Events

Breeders’ Cup Festival Preview

The week leading up to Breeders’ Cup is a jam-packed one. We’re sharing with you how you can get out + enjoy the action of the Breeders’ Cup Festival.

October 25, 2022 • 
Molly Thompson
A large crowd of people by a pavilion.

Stop by Tandy Park for live music, broadcasts from Keeneland + more. | Photo courtesy of VisitLex

Table of Contents
One-time fun
Happening all week

In anticipation of Breeders’ Cup‘s returning to Keeneland Fri., Nov. 4 + Sat., Nov. 5, Mayor Linda Gorton announced it was time to “Purple up!”

However, the good times begin this Sunday with the start of the Breeders’ Cup Festival — seven days of exciting equine events highlighting our rich history + culture.

Pull out those planners because some serious fun is coming down the backstretch.

One-time fun

  • Isaac to Oliver Family Stroll | Sun., Oct. 30 | 2-6 p.m. | Isaac Murphy Art Garden, 577 E. Third St. | Free | Walk along the Town Branch Trail for as long as you want at your own pace and then return to Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden for kids activities, food trucks + more.
  • Post-Position Draw | Mon., Oct. 31 | 2:45 p.m. | Rupp Arena | Free | Witness history as the post positions for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships are drawn on the floor of Rupp Arena.
  • Fashionable Fillies | Wed., Nov. 2 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Jeff Ruby’s | $150 | This fundraising luncheon — which features mingling, fashion + specialty cocktails — benefits The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation.

Happening all week

  • Tandy Park Takeover | Mon., Oct. 31-Sat., Nov. 5 | 5:30-10:30 p.m. | Tandy Park | Free | Downtown will take center stage with local + national entertainment performances, food trucks, and drinks. Also, large video boards will be set up to broadcast behind-the-scenes action from Keeneland.
  • Horse: An Equine Film Festival | Tues., Nov. 1-Fri., Nov. 4 | Times vary | The Kentucky Theatre | Prices vary | Experience seven classic films about horses — many of which were filmed in the Bluegrass.
  • Kentucky Bourbon Showcase | Wed., Nov. 2-Fri., Nov. 4 | Times vary | Clerestory at Greyline, 101 W. Loudon Ave. | $50 | Get your ticket to sample tastings and hear the stories from 20+ area distilleries.

And that’s not all. There’s an International Block Party, Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup + more. You can find them here and in our events section very soon.