Derby Eve galas ready to welcome hundreds of celebrities for a night of parties

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Kentucky Derby is known for its horses, fashion and mint juleps, but on Kentucky Derby Eve, the spotlight shifts to some of the city's biggest parties.

Crews across Louisville spent days preparing for high-profile galas set for Friday night, drawing celebrities, musicians, athletes and thousands of guests ahead of Derby 152.

At the Galt House Hotel, more than 1,200 people are expected to attend the Unbridled Eve Gala, now in its 13th year. Workers were busy assembling a dance floor, stage and lighting for the event.

"The Kentucky Derby is the crown jewel for our state and all eyes in the world are on Louisville," co-founder Tammy York said.

The gala is expected to feature appearances by Phillip Phillips, the Sugarhill Gang, Richie Sambora, Anthony Ramos, Melissa Joan Hart and Lorrie Morgan, among others. Organizers said the event also benefits several local charities, including Blessings in a Backpack.

"We have 13 specialty bars of cocktails that are specially formulated for our event," York said.

In the Highlands, crews have also been preparing for the 38th annual Barnstable Brown Gala since January, one of the longest-running Derby Eve events.

"It's almost a surprise even to me a little bit," production manager Brent Barnstable said. "While we know who's coming and who's going to perform, it's a matter of when and how."

This year's guest list includes members of *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, as well as Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan and dozens of others. The event typically raises about $1 million each year for the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Research Center at the University of Kentucky.

Organizers said the later start time for the Kentucky Oaks could mean more celebrities arrive early and watch the race from the party.

"Many of the fans will go out and meet and greet and talk and try to have a conversation, so it makes it a little bit more personable," Rogers said.

Meanwhile, the Ice House is preparing to host the Sports Illustrated Revel at the Races party for the third year.

"Celebrities, athletes, VIPs," organizer Joey Wagner said.

This year's featured DJ is Tiësto, coming off a recent performance at the Pyramids of Giza.

"Tiësto is a legend. He is the G.O.A.T, right? Biggest DJ in the world," Wagner said. "We've got to go big."

Another event, Steve's Derby Eve at 21c Museum Hotel, will feature performances and aerialists with a strict no-phone policy for guests.

With multiple events across the city, Derby Eve continues to be one of the most star-studded nights of the week — blending entertainment, philanthropy and the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.