Derby Night! The Kentucky Derby is the biggest event of the year in Louisville. The city hosts a no holds barred festival in the days leading up to Kentucky Derby Saturday. Be sure to come into town early to get a taste of the Louisville scene. In downtown Louisville, the place to be is Fourth Street. This is the heart of the pre-Derby scene, with open air bars and clubs featuring live bands nightly. Once you pay the cover charge and get fitted with a stylish plastic bracelet, you’re free to roam the closed-off street with rest of the crowd in search of the hottest party spot. If you’re looking for non-liquid calories, Fourth Street also offers a wide array of restaurants to fit every budget and food preference.

Bourbon enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates an elegant bar with old world ambiance, must pay a visit to the Old Seelbach Bar just a couple of blocks away from Fourth Street. Purists insist that quality bourbon should never be consumed over ice or with mix. Why ruin the master crafted flavor and aroma of a perfect glass of Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve? However, if you’re new to the pleasures of bourbon, you may want to ask for ice, a splash of water or a lemon twist, just to help it go down. The Seelbach bar offers countless bourbons to choose from so you’ll have plenty of chances to find the one that suits your palate best. You may also spot some of racing’s most well-known trainers and owners, as well as the occasional celebrity.

Chances are, if you didn’t book your accommodations months in advance, that you’ll be staying at a hotel at a distance from downtown. A great alternative to Fourth Street, which is just as much fun but offers a lot more charm, is the area along Bardstown Road/Baxter Ave. You’ll find great restaurants and a collection of authentic Irish pubs and neighborhood bars. During Derby week, many of the hot spots set up outdoor party tents and bring in live bands to accommodate increased demand