Kentucky Derby Festival Will Host 2027 Pegasus Parade
The 72nd annual Louisville event will feature a theme celebrating Kentucky's spring landscapes.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Theme Parks
Live Poll
Do you feel local festivals are important for your community's identity?
The Kentucky Derby Festival has officially announced that the 2027 Pegasus Parade will take place on Broadway in Louisville on April 25, 2027. The upcoming celebration marks the 72nd year for the historic event.
Why it matters
The annual parade aims to celebrate Kentucky spring traditions and local outdoor activities. Organizers require participants to creatively incorporate the theme into their parade units to reflect the spirit of the Bluegrass region.
The 72nd Pegasus Parade is scheduled for April 25, 2027, at 3 p.m. on Broadway. This annual showcase typically features nearly 100 units, all of which must include at least two elements reflecting the new Springtime in the Bluegrass theme.
The players
Kentucky Derby Festival
This non-profit organization coordinates the series of events leading up to the Kentucky Derby horse race in Louisville.
Zoeller Pump Company
Based in Louisville, this manufacturing firm has served as the title sponsor for the Pegasus Parade for seven consecutive years.
The details
The Zoeller Pump Company returns as the title sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. Interested groups must submit their applications through the festival website by the January 12, 2027 deadline to be considered for participation.
Timeline
The Pegasus Parade has occurred annually since 1956.
Applications for parade participation open October 16, 2026.
The deadline for potential parade participants is January 12, 2027.
Organizers will notify selected parade units in February 2027.
The Pegasus Parade is scheduled for April 25, 2027, at 3 p.m.
Travel Outlook
The Pegasus Parade continues a long-standing Louisville tradition that has evolved significantly since its inception in 1956. This annual event remains a centerpiece of the regional tourism calendar, bridging decades of local spring festivities.
Local groups and organizations interested in marching must submit their applications via the official website by January 12, 2027. Attendees should plan for road closures on Broadway in Louisville during the afternoon of April 25, 2027.
The takeaway
The Pegasus Parade remains a vital community tradition that showcases local creativity and regional pride. Aspiring participants should ensure their submissions clearly integrate the new theme to meet the festival's requirements for selection.
Further reading
For more information on seasonal events, visit the Theme Parks section.
More information
Submit your parade participation application through the official Kentucky Derby Festival portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lane Report | Kentucky Business & Economic News.
Live Poll
Do you feel local festivals are important for your community's identity?
