Ace Hydroseeding Taco Derby Festival Returns to Richmond

Annual celebration mixes Kentucky Derby traditions with local food and music

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic taco repeated in a tight grid pattern, using a neon color palette and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday food item into a modern pop art piece.The Ace Hydroseeding Taco Derby Festival in Richmond celebrates the Kentucky Derby with a unique local twist, featuring bold flavors, live music, and a community-driven celebration.Richmond Today

The Ace Hydroseeding Taco Derby Festival, a popular annual event in Richmond, Kentucky, is back this year with a day of live music, taco and costume contests, and big-screen coverage of the Kentucky Derby. The festival, powered by local radio station Q94, takes place at Hanover Vegetable Farm and features street tacos, margaritas, mint juleps, and a lineup of regional bands.

Why it matters

The Taco Derby Festival has become a beloved springtime tradition in Richmond, blending the city's love of local food, music, and Kentucky Derby culture into a lively community celebration. The event draws crowds from across the region and showcases the vibrant small-business and arts scene that makes Richmond an appealing destination.

The details

The festival features a full day of entertainment, starting with DJ Chad Rock from 2-3:30pm, followed by performances from the band Bombshell from 3:30-4:30pm and 5-6:30pm. In between the music sets, there will be a best-dressed contest and a taco-eating competition. The highlight of the day will be the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby at approximately 6:45pm.

  • The Ace Hydroseeding Taco Derby Festival takes place on April 7, 2026.
  • The Kentucky Derby race is scheduled for approximately 6:45pm on the day of the festival.

The players

Q94

The local radio station that powers and promotes the Taco Derby Festival.

Hanover Vegetable Farm

The venue hosting the Taco Derby Festival, a working farm in Richmond, Kentucky.

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The takeaway

The Ace Hydroseeding Taco Derby Festival has become a must-attend springtime event in Richmond, blending the city's love of local food, music, and Kentucky Derby culture into a lively community celebration that draws crowds from across the region.