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Louisville Gears Up for 151st Kentucky Derby

Crowd cheering at the Kentucky Derby event

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News Summary

The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, attracting over 100,000 fans. With favorites like Journalism and Sovereignty in contention, the Derby weekend will also feature exciting pre-events and a diverse betting scene. Attendees can enjoy music, a Derby-themed family event, and other local attractions leading up to this prestigious race.

Louisville Prepares for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025

The 151st Kentucky Derby is set to take place on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, with the first race scheduled to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET. The highly anticipated event is expected to attract over 100,000 fans, marking a significant social occasion on the racing calendar.

This year’s favorites include the horse Journalism, currently listed at 3-1 odds, despite the fact that favorites have failed to win the last six editions of the Derby. Other strong contenders in the field include Sovereignty at 5-1 and Sandman at 6-1. Two horses from the well-known trainer Bob Baffert, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez, were also anticipated to run; however, Rodriguez was recently scratched from the lineup.

A Diverse Betting Scene

The Kentucky Derby continues to attract a diverse audience, with participants ranging from seasoned bettors to casual fans. With the grandeur of the event, many attendees engage in betting on their favorite horses, adding excitement to the storied tradition of horse racing. This year’s Derby features a blend of veteran trainers and jockeys, some of whom are among the oldest in the competition.

Exciting Pre-Derby Events

Leading up to the Derby, a series of local events will take place to enhance the experience for visitors and locals alike. On May 1, the Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin will perform at the Lexington Opera House. The following day, Shinedown will take the stage at Rupp Arena, with tickets available starting at $29.50.

Families can look forward to a Derby-themed event at Hamburg Pavilion on May 2-3, designed to entertain guests of all ages. A Derby watch party at Keeneland is set to commence at 10 a.m. on Derby day, featuring live music and activities for children, with general admission priced at $10. Also, those interested in betting can enjoy a buffet and advice session at Red Mile starting at 10:30 a.m., with six-person tables available for reservation at $360.

Looking Beyond the Derby

Following the Derby weekend, several additional events are slated for May. On May 7, theater lovers can experience “Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now,” featuring Tony Award-winning performers at the Lexington Opera House. Another attraction, the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, will be held on May 10, with tickets starting at $33.50.

The annual Mayfest Arts Fair will occur over Mother’s Day weekend, from May 10-11 at Gratz Park, offering a celebration of local arts and crafts. Wildside Winery will hold a Mother’s Day Spring Market during the same weekend, featuring wine and live music.

On May 11, the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa will host a Mother’s Day Brunch, with prices set at $30 for children aged 9 and older, while adults will pay $70.

Additionally, Monster Jam will return to Rupp Arena on May 17 with two scheduled shows featuring popular monster trucks. StreetFest 2025 is also on the calendar for the same day, promoting safe transportation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 540 E. Third Street.

The 17th annual Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass will take place in Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill on May 24-25. Lastly, the Kentucky Ballet Theatre will present “Sleeping Beauty” at the Lexington Opera House on May 24-25, with tickets starting at $33.

With the Derby set to be a major highlight, Louisville promises a month filled with festivities, drawing visitors and locals to enjoy the unique blend of racing, music, and community spirit.