The Kentucky Derby Festival The Kentucky Derby is about much more than just a horse race. For the two weeks leading up to Derby Day, the city of Louisville is filled with fine food, fun events, traditional pasttimes and plenty of other activities marking Louisville's greatest time of the year. Thunder Over Louisville sm Officially kicking off the Kentucky Derby Festival two weeks before Derby Day, this fireworks demonstration is one of the largest and most impressive in the country. Honest! Go to the Belvedere by the banks of the Ohio River for a day-long fest, then stay for the fireworks show. Or go to any elevated place or area by the river to catch the site of Thunder over Louisvillesm--without question it can be seen and heard from many miles away. The Great Balloon Race Wake up early Saturday morning the week before Derby Day and head to the Kentucky Fairgrounds. Watch the colorful spectrum of hot air balloons taking to flight as the sun rises the dawn of Kentucky Derby Week. Or maybe you want to race yourself; if so you better be in shape. The Derby Festival Mini-Marathon is taking place just a few miles away for those humans that have the urge to run! The Great Steamboat Race Find your way onto one of the boats, or if not pack a picnic and once again head to the banks of the Ohio River to watch these steamboats go up the river, then come back down. Believe it or not, cheating does sometimes occur. Bring plenty of food, drink and entertainment--this is not a two minute race! A great way to spend a lazy Wednesday afternoon. It's the Delta Queen of Cincinnati vs. The Belle of Louisville The Pegasus Parade Held on Broadway in downtown Louisville. Everything from bands, floats, pooper scoopers and more! Held the Thursday afternoon before Derby. Sorry, no pictures available for the parade. There are plenty of other Derby Festival events than the ones listed here. Other highlights include the Chow Wagon, the $1 million Hole-in-One golf contest, the Fillies' Derby Ball, the Derby Festival Basketball Classic (featuring the nation's top high school prospects), the Derby Eve jam and many more. For a complete listing of Derby Festival events, plus information about each one, Derby Festival merchandise, volunteer information, and where to get your trusted Derby Pin, the Official Kentucky Derby Festival site is the place to go.