You Could Be the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Fanatic; Here's How

If this were a thing when I was living in Louisville, you better believe I'd be trying to win. It seems early for Kentucky to already be kicking into Derby gear, but it is the biggest event in the state, so there is a lot to prepare. The annual Run for the Roses, the first Saturday in May, the most exciting two minutes in sports!

The 152nd Kentucky Derby

On May 2nd at Churchill Downs, thousands of dapper folks in seersucker and hats will fill the stands, and party people will flood the infield for the day. Although the real action is only two minutes long, the pomp and circumstance leading up to and immediately after the race uphold decades-old traditions of one of the most famous sporting events in the world.

Thunder Over Louisville

The official celebrations kick off at the biggest fireworks display in North America. To get things started, the Official Kentucky Derby Festival Fanatic is crowned the Thundernator! After the cancellation of Thunder last year due to weather, everyone is very excited for it to return.

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The Kentucky Lottery is once again assisting with the important task of choosing that coveted title. Here's the rundown:

"One lucky winner will be named the 2026 ‘Festival Fanatic’ and receive a prize package filled with one-of-a-kind Derby Festival-themed experiences, ranging from VIP treatment to being the official Thundernator – the person who starts the fireworks for Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays. Plus, they’ll win $500!"

Here are the fabulous prizes:

"The prize package includes several unique experiences. In addition to being the 2026 Thundernator, the winner will also receive the following:

Ticket Package, including tickets to the Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race, Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Festival Day at the Downs, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party, Republic Bank BourbonVille (must be 21+), and the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade;
Certificate for private tour of Kern’s Kitchen DERBY-PIE® factory;
Certificate for Kentucky Derby Museum Tour;
Official 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival merchandise item;
Overnight accommodations at The Galt House Hotel for Thunder Over Louisville on Saturday, April 18;
Tour of the Thunder Over Louisville Command Center and;
$500 in spending money from the Kentucky Lottery"

For the contest rules and more information on how to play, click here. You never know! You could be the next Thundernator!