
Bonus: Be sure to bookmark the monthly Plan Ahead for a more complete look at what’s coming up. Plus, LEXtoday has one of their own.
Louisville
Thunder Over Louisville: Saturday, April 18
The kickoff to the Derby Festival is one of Louisville’s largest annual events. Expect heavy traffic along the waterfront. This will be the first Thunder since 2024.
Waterfront Wednesdays: Starting Wednesday, April 22
This monthly concert series returns to Waterfront Park in 2026. The lineup is still to be determined, but shows will take place on the final Wednesday of each month from April through September. Dates include:
April 22
May 27
June 24
July 29
August 26
September 23
Traffic is expected along the riverfront, especially near the Big Four Bridge.
The Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 2
The week leading up to the most famous two minutes in sports brings events across the city, not just at Churchill Downs.
Opening Night: Saturday, April 25
Dawn at the Downs: Sunday, April 26 and Monday, April 27
502’s Day: Tuesday, April 28
Winsday: Wednesday, April 29
Thurby: Thursday, April 30
Oaks: Friday, May 1
Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 2
Heavy traffic is expected near South 3rd Street and the University of Louisville.
The State Fair: Thursday, Aug. 20–Sunday, Aug. 30
Animal shows, concerts, and plenty of fair food return to the Kentucky State Fair. Expect increased traffic around the fairgrounds.
Louder Than Life: Thursday, Sept. 17–Sunday, Sept. 20
This year’s rock and metal festival takes place the weekend before Bourbon & Beyond. Large crowds are expected around the fairgrounds, along with possible exit closures and detours.
Bourbon & Beyond: Thursday, Sept. 24–Sunday, Sept. 27
The fairgrounds will once again host one of the country’s largest food and music festivals. Headliners have not yet been announced.
Lexington
March Madness: Sunday, March 15–Monday, April 6
College basketball will draw crowds during this stretch, so drivers should expect traffic near game venues.
Lexington Pride Festival: Saturday, May 30
The annual celebration of Lexington’s LGBTQ+ community takes place on Oliver Lewis Way from South Broadway to High Street. Expect heavy traffic and detours in the area.
Railbird: Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
Tyler Childers and The Lumineers will headline the festival at The Infield at Red Mile.
Keeneland Fall Meet: Friday, Oct. 2–Saturday, Oct. 24
Kentucky’s major fall racing season returns as crowds gather at the Keeneland racetrack for weeks of events.
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