Louisville, Kentucky, December 20, 2025
The Kentucky Derby Festival has announced the return of the Golden Ticket Raffle, offering locals and visitors a chance to win exclusive VIP experiences linked to the Kentucky Derby. With a prize package valued over $10,000 featuring tickets to premier racing events and various local festivities, the raffle also aims to support community initiatives. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at $50 until the end of December, increasing thereafter, with proceeds benefiting the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation.
Enter the Golden Ticket Raffle for VIP Experiences in Louisville
Exciting raffle offers unique prizes for the Kentucky Derby Festival
Louisville, Kentucky – The Kentucky Derby Festival has announced the return of its annual Golden Ticket Raffle, providing an engaging chance for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture surrounding the Kentucky Derby. This year, the raffle promises not just winnings but also noteworthy support for community initiatives, showcasing how local organizations can effectively foster engagement with minimal bureaucratic barriers.
The Golden Ticket Raffle represents a robust civic initiative, allowing the community to participate in preeminent events tied to the 152nd Kentucky Derby while bolstering local support efforts. As event partnerships flourish, this raffle serves as a model for how minimal administrative challenges can result in greater community involvement and participation.
Golden Ticket Raffle Details
With a prize package valued over $10,000, the Golden Ticket Raffle includes an array of sought-after experiences:
- Two all-inclusive tickets to the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and the 152nd Kentucky Derby – Experience the excitement of both premier racing events with premium seating and amenities.
- Two all-inclusive tickets to KDF Day at the Downs on Thursday, May 1 – Enjoy a day at the races with exclusive access and hospitality.
- Hot-Air Balloon Ride for Two – Soar above the city for a breathtaking aerial view of Louisville.
- Two tickets to the 2026 Fillies Derby Ball® – Attend the elegant gala featuring dinner, dancing, and live entertainment.
- Two tickets to BourbonVille® – Savor a selection of fine bourbons at this popular festival event.
- Two tickets to the They’re Off!® Luncheon – Join the official kickoff luncheon for the Kentucky Derby Festival.
- Two tickets to the President’s Reception with the They’re Off!® Luncheon speaker – Meet and mingle with notable figures in the racing community.
- Two passes to tour the Thunder Command Center on Friday, April 11 – Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the planning of Thunder Over Louisville.
- Two tickets to the Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party – Enjoy the annual fireworks display from a prime viewing location.
- Two tickets to the Great Steamboat Race on the Belle of Louisville – Witness the historic riverboat race from the deck of the iconic steamboat.
- Two tickets to WineFest – Indulge in a variety of wines at this festival favorite event.
- Two invitations to the VIP Reception and a ride for two in the Pegasus Parade as a VIP – Experience the parade from a privileged vantage point.
- One signed and framed 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster – Commemorate the festival with this exclusive artwork.
- $100 gift card for Official Kentucky Derby Festival Merchandise – Shop for official festival gear and memorabilia.
- One complete set of 2025 Pegasus Pins and Event Pins – including a 2025 Limited-Edition Pin – Collect these exclusive pins as souvenirs.
- One membership to the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Thorobred VIP Program in 2026 – Enjoy year-round benefits and access to special events.
Raffle Ticket Information
Raffle tickets are priced at $50 each until December 31, 2024, after which the price will increase to $75 each starting January 1, 2025. A total of 1,500 tickets will be sold, with the winner to be drawn on March 27, 2025, during the Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, reinforcing the importance of community-driven initiatives supported by local citizens.
About the Kentucky Derby Festival
The Kentucky Derby Festival is a non-profit organization that orchestrates the annual civic celebration leading up to the Kentucky Derby. This event highlights the ambitious spirit of Louisville, featuring parades, races, concerts, and more, all cultivating a strong sense of community while showcasing the area’s rich heritage. For those looking to dive deeper into the festival and its events, more information can be found on the official festival website.
Contact Information
For inquiries or additional details regarding the Golden Ticket Raffle, please reach out to Jennifer Bray at (502) 572-3857 or via email at jbray@kdf.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Golden Ticket Raffle?
The Golden Ticket Raffle is an annual event organized by the Kentucky Derby Festival, offering participants a chance to win a prize package valued at over $10,000, which includes exclusive VIP experiences for the 2026 festival season.
What does the prize package include?
The prize package includes two all-inclusive tickets to the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and the 152nd Kentucky Derby, two all-inclusive tickets to KDF Day at the Downs on Thursday, May 1, a hot-air balloon ride for two, and more. For a complete list of prizes, please refer to the main article above.
How much do the raffle tickets cost?
Raffle tickets are available for purchase at $50 each until December 31, 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, ticket prices will increase to $75 each. A total of 1,500 tickets will be sold.
When will the winner be drawn?
The winner will be drawn on March 27, 2025, during the Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show. The drawing will be held at the Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show, and the winner does not need to be present to win.
How can I purchase raffle tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s official website, in person at the Derby Festival office at 1001 S. Third St., or by calling (502) 584-FEST.
What is the purpose of the raffle?
Proceeds from the raffle benefit the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, supporting various community initiatives and events.
Key Features of the Golden Ticket Raffle
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prize Package Value | Over $10,000 |
| Number of Tickets Sold | 1,500 |
| Ticket Price (until Dec 31, 2024) | $50 each |
| Ticket Price (starting Jan 1, 2025) | $75 each |
| Drawing Date | March 27, 2025 |
| Proceeds Beneficiary | Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation |
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