Louisville, January 19, 2026
The Royal Court for the upcoming Derby Festival in Louisville has been introduced, showcasing five outstanding princesses who will serve as ambassadors for the event. Each princess receives a scholarship, with finalists selected from across Kentucky and Indiana, marking an exciting start to the festival season. Events leading up to the Derby include the Legends Series and Thunder Over Louisville, promising a vibrant season filled with community engagement and celebration.
Louisville, Kentucky – 2026 Derby Festival Royal Court Visits WLKY to Preview Exciting Year
The 2026 Derby Festival Royal Court visited WLKY News to share details about the upcoming festival season. Five young women were selected as princesses, marking the official start of Derby season preparations.
Introduction of the Royal Court
The Royal Court serves as official ambassadors for the Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each princess is awarded a $2,000 scholarship through support from The Fillies, Inc. and the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. The women were chosen following final judging with 27 finalists, selected from nearly 100 applicants representing colleges and universities across Kentucky, Indiana, and the region.
Meet the 2026 Derby Festival Princesses
- Mallory Brown, of Bardstown, a senior Presidential Scholar at the University of Kentucky pursuing a degree in Biology and preparing for medical school.
- Vy Pham, of Louisville, a University of Louisville mechanical engineering senior and student leader at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
- Sydney Shouse, of Louisville, a University of Kentucky graduate and Air Force ROTC member selected for elite Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training.
- Tania Vergara-Gongora, of Louisville, a Bellarmine University junior focused on marketing, media, and bilingual storytelling.
- Brianna Williams, of Louisville, a University of Louisville PhD student in educational psychology and longtime community volunteer.
Two alternates were also selected: Jillian Sarver, of Glendale, and Kayla Lancaster, of Lebanon. One Princess will be crowned Derby Festival Queen during the annual Fillies Derby Ball on March 28 at the Omni Louisville Hotel.
About the Royal Court Program
The Royal Court Program has been coordinated by The Fillies, Inc. since 1959 and recognizes academically accomplished, civic-minded college students. The Kentucky Derby Festival celebrates its 71st year in 2026, featuring more than 70 events leading up to the first Saturday in May.
Upcoming Events
As the festival approaches, several events are scheduled to take place:
- Legends Series: An evening of bourbon tasting and culinary experiences at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Upcoming events include Four Roses on February 19 and Buffalo Trace on March 12, 2026.
- Block Party: A free event on April 4, 2026, at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, featuring local food trucks, live entertainment, and a shopping marketplace.
- Thunder Over Louisville: A fireworks and air show event on April 18, 2026, marking the official start of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
For more information on these events and the full festival schedule, visit the official Kentucky Derby Festival website.
Weather Information
Historical weather data for Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17 and 18, 2026, is as follows:
- January 17, 2026: Current temperature -1.4°C, with a low of -6.1°C and a high of 3.3°C.
- January 18, 2026: Current temperature -6.4°C, with a low of -10.6°C and a high of -2.2°C.
For the most accurate and up-to-date weather information, please refer to local weather services.
Conclusion
The 2026 Derby Festival is poised to be an exciting season for Louisville, featuring a dedicated Royal Court and a series of events that celebrate community and tradition. The participation of local organizations and the support from residents illustrate the vibrant civic engagement that characterizes the Derby Festival. From the introduction of the new princesses to the enthusiasm surrounding the various events, the festival is set to showcase the best of Louisville while providing a platform for individual achievement.
Community members are encouraged to participate in these upcoming events and support the local spirit that makes Louisville a unique place to live and celebrate.
- Event Name: Kentucky Derby Festival
- Participating Organizations: The Fillies, Inc., Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation
- Number of Events: Over 70 events planned
- Key Dates: Fillies Derby Ball on March 28, 2026; Thunder Over Louisville on April 18, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the 2026 Derby Festival Princesses?
- The 2026 Derby Festival Princesses are Mallory Brown, Vy Pham, Sydney Shouse, Tania Vergara-Gongora, and Brianna Williams. Two alternates, Jillian Sarver and Kayla Lancaster, were also selected. One Princess will be crowned Derby Festival Queen during the annual Fillies Derby Ball on March 28 at the Omni Louisville Hotel.
- What is the Royal Court Program?
- The Royal Court Program, coordinated by The Fillies, Inc. since 1959, recognizes academically accomplished, civic-minded college students. The Kentucky Derby Festival celebrates its 71st year in 2026, featuring more than 70 events leading up to the first Saturday in May.
- What events are scheduled for the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival?
- Upcoming events include the Legends Series on February 19 and March 12, the Block Party on April 4, and Thunder Over Louisville on April 18, 2026. For more information, visit the official Kentucky Derby Festival website.
- What is the weather forecast for Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17 and 18, 2026?
- Historical weather data for January 17, 2026, shows a current temperature of -1.4°C, with a low of -6.1°C and a high of 3.3°C. On January 18, 2026, the current temperature was -6.4°C, with a low of -10.6°C and a high of -2.2°C. For the most accurate and up-to-date weather information, please refer to local weather services.
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2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court Announced
