The Kentucky Derby Experience You Don’t See on TV

Last updated on May 4th, 2025

Every May, global TV cameras and press fill Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, to seize the Spring air full of Bourbon concoctions and high-stakes horse bets for the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, the creators of cool, i.e, Black people and our undeniable culture move to a different beat, highlighting Black brilliance, fellowship, ownership, and community. You are riding shotgun as we navigate through Black Derby Culture experiences. It’s not new. Some, like myself, feel that it’s just been silenced, much like Atlanta’s FreakNik.

While the official Derby festivities unfold in the South End of Louisville, Kentucky, every first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, the heartbeat of the city is in the West, where custom cars cruise down Broadway and vendors line the streets. Let’s walk through Derby Week in Louisville—but make it a Black-owned businesses tour –crafting a melanated list for your travels, with insider advice from those who know how to do Derby the right way!

Local Secret: Bring comfortable shoes, check the weather forecast hourly, and pack your patience because thousands of visitors are clogging the highways, restaurants, parties, and racetrack.

Black-Owned Flavors You Can’t Miss

Many Louisvillians will recommend Indi’s or Chicken King—local staples for sure—but neither is Black-owned. For authentic Kentucky Fried Chicken that’s Black-owned, head to Brino’s. Their crispy, “seasoned-to-the-soul” chicken will have you wondering why you ever settled for basic fast food.

Brendon’s Catch 23 ( 505 South 4th St.) is another win and is already booking reservations for Derby 151. The seafood is as fresh as the elegant flair and decor, you’ll love the Bourbon flights, and there are multiple gluten-free and vegan options. Black Excellence knows no limits.  

Local Secret: Reservations are hugely beneficial during Derby Week. Call these restaurants and others you’ll read about to see if you can reserve a table ahead of time. Also, ask about the waiting period.

Crowning Glory: Where to Score the Best Derby Hats

Fashion is truly center stage for Black Derby Culture experiences, and elaborate hats are on full display. Chances are you will wait to pick your hat or fascinator until you arrive in Louisville—and for good reason. Louisville milliners, who are professionals who make or sell women’s hats, are in a league of their own. Swing by Crown By Standard (7029 Raggard Rd., 40216), where every hat is handcrafted—often imitated by big-name designers and fast fashion brands. 

Another option that will land you in the “Winner’s Circle” is Ashley Russell Millinery (1860 Mellwood Ave, Suite #173). Talk about vibrant, bold, and extravagant! Want your hat or fascinator to be a statement? These women won’t leave you disappointed. 

The Kentucky Derby energy engulfs the city around mid-April. As for Derby Week, you’ll see some references to the main attractions, ‘Thursday, May 1st before Derby is referred to as ‘Thurby.” The second biggest day is on Friday, May 2nd, the day before the Derby and it is referred to as ‘Oaks Day,” which is a jam-packed day of races at Churchill Downs and also highlights the continued fight for a cure for breast cancer and honoring victims and survivors. The Kentucky Derby is always the first Saturday in May, which falls on May 3, 2025.

Local Secret: Decide on your hairstyle or already have your hair styled *before* selecting your signature hat. Keep bobby pins handy to secure the hat for wind, rain and other weather factors. 

Thursday (aka Thurby): BBQ, Beats, and Culture

Arrive in town by Wednesday because if you miss Thurby, you’re doing Derby Week a disservice. The Thursday races serve as the tourist’s “unofficial start” to the weekend. Follow the scent of smoked ribs and greens to Tim Page’s BBQ (2922 Taylor Blvd., 40208), where the food is worth the detour and local drivers know the backstreets to get to you by the time your food is ready.

Local Secret: Utilize neighborhood parking around Tim Page’s location. Residents charge smaller fees to use their driveways and street parking. Take advantage of rideshare apps as well. The traffic is insane and that’s an understatement. Check to see if your hotel has a shuttle service, or connect with your Airbnb host and ask for their advice.

