Hello! Local Louvillian, Holly and her husband Glenn and golden retriever, Rizzo here to offer guidance on having the best time in Bourbon City during April & May for the annual Kentucky Derby.
We’ve been able to attend the Oaks (in 2023) and have had the opportunity to visit the racetrack with friends on less crowded days too. Churchill Downs is one of those special places and we’re humbled to be able to live in the state that hosts an incredible event each year. With crowds of 150,000, the Kentucky Derby is a unique and special event in its own way.
As a Southern California native, I looked forward to the annual pageantry of the Rose Parade. Now that we’re in Kentucky, it’s the Kentucky Derby Festival.
I hope these guides and recaps are helpful for visitors and local’s alike. We love exploring our city and learning about the events, businesses and people here. If you’re in town ahead of the Derby, definitely check out one or two of the local bourbon distilleries. I have a section of my blog dedicated to the one’s we’ve visited and loved.
Welcome to Bourbon City!
Bourbon City blog & Derby Guide from a local
Essential Tips for Comfort at the Kentucky Derby
I learned the official Kentucky Derby site publishes a “what to wear” 2024 style guide each year. But as someone who attended Oaks Day in 2023, I’ll continue to tell you that whilst style is important and fun, so is planning for the local weather and amount of walking you’ll be doing once on the…
Kentucky Derby Chronicles: The Great Balloon Event
The great balloon race is one of the local events that’s part of the Kentucky Derby Festival leading up to the first Saturday in May. We decided to go this year and check it out. The event landing page could stand to have a bit more information (not to mention a map) for spectators and…
Best Places to Buy Your Kentucky Derby Hat
Plus Shoes, Purse & Accessories I wore on Oaks Day #149 This is our third year in Louisville, Kentucky, and I feel like I’m just now starting to get the hang of the seasonal events. In particular, the first Saturday in May, is the Kentucky Derby. The “run for the roses” is preceded by two…
A Local’s Guide to the 2025 Kentucky Derby Events
It’s late April and that time of year again in Kentucky where everyone is gearing up for the Kentucky Derby. Billed as the most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports, the Kentucky Derby is America’s race for 3-year Thoroughbreds. This year is the #151st run for the roses. Derby Day & Race Time 2025 The Derby…
KY Derby Fashion: The great debate – hat first or dress?
This one’s jucy because it’s such a nuanced topic for us, ladies. A lot of thought, time, effort and money goes into creating an outfit for Derby. In reality, though, IMHO and experience, the answer is: whichever one you find first that inspires you to wear it because it’s your budget. Sounds very similar to…
Top Distilleries to Explore Near the Kentucky Derby
Do you know how many people attend the Kentucky Derby? Upwards of 150,000. Many of which are in town for as little as two days to attend Oaks and Derby (Friday May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd). It got me thinking, if I were in town for this major, bucket-list event and could only get…
Highlights from my camera roll around Louisville, KY
It's Miller Time Baby 