And they’re off! Those who grew up in Southern Indiana, just north of Churchill Downs and Louisville, Kentucky, recognize the call to kick off the annual Kentucky Derby. The kickoff of Derby season is a little harder to pin down, with several festivities to enjoy in the weeks leading up to the fastest, most exciting, most accessorized two minutes in sports.
We’ll leave betting tips to the professionals, but keep reading for tips on events to enjoy throughout Kentucky Derby season. Then book a stay in SoIN to enjoy all the action and traditions on both sides of the river.
Thunder Over Louisville
April 18, 2026
Booming fireworks, impressive planes and festival fare. Thunder Over Louisville has kicked off the Kentucky Derby Festival since the late 80s. What started as a daytime opening ceremony evolved into one of the largest fireworks shows in the nation. Each year features a new theme to determine music played throughout the fireworks show. The 2026 theme – “Thunder in the U.S.A.” Can you think of a better way to celebrate America 250? We can’t. And Hoosiers get prime viewing along the north side of the river.
To make the most of ‘Thunder,’ plan to arrive early and stay late. Riverside hotels and restaurants in Jeffersonville and Clarksville offer convenience and a home base while you enjoy demos from aircraft like the U.S. Air Force Viper, and, once the sun goes down, an impressive fireworks show over the Ohio River. Learn more about Thunder-related events and viewing parties in our Thunder Over Louisville Viewing blog.
Great BalloonFest
April 23 – 25, 2026
A magical sight when the sun goes down, the Balloon Glow is now part of a 4-day BalloonFest at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky. While you can see the glow from the SoIN side of the river, you’ll want an up-close look of the towering hot-air balloons. Don’t worry, you’ll still get to enjoy a little piece of SoIN. Look for the GoSoIN balloon and its trusted pilots. They’ll tell you all about the balloon, and more top SoIN stops, ahead of the big race. That’s right, another race, two to be exact, and these are just as colorful as the Derby. Admission to the glow is free with your 2026 Pegasus Pin®.
Weather permitting, the balloons race twice in late April (April 24 & 25 in 2026). The GoSoIN Balloon has participated in the race since 2016. While the balloon’s predecessor, “Sunny,” wasn’t around yet for the inaugural race in 1973, SoIN Tourism is the longest continuous participant!
Fest-a-Ville & Chow Wagon
April 23 – May 1, 2026
While at Waterfront Park for BalloonFest, grab a bite to eat at the Chow Wagon on the Great Lawn. The site is also home to Fest-a-Ville, which offers carnival rides, concerts, an inflatable playground for kids, and more! Admission to Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon are free with your 2026 Pegasus Pin®.
Great Steamboat Race
April 29, 2026
Before trains, planes and automobiles, rivers were the best way to get around. SoIN’s location along the Ohio River made it a key stop along this aquatic highway connecting six states. Some of the vessels that once carried passengers to weekend getaways and leisure excursions are still going strong, including the Belle of Louisville, which has a race of her own during Derby week.
Called “the most interesting race of Derby Week” by Garden & Gun, visit SoIN the Wednesday before the Kentucky Derby to witness the Great Steamboat Race from the northern banks of the Ohio River. Be part of the action by purchasing a ticket to ride aboard the Belle, or her rival, the Belle of Cincinnati through the Kentucky Derby Festival website. For a view of the full race, purchase a ticket aboard the official chase boat, the Mary M. Miller, sister to the Belle of Louisville and also owned by Belle of Louisville Riverboats.
More Derby-related Stops in SoIN
Howard Steamboat Museum
After your steamboat ride, make a stop at the Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville. The riverside mansion was built as a home for the Howard shipbuilding family in the late 1800s. The Howards were known for their fine craftmanship, which can be directly seen in the woodwork throughout the home. The mansion is now a museum dedicated to preserving the stories of steamboats and local shipyards.
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
Built by William S. Culbertson, the richest man in Indiana in his time, the Culbertson Mansion was once home to his son Samuel Culbertson. Like his father, Samuel was well known and involved in the community. He served for a time as the president and Chairman of the Board at Churchill Downs. Samuel is credited with developing some of the Derby’s most recognized traditions, including the Winner’s Circle, the Julep Cup, and the Infield. He commissioned the first Garland of Roses for the 1932 race won by Burgoo King. More about Culbertson Family Ties to Churchill Downs
The 1932 race had an attendance of 50,000 as reported by the New York Times. The Derby’s highest attendance was 156,710 on its 150th anniversary in 2024.
Whether you come for the excitement, fashion, or history, Derby season is a bucket list experience.
