Star Chefs Tackle ‘Bridles & Bits’ Theme For Taste of Derby 2026

The theme of this year’s “Taste of Derby 2026,” the annual culinary event taking place around the Kentucky Derby, will be Bridles & Bits. The event will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center on April 30 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

There will be eight chefs taking part, including three new to the event this year: Anthony Vitolo, known for Italian cuisine; Antonia Lofaso, a former “Top Chef” contestant who is now a celebrity chef at multiple restaurants in Los Angeles; and Rocco DiSpirito, a James Beard-award winning chef and New York Times bestselling author. Fellow Beard winner Shota Nakajima will also take part, joined by Food Network regulars Aaron May, Marc Murphy and Kentucky native Damaris Phillips. Robert Lopez, the head chef at Churchill Downs Racetrack, will also take part in the event.

Taste of Derby 2026 will also feature a premium open bar and enhanced beverage activations, specialty drink experiences, live entertainment, a red carpet entry, and a dedicated Derby-inspired photo opportunity.

Standard admission tickets are $629 per person and provide full access to the event and an open bar. VIP tickets are $749 and include access to a private open bar featuring beer, wine and cocktails, among other benefits.

For tickets, menus, and event details, visit derbyexperiences.com/taste-of-derby.
The 152nd Run for the Roses will be staged Saturday, May 2.