Check out the new events planned for Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront is returning for its 18th year with the ultimate entertainment experience for guests. It’s one of the Derby Festival’s signature events, taking over Waterfront Park for nine straight days starting Thursday, April 25 through Derby Eve on Friday, May 3.

Several new events are debuting this year, including a nightly drone show that will light up the Waterfront skyline. Other new highlights include the addition of a second balloon glow, a Taylor Swift Silent Disco, a custom car showcase, a circus and a movie night.

People will also see the return of some long-time favorites, including concerts, festive food, midway rides and more. It’s open daily with hours running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m., Sunday.

Admission to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Pins are $7 in advance at local retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events.

For more information, click here.

New Line-Up Events:

Nightly Drone Show: A Nightly Drone Show will take place each evening during the nine-day run of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Three different drone shows, featuring an estimated 75-100 drones, will be in rotation during the event, so Festival goers can attend multiple times and see an entirely new show.
Two Balloon Glows: Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, Parade of Balloons, 7:30 p.m., Glow, 9 p.m., Great Lawn. The L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow features the addition of a second Glow for 2024 where you can go see the balloons on the field.
Taylor Swift Silent Disco: Saturday, April 27 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the Grove. Louisville Silent Disco will be playing Taylor Swift hit songs on two channels (a third channel will feature Top Hits). Come decked out in your favorite Taylor era as you wear glowing wireless headphones and dance to the music on the Waterfront. Purchase tickets.
Double the Car Show Fun: Exotic Cars & Coffee Presented By Speedwash Car Wash returns for the second straight year on Saturday, April 27 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., on the Great Lawn. Enjoy exotic cars, muscle cars, imports and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Making its Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville debut is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 28 from noon-5 p.m., on the Great Lawn, featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from across the U.S. and Canada.
Barbie On the Big Screen Movie Night: Wednesday, May 1, 8:30 p.m., in The Grove. Enjoy the hit movie “Barbie” under the stars on the big screen.
Louisville Turners Circus: Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. The local circus company will perform aerial and ground circus acts, including aerial silks, rope, sling, aerial hoop, and dance trapeze.

Other Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville Experiences

Opening Day: Thursday, April 25. Ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.

Chow Wagon: Open during the entire nine days of Fest-a-Ville, this outdoor food and live music venue is a long-running Derby Festival tradition. Happy Hour Weekdays: 4-6 p.m. $4 beers at the Beer Garden.
Pegasus Play-Ville features a variety of kid-friendly activities, including Charlie Chopper, Little Wheel, Fun House/Fun Slide and more.
Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 26, noon, Great Lawn. Festival goers can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline.
Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-For-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.
Kentucky Derby Festival Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show: Saturday, April 27, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. $350 VIP Experience includes prime seating for a table of 8, plus $80 in food and drink tickets. $35 individual VIP tickets. (18 and over only).
Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Call to the Post and Duck Drop at 4 p.m. See the launch of nearly 50,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville.
Mascot Party Presented by the League of Mascots: Sunday, April 28, 1-3 p.m.
GospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 28, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Jason Clayborn & Thee Ensemble, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Kenny Lewis & One Voice and more. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
Fitness Day: Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Great Lawn.
HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 30, 5-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event. Produced by Metro Animal Services. Sponsored by OraStripdx.
Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race Watch Party: Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Great Lawn
Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, May 2, 7-9 p.m., Great Lawn. Live televised Ohio Valley Wrestling event featuring a four-corner battle with HollyHood Haley J, Freya The Slaya, Leila Grey and more. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 6 p.m. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
Motorcycle Night on the Lawn: Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m. - close.
Heroes in Education Day is Thursday, May 2. Free admission for educators.
Military Day is Friday, May 3 with free admission all day for Veterans and active military with their military ID.

Performances by local and regional artists will take the Miller Lite Music Stage at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, including:

Thursday, April 25: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.); Moonshine Magnolia (4 p.m. - 7 p.m.); Blacktop Rodeo (8 p.m.-close)
Friday, April 26: Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4-7 p.m.); Frankie Moody (8 p.m.-close)
Saturday, April 27: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
Sunday, April 28: Latin Party (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
Monday, April 29: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees (4-7 p.m.); V-Groove (8 p.m.-close)
Tuesday, April 30: Bill May Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); DJ Honest Ave (6-8 p.m.); The Jesse Lees (8 p.m.-close)
Wednesday, May 1: E&R Project (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Eric & The Iconics (3:30-5:30 p.m.); Marine Band (6:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (8 p.m.-close)
Thursday, May 2: Jack N Lindsey (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); Top Shelf (8 p.m.-close)
Friday, May 3: Derby Eve Jam featuring Kimberly Alana (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Most Wanted (4-7 p.m.); Friday Night Special (8 p.m.-close)

Copyright 2024 WAVE. All rights reserved.