Ahh, the Kentucky Derby season in Louisville. That time of year where for two weeks most the city’s population negates work, drink the days and nights away and all in the name of horse racing’s classiest two minute affair. As exemplified below by my little drunken buddy who I found all snuggled up in a concrete nook near the corner of 3rd Street and Muhammad Ali at about 11:30 pm.  



At least he wasn’t driving, right?

Derby Week is marked by an impressive slate of extremely festive social events ranging from campouts like the Hillbilly Infield, to the most celebrated party of them all, the Barnstable Brown Gala.

Most Derby parties function as a fundraiser for different animal friendly charities, but some are just a pay-at-the-door affair. In either case, the atmosphere should be festive and the drinks a bit on the strong side . . . Derby only comes once a year.

Free Events at KFC Yum! Center Celebrate Thunder Over Louisville

Join the KFC Yum! Center for two free admission events on Saturday, April 16 at the KFC Yum! Center to celebrate Thunder Over Louisville, the nation’s largest annual fireworks show that is the official opening ceremonies for the fun-filled Derby Festival.

This article appears in the March 2011 issue of Louisville Magazine. To subscribe, please visit loumag.com.

As told by Lena Ness, 25

To my recollection, high school prom was not the magical night many girls dream of. No, for me, the excitement and giddiness that prom spurs for most, was reserved instead for another evening: the Barnstable Brown Gala during Derby Weekend 2003.