Rock music blasting at full volume. Kids shrieking with joy as they spin through the air on a ride. People lining up to try their favorite fair food. Rows of vintage cars attracting awe-filled visitors.
These are all features of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s “Fest-a-Ville,” a nine day event held at Waterfront Park. Featuring live music, food, rides, cars, motorcycles, a rubber duck race and more, this event serves both to drum up excitement for the Kentucky Derby and to help promote local businesses and artists.
The Chow Wagon is part of the Fest-a-Ville this year, and has been a part of the Kentucky Derby Festival since 1972. Though the Chow Wagon used to be a separate event, it is now included in the “Fest-a-Ville.” While describing the Chow Wagon, Christa Ritchie, Communications Manager for the Kentucky Derby Festival, reminisced on how the event brings generations together.
“The ingredients that have remained constant for this Festival favorite throughout the years are great food and the community’s desire to celebrate the arrival of spring with a community-wide party. And, as previously mentioned, it is always special to see families pass on this tradition throughout the generations,” Ritchie said.
Though there are many things to love about the Chow Wagon, Ritchie did not hesitate when naming her favorite one. Out of all the activities available, the food is what she enjoys the most.
“It’s a great chance to go try all of the festive food that I normally don’t get to try,” Ritchie said. “It’s so fun to see all the families come out and grab something,” Ritchie said.
Not only is the food delicious, but it supports Kentucky businesses as well. Some venues at the Chow Wagon this year include Deez Butts BBQ and Jamaican Yard Vibes. Deez Butts BBQ is based out of Elizabethtown, and Jamaican Yard Vibes is based out of Owensboro.
“That’s what the Derby Festival is about, is bringing the community together. And so if we can have as many local businesses being a part of that, participating in it and benefiting from it, it’s a win for those businesses as well,” Ritchie said.
The Chow Wagon also supported local chefs. Ira Mowman, a chef from Louisville, won the Derby Burger Challenge on March 10, 2025. The Kentucky Derby Festival held this contest between local chefs to see who could create the best burger. The winning burger featured Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef, further supporting Kentucky businesses. Festival-goers were able to try Mowman’s winning Kentucky Fiesta Cheese Burger.
The food isn’t the only local aspect of the Chow Wagon. The bands featured included local and regional acts. In fact, Jack Harlow played at the Chow Wagon in 2019 before his career began to take off. This year’s event featured LAMPUS, a rock cover band from Louisville. This event exposes audiences to artists they may not have known about before.
“Performing at the Chow Wagon allows many people in the city the opportunity to hear us play, and other local musicians, who might not normally go to a club to watch music. If they like us then maybe they will ask us to be at their next party or event.” LAMPUS manager Julie Magee said.
With the Kentucky Derby less than a week away, the month-long Kentucky Derby Festival is coming to a close, with in-person events wrapping up on May 3, 2025. With more than 400 businesses and 4,000 volunteers supporting 70+ events, this festival is a widespread community celebration. It has an economic impact of more than $127 million on the community.
“The Kentucky Derby Festival’s mission is to bring the community together in celebration, and events like Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon really do offer something for everyone who comes down to the Waterfront. And with the admission cost only being a Pegasus Pin, it does make this event/venues accessible to everyone to enjoy the Derby season festivities,” Ritchie said.
