LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One of Kentucky Derby week's most star-studded celebrations is set to return with a global flair and a packed lineup of music, celebrities and charitable impact.
The 13th annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, an official Kentucky Derby event, will take place May 1 at the Galt House Hotel, bringing together entertainers, athletes and high-profile guests from across the country.
Organizers said this year's gala promises its signature mix of "grace, glamour, charm, hospitality and fun," while continuing to spotlight Kentucky culture on an international stage.
The evening will feature a wide-ranging group of performers, including Richie Sambora, Phillip Phillips and the legendary hip-hop group Sugarhill Gang.
Country fans can expect a performance from Lorrie Morgan, while rock and pop acts like John Elefante and Johnny Edwards will also take the stage.
A highlight of the night will be the "All-Star Jam," where multiple performers collaborate on fan-favorite songs in a high-energy set.
The gala will also draw a long list of celebrity attendees, including actor Anthony Ramos, actress Gina Torres and Melissa Joan Hart.
Other notable guests include bestselling author Nora Roberts, former NBA All-Star Zach Randolph and Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan.
Kentucky ties will also be well represented, with Louisville head football coach Jeff Brohm and local chef Dallas McGarity among those expected to attend.
Organizers says 1,000 people are expected to attend the big event.
Supporting a charitable mission
Proceeds from the gala benefit the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, which supports a range of causes. The primary beneficiary for 2026 is Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit that provides weekend meals for children facing food insecurity.
"For a nonprofit, being on a national stage is incredible and to share our mission with that many people," said Kim Holsclaw, managing director for the Louisville chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. "We're just so appreciative. Here locally, we feed about 5600 kids in 43 different schools in Jefferson County."
Holsclaw said the foods given are kid friendly and ready to eat, even without appliances.Â
Organizers said the event's mission remains central to its success and the party has raised over $5 million for more than 45 charities.
"For this one night, we bring people from around the world to our old Kentucky home, while helping those in our community who need it most," co-founders Tammy York-Day and York said in a statement.
"The fact that a group of normal people can band together to put something on like this to make a difference is why we do it," York said.
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and raffles featuring luxury items and experiences, including a custom diamond ring and a VIP suite experience for the 2027 Thunder Over Louisville festivities.
Additional auction items include travel packages, sports experiences and exclusive memorabilia.
- Chicken Cock Full Barrel Selection: Grain and Barrel Spirits will be auctioning a full barrel from their best hand selected Private Cask Bourbon Barrels. You may taste 3 different barrel offerings and choose your favorite! Once selected, you will have 180-220 bottles, fully cased, delivered to your doorstep. This includes a custom label with your name on it. You can also choose to pick this up at Circa 1856, Chicken Cock Whiskey's brand home.
- Richie Sambora Guitar and Lessons: Custom designed guitar with private guitar lesson with Richie Sambora
- Crown Jewels: Jewelry is always a cornerstone of our auction, and we once again have our custom designed bracelets from Ronaldo Jewelry, as well as other precious, semi-precious and fun fashion items for women and men in sterling silver and 14k gold!
- Luxury and Unique Experiences: Some packages include an amazing vacation in a five-bedroom Airbnb in historic New Orleans, an amazing Baltimore Ravens VIP experience, and other sought out destinations and experiences around the world!
Tickets for Unbridled Eve range from $500 for late-night dance access to $5,000 for premium experiences. Organizers have also introduced a new "Post-Oaks Lounge" ticket option this year.
More information, including ticket sales and auction details, can be found on the event's official website. Here's the full guest list:
Performers/Musical Guests:
- Phillip Phillips – singer-songwriter and winner of American Idol
- Richie Sambora – guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi, Grammy winner
- John Elefante – Grammy-winning former lead singer of Kansas
- Sugarhill Gang – pioneering hip-hop group best known for "Rapper's Delight"
- Elliot Lurie – lead singer of Looking Glass; "Brandy"
- Orianthi – Australian guitarist and singer known for her work with Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper, and for her hit "According to You"
- Lorrie Morgan – award-winning country music star
- Johnny Edwards – rock vocalist best known as a former lead singer of Foreigner
- The Crashers – one of the nation's best party bands; have shared the stage with several world-famous artists including Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Aerosmith, and more!
