We spent 2 evenings at the Chow Wagon this week listening to music, hanging with friends, eating junk food and enjoying the crowd. Always a fun way to spend sometime Derby week connecting with other Louisvillians. The crowds were fairly sparse both evenings but especially on Thursday. I had a really good virgin Pina Colada one evening, a corn dog and an elephant ear. All were good, served hot and tasty. Music was also good both nights. We listened to the Wilson Brothers one evening and Sound Machine the other. A complaint is the parking, closed streets and fenced off areas. They have made it difficult to get to the entrance and parking garages are charging $15 to $30 to park. Prices inside are also expensive for drinks and food. Although a Pegasas Pin gains you entrance the associated costs are pricy. Be prepared. The balloon glow was canceled the night we were there due to weather but always worth checking out. They also offer helicopter rides, carny games and amusement rides. read more

See all

completely disappointing. this was advertised as a food truck event, but it's really just overpriced fair food and lackluster environment. I'll never go back. read more

$10 to get in with mediocre, generic, and overpriced carnival food and drinks. 3 people to eat bland tacos cost $55 and they still have the audacity to suggest tipping. read more

Expensive. Over-hyped. Not worth it unless you've simply never experienced the Chow Wagon. We paid $24 for a brisket sandwich and mac-n-cheese. Neither of which were great. At Please & Thank You, we spent $14 on 2 cookies, a water, and a tea. There are much better places downtown to visit. So unless you just need your funnel cake fix, I say skip the Chow Wagon. read more

Love it good music, by the Ohio river which brings a great breeze on a hot day but food is overpriced and not good at all

I find it odd that Chow Wagon is a part of the Derby hype, as it is basically just a mini state fair. But it's still a pretty fun event, especially since it takes place towards the beginning of Spring. It can be a little pricey. First, you'll need to spend about $6 for a pegasus pin for entry, then you'll need to buy tickets for food/drink stations, and tickets for rides. There were also a couple drink stands that were cash only, which didn't make much sense to me. The food is fantastic if you're a fan of fair food like I am. There were also a lot of different things to try, like Philly Cheese Steak fries and Orange Creamsicle floats. The rides looked a little unsafe (also like typical fair rides) but it was pretty cool to see that they were doing helicopter tours at only $40! I'd love to come back next year. I wouldn't say it's the most fun Derby event, but it's definitely something to get you pumped up for summer. read more

The annual fried food round up at the Waterfront leading up to Derby! This apparently a 'must' during Derby season....but I have lived here 10 years now and have only visited the Chow Wagon once. It did not live up to any hype. I mean, if you *really* love fried food and carnival rides, you will enjoy the Chow Wagon. There are some local options available, but not many. You do need a Pegasus Pin to get in, so that is an added $6-$7 to even get there. If you are a super Derby Season fan, I am sure you will find yourself here. If you aren't a diehard....I doubt you'll be overjoyed to spend money to get in to a place to have access to even more overpriced fried festival food. I mean, it is there annually and you know where to find it. read more

See all

For most Louisvillians, the Chow Wagon is the first chance of the year to indulge in all of those summertime, decadent, so-bad-for-you-yet-so-good treats. I'm talking corndogs, funnel cakes, things served on sticks, things battered and deep fried. And the Chow Wagon does not disappoint. It takes the typical fair midway a step or two further with some prime treats that are not to be missed. In particular, I'm a big fan of the blueberry pie topped with blueberry ice cream. It's to your left after you walk in under the "Chow Wagon" sign. Save some tickets and be sure to hit this up. The blooming onion is also delicious and worth the 5,000 calories or so, as was the pulled pork -- I believe it was -- sandwich and the strawberry shortcake. Mind you, I did not eat all of this but rather nibbled from the plates of friends, which is really the best thing to do. I also saw an "old fashion soda pop" booth that I'm going to try to stop at when I go next. The Chow Wagon is a bit pricey, and you have to buy your food with tickets. $1 = one ticket. The whole going to a booth to get tickets is a bit of a pain, but hey, this is a once a year type of thing. And you get to enjoy all of this glorious, belt-busting goodness sitting at tables that either face Louisville's glorious skyline or face the river and bridges. There are also some stages with regular live entertainment. I mean, really, why wouldn't you indulge at least once and come down and enjoy all that the Chow Wagon has to offer? read more

See all

Best mini state fair you could ask for on the waterfront. Check out the chow wagon and don't forget your Pegasus Pin for entry. Vendors average $10-12.00/item, but on a beautiful day it's the perfect way to celebrate Derby on the waterfront. Don't forget to check out the activities area the Kentucky Derby Festival team set up with flying axes, photo ops, and a life size chess board. Happy Derby, y'all! read more

See all

What can you say about the Chow Wagon? It's really disgusting/delicious fair food sold at an outrageous price that they can charge because your opportunity to eat this crap only comes around every so often. So you do it. And afterward, you love/hate yourself. The live music is usually average. The rides are shotty. It's a nice thing to visit when you want to rub elbows with the general public and walk along the river or something. I go once a year, and THAT'S IT. read more

This is a great time of year to come down to the chow wagon for pre-Derby festivities. If you're a fan of overpriced fair food and drinks, this is the place to be. Definitely check the weather forecast prior to coming, on a positive it is open rain or shine. You won't get completely soaked as a big part of this place is located under the over pass of the highway. Admission is free if you have a Pegasus pin. Otherwise you can buy one there for a buck more than you would pay at Kroger. Everything is paid for with tickets. Make sure to bring cash, otherwise you'll be paying some ATM fees. They have ticket locations all over. This is definitely a cool experience to spend with family and friends. Overall, I'll be back next year to spend a few bucks and eat some tasty fried food. read more

