Looking for Kentucky Derby outfit inspiration? How to get tickets to two spring fashion shows

Spring is in the air, and when it comes to trending colors, silhouettes, footwear and of course, your Derby headpiece, two classic Kentucky Derby fashion shows come to mind ― The Kentucky Derby Festival's Dillards Spring Fashion Show and the Kentucky Derby Museum's Hat Show.

To help you look your very best for the 150th Kentucky Derby, here is everything you need to know about these two fashion events.

What will you find at the 2024 KDF Dillard's Spring Fashion Show

At the 2023 KDF Dillard's Fashion Show, the spring color palette features saturated, vibrant colors as well as updated twists on '90s neon. Also there's the femme fatales and ingenues, with ultra-feminine looks from edgy suits to sheer fabrics and florals. And also Red-carpet ready styles with ruffles and big bows. March 30, 2023
At the 2023 KDF Dillard's Fashion Show, the spring color palette features saturated, vibrant colors as well as updated twists on '90s neon. Also there's the femme fatales and ingenues, with ultra-feminine looks from edgy suits to sheer fabrics and florals. And also Red-carpet ready styles with ruffles and big bows. March 30, 2023

Way more than floral prints and seersucker suits, this annual premiere Kentucky Derby Festival spring event held at Caesars Southern Indiana features the latest women's and men's fashions and accessories trends for the 2024 Kentucky Derby season. And, of course, that will include fancy fascinators, elegant wide-brim hats, and chic chapeaus.

This year's high-energy runway show will feature fashions from Dillard's, several local boutiques, and other retailers. Some of the Kentucky Derby Festival's official products will also be featured at the event.

Where and when is the KDF Dillard's Spring Fashion Show?

Scenes at the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival/Macy's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana Thursday night. March 31, 2022
Scenes at the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival/Macy's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana Thursday night. March 31, 2022

The spring fashion event will be held on Thursday, March 28 at Caesars Southern Indiana, 11999 Casino Center Dr. SE, Elizabeth, Indiana. The doors to the casino's massive showroom open at 6:45 p.m. and dinner is served at 7 p.m. Ticket holders have an hour to dine and socialize before the runway show kicks off at 8 p.m.

What can I do at the Dillard's Spring Fashion Show pre-show?

The 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival/Macy's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana Thursday night. Local boutiques included AFM Threads, Charlie’s Boutique, Da•da Apparel Co., Darling State of Mind, GUESS?, Inc., Magnolia & Fig, Mamili, Noted, Pretty Is As Pretty Does, Sapphire Boutique and That Cute Little Shop. Today's Woman and WHAS11 were media sponsors. Millennium Events produced the show. March 31, 2022

More than just a fashion show, the event is a fun night out with friends for those 21 years and older. The pre-show kicks off at 5 p.m. with boutique shopping and cocktails. Before the doors open for the runway show, vendors from various boutiques will be set up on the second floor of the casino, and cash bars will be available.

What are my ticket options for Dillard's Spring Fashion Show?

Model Michele Weaver of Heyman Talent shows off a Derby look at the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival/Macy's Spring Fashion Show. Contributing sponsors are Guess ? Inc., Caesars Southern Indiana, J Michael's Spa & Salon and Radley London. March 31, 2022
Model Michele Weaver of Heyman Talent shows off a Derby look at the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival/Macy's Spring Fashion Show. Contributing sponsors are Guess ? Inc., Caesars Southern Indiana, J Michael's Spa & Salon and Radley London. March 31, 2022

Did we mention you need to act fast because tickets sell out quickly? There are two different ticket options and you'll want to jump on these fast.

  • Main Floor tickets, which include dinner, are $150 or $1,000 for a table of 10 (includes reserved dinner seating and show).

  • Or you can skip the dinner and pick up a ticket for a general admission seat in the balcony for $75 (includes hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets).

You can purchase your tickets at kdf.org. And sorry but no, there are no tickets available at the event.

What can you expect at the 2024 Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show?

Scenes from the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Showcase on Sunday, March 26, 2023
Scenes from the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Showcase on Sunday, March 26, 2023

You'll get an exclusive look at the latest couture designs from the Kentucky Derby Museum’s featured milliners at this one-of-a-kind event. Before the models hit the runway during this high-energy runway show, guests are treated to unlimited mimosas, complimentary screwdrivers, and bloody marys as well as brunch bites.

After the runway show, the Kentucky Derby Museum's featured milliners will be available to help you plan your signature look.

Where and when is the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show?

Kentucky Derby Museum runway Hat Show
Kentucky Derby Museum runway Hat Show

The fashion show and spring Derby celebration take place at the Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave. from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 24.

Who are the 2024 Kentucky Derby Museum Featured Milliners?

Wide brimmed hat by Christine Moore onwer of Cam Hats.
Wide brimmed hat by Christine Moore onwer of Cam Hats.

This year's featured milliners include Christine Moore of Christine A. Moore Millinery, Jenny Pfanestiel of Forme Millinery Company, Ilana Kogan of The Hat Doctor, Mary Julia Kaiser of Derbyologie, and Melisa Huff of Mamili and Mad Hatter 502.

How much are tickets to the 2024 Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show?

Shopping at the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show
Shopping at the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show

VIP tickets are $125 and include a reserved front-row seat and a swag bag. Premier tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at derbymuseum.org.

Rach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Get tickets for Kentucky Derby Festival fashion show, museum hat show