The Trifecta Gala is returning Kentucky Derby weekend. What to know about the celebrity party

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·1 min read

It's time to roll out the red carpet. The Trifecta Gala, which has brought guests such as Usher, Michael Jordan, and Stevie Wonder to Louisville during past Kentucky Derby weekends, has announced the glamourous celebrity soiree is returning in 2024.

After a four-year hiatus, the swanky star-studded Derby Eve party hosted by Eden Bridgeman Sklenar and her family returns to celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby. The Trifecta Gala will take place on Friday, May 3, and pay special homage to the invaluable contributions of African Americans to the Kentucky Derby history with a reverence for the past and a vision for the future.

Justin Bridgeman holds cape of sister, Louisville businesswoman Eden Bridgeman, on the red carpet at Trifecta Gala 2019, a Kentucky Derby Eve party in Louisville. May 3, 2019.
Justin Bridgeman holds cape of sister, Louisville businesswoman Eden Bridgeman, on the red carpet at Trifecta Gala 2019, a Kentucky Derby Eve party in Louisville. May 3, 2019.

The return of the Trifecta Gala means Derby season will shine even brighter in 2024 as the Derby Eve Bridgeman bash is known for attracting big-name entertainment and Hollywood, fashion, and sports celebrities.

Past parties have included Angela Bassett, Michael Jordan, Anthony Anderson, Terrence Howard, Star Jones, Tina Knowles Lawson, and Gabrielle Union. Performers at the prestigious event have included Usher, Stevie Wonder, the band Earth, Wind and Fire, Dave Chappelle, Nelly, Darius Rucker, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Arsenio Hall, Michael McDonald, Miguel, Jill Scott, comedian Sinbad, and many others.

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and dancer Usher performs at Trifecta Gala 2019, a Kentucky Derby Eve party in Louisville. May 3, 2019.
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and dancer Usher performs at Trifecta Gala 2019, a Kentucky Derby Eve party in Louisville. May 3, 2019.

"My brothers and I understand the blessings and opportunities we've been afforded due to our parents and it's why we want to continue this party," Eden Bridgeman Sklenar previously told the Courier Journal. "We love Louisville and it's important to the three of us to make a positive impact on our city."

It's still too soon to release the celebrity guest list or featured performers for this year's Trifecta Gala but Sklener said tickets and further details, like the party location, will soon be released. Stay tuned!

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

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Trifecta Gala returns for 2024 Kentucky Derby weekend. What we know