Kick Off the Kentucky Derby Festival with Thunder Over Louisville

It's almost impossible to mention Louisville and not have the Kentucky Derby come to mind! It's such a popular annual event, with a lengthy celebration leading up to it, including Thunder Over Louisville, a thrilling air show, and an impressive fireworks display commemorating the kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. There's a long list of fun things to do and discover in the lead-up to the "greatest two minutes in sports."

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby at Churchhill Downs, so it's a sure bet that they'll be pulling out all the stops for Thunder Over Louisville and the other fantastic events this spring. As one of North America's largest annual fireworks displays, hundreds of thousands of bystanders will line the banks of the Ohio River to take in this spectacular show. For many, it's an annual tradition highly anticipated all year.

Before you start making plans for Thunder Over Louisville and the Kentucky Derby Festival, you'll want to secure your lodging, and our bed and breakfast in New Albany, just across the river from downtown Louisville, is a lovely place to make your home base. Our charming four-room Inn offers unique accommodations to make your getaway all the more memorable and special. There's nothing cookie-cutter about our historic architecture, welcoming hospitality, and beautiful breakfast service each morning. Book your lodging today!

Thunder Over Louisville & More Kentucky Derby Events

The famed Kentucky Derby always takes place on the first Saturday in May. It's one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, with nearly 15 million television viewers. Churchill Downs seats 170,000, so only a lucky handful of visitors get to attend in person each year. Thunder Over Louisville and the other events leading up to the big day are a great way to experience the magic of this horse race, even if you don't get to attend the main event.

Here are the best things to do at the Kentucky Derby Festival this year:

1. Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show: The Kentucky Derby has a long-standing connection to the fashion industry, and the hats are always one of the most anticipated parts of the race! Head to the Hat Show for an exclusive look at the latest couture designs, bottomless mimosa, and runway show.
2. Dillard's Spring Fashion Show: Hosted at Caesar's Southern Indiana, this runway show features the latest fashions and accessories predicted for the Derby season.
3. Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbonville: Head to the Frazier History Museum for signature drinks from the top Bourbon distilleries, enjoy Bourbon-inspired cuisine, and meet the Master Distillers.
4. Taste of Derby Festival: Head to Louisville Slugger Field for a fun culinary event featuring signature dishes from more than 50 talented chefs from some of the finest restaurants and beverage companies in Louisville.
5. Events at Seneca Golf Course Driving Range: This Kentucky golf course offers many fun events leading up to Thunder Over Louisville, including the exciting million-dollar hole-in-one competition.
6. Thunder Over Louisville: The riverfront comes to life with this classic air show, then as day turns to night, you'll be privy to one of the largest fireworks shows in North America.
7. Great Balloon Fest: If you're a fan of hot air balloons, this three-day event is packed with these colorful floating balloons.
8. Derby Festival Marathon: One of the most popular events leading up to the Kentucky Derby, secure your spot in this marathon that heads through downtown Louisville to Iroquois Park.
9. Pegasus Parade: Celebrate 150 years of derby with a collection of the nation's finest marching bands and equestrian units, inflatable characters, and colorful floats in this festive parade.
10. Great Steamboat Fest: As one of the longest-running traditions in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, watch as these historic boats race along the Ohio River.

Book our Bed and Breakfast in New Albany

Whether you're coming to celebrate the Kentucky Derby or the events like Thunder Over Louisville leading up to the main race, our bed and breakfast in New Albany is one of the best places to stay. You'll be just a quick 20-minute drive to Churchill Downs— made better by booking a chauffeured ride in our Rolls Royce to arrive in style—and even closer to all of the best things to do across the bridge in downtown Louisville.

Our four-room Inn is ideal for couples looking for a quiet retreat, friends hoping for a unique location, or solo travelers seeking a private getaway. Each B&B suite encapsulates an era of simpler times, with beautiful antiques, comfortable beds, stunning architectural details, and luxurious amenities. You'll feel right at home either in your private room or our other shared spaces, perfect for relaxing with a good book or friendly conversation.

When The Pepin Mansion isn't operating a charming bed and breakfast in New Albany, we host private events, spectacular weddings, and intimate elopements. We're consistently ranked as one of the best wedding venues in Louisville, and many happy couples have said their "I dos" with us. We can't wait to host you this spring for Thunder Over Louisville and more; book your lodging today!