The 2026 Kentucky Derby delivered a finish for the history books, as longshot Golden Tempo stormed down the stretch in what may go down as one of the most unforgettable performances in the race’s 152-year history. But before the Run for the Roses captivated Churchill Downs, Louisville’s biggest party was already underway the night before.
For the third consecutive year, Sports Illustrated welcomed guests to Revel at the Races, the exclusive Friday night celebration ahead of Derby Day. Produced in partnership with J. Wagner Group and presented by DraftKings, the event transformed downtown Louisville’s Ice House into a star-studded nightlife destination filled with elite hospitality, entertainment, and some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and culture. While guests arrived for the cocktails, Southern glamor, and unmistakable Derby atmosphere, many came to see global EDM icon Tiësto, who headlined the evening keeping the packed crowd on its feet well into the night.