See all

The best thing I can say about the Chow Wagon is: I hated it. This is an endorsement because if you take the inverse of my autism and misanthropy you arrive at a good time for a normal human being. I was able to donate blood to a research group, or I was chow wagon for some delightful vampires. Who knows? The Chow Wagon was a well-curated collection of things I detest and don't care for: carnival food, people who can't manage themselves in queues, noise, portable bathrooms, a cacophony of unidentifiable smells, rides of questionable safety, cover bands, and people shouting at you to buy stuff. If you like carnival food, rides, and atmosphere then certainly this is for you. Everyone else there was neuro-typical and having a great time. The fact that I wasn't having fun is probably the best reason you should go. PRO TIPS: 1. Get a Pegasus Pin at Kroger before going (or if you're quick, I'm not using mine). 2. Do a fly-by of the entire place first to see what they have before picking something 3. There are ticket booths all over the place, don't bottle yourself up at the front 4. Give blood to the medical research people, the life you save could be someone you love read more

Chow Wagon - Entrance - Food Stands Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Derby time is my favorite time of year and I think the Chow Wagon gets better every year. I work super close by so it is nice to be able to walk down and check out the live music and grab lunch. There are several stages for live music and a little something from every genre. The food selections are impressive with the typical "fair fried foods, " wood fire pizzas, ice cream, corn dogs, Asian cuisine and more. They actually have several sit down bar areas that sell beer, wine and cocktails. There is happy hour 4-6 daily! You need to have a Pegasus Pin for entrance so don't forget to buy one at Kroger or a gas station before ($6) Or you can pay $7 for one at the gate. read more

Glad it's back after it's closer after 2 years. But with that being said. It's gotten crazy expensive now.they don't take cash but do cash to card. Each stand has a number. They do add tax on there. But also with parking there is a lot of street parking and parking garage and a parking lot across by the bats. Admission is free with a Pegasus pin. read more

Go to the Mexican Grill. It's the best. Fresh food and servers ! Next to the stage. Enjoy!

The Chow Wagon is a once a year thing in Louisville during Derby time. If you go to the chow wagon be prepared to pay fair style prices for typical food. My thing is if you dig fair food then you are use to paying an arm and a leg for stuff. My suggestion is bring your water with you or drink it will save you at least $5 . If you are a pickle lover like my self you absolutely have to try this dilly corndog. It's a hotdog in a pickle dipped and deep fried. read more

Chow Wagon - Food Stands Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Yes, the food is overpriced and will kill you if you eat it foo frequently. But come on, the Chow Wagon is great. Go get your annual corn dog! You'll love it. read more

I love the Chow Wagon! Fair food is some of my favorite food, so when the Chow Wagon sets up two weeks before Derby and starts slinging funnel cakes, grater taters, lemon shake-ups, and everything fried, including Oreos, I'm down! Of course, the Chow Wagon has a few drawbacks, and one of those is the prices. It's expensive. Like, ridiculously expensive. But, as long as you go in armed with that information, you'll be prepared to spend $12-$14 on a grater tater and a lemon shake-up. And trust me, spending the money once or twice around Derby season is definitely worth it! read more

See all

I agree this is a staple of the Kentucky Derby Festival and is a must to go at least once a year. Remember back in the day when they used to have several chow wagons throughout the city going on consecutively? I know I do. This is also the location of the Finish Line of the KDF Marathon which I have done the half marathon twice and also where you can come to the balloon glimmer. It's a fun place to drink beer and watch people and eat fried food. You can also hear some great music while you're there. read more

The chow wagon is a ritual for me every Derby season. There are rides for kids, live free concerts, and even helicopter rides for the brave. The cost to get in is a Derby pin. You can get them at any gas station, or you can get them at the entry of the chow wagon. The food is essentially state fair food, but who doesn't love the fair? Everything is probably unhealthy, but it's only once a year right?!?! You can find almost anything there like extra long corn dogs, bbq, pizza, ribbon cheese fries, turkey legs that look like they came from a baby dinosaur, lemon shake ups, ice cream Sundays, elephant ears, and funnel cake.!!!! Im sure there is a lot more too! read more

Chow Wagon - Food Stands Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Such a fun family friendly event! Great music and atmosphere. Enjoyed the cheesesteak at the vendor next to the German booth and the taco truck was great! The coffee truck over in fest a villa area has an amazing crepe! read more

What can you say about the chow wagon? It's overpriced, greasy, and you get what you pay for (says my stomach post-gyro after yesterday's visit). However, it is a Derby Festival staple and definitely puts you in the mood for summer. Options abound from turkey legs to gyros, pizza and Italian sausage, funnel cakes, elephant ears, ice cream, oh my! Don't forget it costs you a Pegasus pin ($5 and they sell them at the gate) to get in. And bring cash. At least $15 per person for a meal. read more

Even though I've lived in Louisville all my life, this year was my first for the chow wagon, and I'm so disappointed in myself. This will most definitely become a yearly derby ritual. Good music, good food and good times! They have all the great food you expect at the fair, Philly cheese steaks and gyros are the best! They had peanut butter cup funnel cakes, so unhealthy, but tasted so good I couldn't resist trying! read more