On Sundays, we wear pink — at least this Sunday, April 27 we will.
The Zoeller Pump Co. Pegasus Parade is returning to downtown Louisville to showcase some of the nation’s best marching bands and equestrian units, along with inflatable characters + colorful floats.
This year’s theme is “Happy Derby: Pink Out Party!” — an homage to the spring palette and one of the Derby Festival’s favorite colors. Fun fact: Pink is the signature color for the Kentucky Oaks + honors the race’s official pink flower, the stargazer lily. Race fans have also worn pink at the track on Oaks Day since the late 2000s to support Churchill Downs’ advocacy + fund-raising efforts for women’s health.
Crews have already set up bleachers along Broadway where the Pegasus Parade will travel west about 17 blocks from Campbell to 9th Street, beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Pro tip: If you want the best seats, get there early. Some bleacher seats along the route are free, if you can snag one. VIP reserved bleacher seats between Floyd + Preston streets are $50 and include premium viewing, a parking pass + complimentary drinks and snacks.
Here’s what to know before you go:
- Run time: This year’s parade will last about two hours.
- Crowds: Derby officials expect nearly 200,000 to converge downtown for the parade.
- Road closures: Dozens of downtown streets will be closed from midnight to 9 p.m. on Sunday, so expect delays + plan your routes accordingly.
- Weather: It’s expected to be a picture-perfect day with clear skies and 72 degrees. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Pro-tip: If you’re looking to tailgate the parade, remember that packaged alcohol can’t be sold on Sundays in stores until after 1 p.m. Luckily, we’ve got this guide on where you can grab a mimosa on a patio before the big event.