- DJ 2nd Nature
- All-Star Jam:
- Layla Spring – singer-songwriter and former American Idol contestant
- JD Shelburne – Kentucky-based country artist known for high-energy performances
- Bob Guiney – television personality and musician, known from The Bachelor; Member of Band from TV
- John Schneider – actor and country singer best known for The Dukes of Hazzard; Runner-up on Season 10 of "The Masked Singer"
- Alyssa & Wayne Brewer – bluegrass and gospel performers known for their family band collaborations
- China Lacy – Singer/Former Member of Linkin' Bridge
- Nat Myers – Korean-American blues poet
- Welcome Choir: Holy Spirit School Youth Choir
Sports:
- Warren Moon – NFL Hall of Famer
- Zach Randolph – former NBA All-Star
- Harry Douglas – ESPN Analyst
- Michael Eaves – Anchor, ESPN SportsCenter
- Bonnie-Jill Laflin – Actress, sportscaster, and NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers
- Aron Haddad – actor/pro wrestler
- Jeff Brohm – head football coach at the University of Louisville
- MacKenly Randolph – UofL Women's Basketball starter
- Mario Urrutia – Former Cincinnati Bengals player and University of Louisville linebacker
- Valerie Combs – pioneering UofL Women's Basketball player
- Jean Cruguet – former Triple Crown winner on Seattle Slew
- Michael Manganello – Hall of Fame KY Derby Winner on Dust Commander
- Sandy Hawley – Hall of Fame jockey
- Kaoru Tsuchiya Hawley – First Japanese female jockey
Other Celebrities/VIPs:
- Anthony Ramos – Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor and Grammy-winning recording artist; "Hamilton", "In the Heights"
- Gina Torres – "Suits", "Firefly"
- Andrea Canning – Dateline NBC
- Griffin Johnson – part owner of 2026 KY Derby contender, Silent Tactic; Co-Founder of venture capital firm Animal Capital; TikTok influencer
- Melissa Joan Hart – "Sabrina the Teenage Witch", "Clarissa Explains it All", "Holiday in Handcuffs", "A Merry Little Exmas"
- Danica McKellar – actress, mathematician, and NY Times bestselling author; "The Wonder Years"
- Nora Roberts – bestselling romance and suspense author
- John Schneider – "The Dukes of Hazzard"; "The Masked Singer"
- Cassie Donegan – Miss America 2026
- Bob Guiney – "The Bachelor", host of "Deal or No Deal", host of iHeart podcast, "Almost Famous: the OG's"
- Amanda Christine – "IT: Welcome to Derry"; "Black Box"
- Rob Angel – founder of Pictionary; author
- Dallas McGarity – Fat Lamb Chef and Owner; James Beard Award semifinalist
- David Domine – author of "A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City" which inspired the HBO Original "Murder in Glitterball City"
- Nicolee Burks – Big Nita's Cheesecakes
- Dr. Ajmal Zemmar – Renowned Neurosurgeon; featured in the documentary "After Death"
- Holly Lynnea – comedian
- Vince Emmett – producer of "Reagan"
- Tom Mabe – comedian
- Chris Blandford – Adult Beverage Expert
- Ethan the Dog – compassion ambassador; inspired the film, EthanAlmighty
- Heather French Henry – former Miss America
- The Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses
- Ben Jackey – Emmy-winning Unbridled Eve red carpet host
- Nick Ferrara – national host and emcee
- Tonya York/Tammy York – co-founders, Unbridled Eve Derby Gala
The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala continues to be one of the premier parties of Derby weekend, blending entertainment, philanthropy and Kentucky tradition into one unforgettable night.
Tickets are still available starting at $500s a person to attend the dance party. For more information, click here.
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