The Perfect Giddy-Up

Take your pick of 60-plus options of teas, smoothies, and coffee at Fleur de Tea, with two locations in the Derby City to choose from. Sip on tasty options like Lavender Lemon Herbal Tea or Fuzzy Navel White Tea. The owner channels her grandmother as inspiration, and the menu is sure to make our ancestors proud, especially during the jam-packed Louisville Derby Week events! 

Another two-location powerhouse is Blak Koffee, promoting socialization, inclusivity, and high-quality taste. In addition to dozens of drink options like the Coleman Love smoothie (which is a nod to the business owners, who are members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc ), there’s company swag items, coffee beans, and breakfast and lunch options like Chicken and Waffles and Fried Bologna Sandwich. 

Local Secret: Try something new! Pick something you usually wouldn’t choose, ask for the owners’ recommendations or favorites if the lines aren’t too long. Mix, mingle and tag these small businesses on social media with your delicious fixings!

Soulful Friday: Brunches Before the Big Races

Wake up on Friday, ‘Oaks Day,’ and whether you’re craving breakfast or lunch, there’s one answer: Brunch & Soul (516 S. 18th St., Building B, 40203). Chef Liyah serves crispy catfish, finger-licking chicken and waffles, and a rotating menu of soulful eats that will leave you full and fulfilled.

Don’t have your dentist yelling at us because of the deliciousness being served at The House of Marigold (10310 Shelbyville Rd). The evolving menu full of farm-to-table delectables, such as Brisket Hash and Honey Cornbread, is as vast as the spectrum of colors that fill the restaurant. This is a spectacular spot for brunch or lunch to fill your belly during the Louisville Derby Week events.

Local Secret: Always have cash for tips and local vendors who will set up tables to sell their Black-owned merchandise.

Nightlife: Where Black Joy Rules Derby Weekend

Derby parties don’t stop. From day to night to after-hours, the city is alive with Black joy in motion. Want upscale? Hit The Black Jockey’s Lounge for live music and craft cocktails. Feel like having a classy dinner that turns into a two-step? Head to Dasha Barbour’s, where upstairs you’ll get fine dining, and downstairs the aunties (yes, you too, late ’80s and early ’90s babies) are dancing like they’re at the family reunion.

The Palm Room is for the 30+ crew who want to vibe lowkey. But if you want to shine in every photo, get to The Gruv—professional photography, incredible energy, and the best Grippo fries of your life. Staying downtown? Even better. The Gruv is walkable and across the street from Derby City Gaming, where you can try your luck on the slots.

Local Secret: Don’t try to be fashionably late, you’ll wear your feet out waiting in security lines. Arriving early to Louisville Derby Week events is truly the best move.

But Wait—The Events Are More Than Hors d’oeuvres

For top-notch Black Derby Culture experiences, it’s the exclusive events that attract the best crowds. For that, you’ll want to check out Black-owned promo powerhouses like @goodtimers and @bsmithentertainment on Instagram. These are the curators of culture, the ones throwing the real must-attend parties of the weekend. 

Local Secret: Buy your tickets now, not later. These events sell out fast. These companies put together some of the “mane” events, see what we did there? 

Essential Derby Pro Tips: Style, Weather and Survival

Here’s a local secret: it rains every Kentucky Derby. Every single year. And Churchill Downs? The security at this race track is like Fort Knox. If your bag’s not stadium-approved, you’re not getting in. Before you get into town, visit Derby Week Boutique and grab a stadium-approved bag and rain gear that will keep you in style. The fashion doesn’t stop, not even for the rain. Bonus: It’s Black-woman-owned. The studs and fillies aren’t just on the track; the ladies and gentlemen show up and show out with tremendous style from head to toe. Go big or go home when it comes to the most thrilling two minutes in all of sports.

This is Black Derby Culture, curated by Black Kentuckians. Loud, beautiful, hyper-local, and long overdue for the spotlight. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the fashion, or the vibes, remember: Louisville is more than bourbon, basketball, and big hats—it’s a city full of Black brilliance. For Kentucky Derby 2025 and beyond… bet on Kentucky Derby Black-owned businesses and bet on Black Louisville.