The 2026 pageant will be held on Sunday, March 1st, 2026 at 7 PM at the Middleton Auditorium in Strickler Hall on UofL's Campus. The pageant is a preliminary for the Miss Kentucky Organization, a preliminary for the Miss America organization. The winners of the Miss University of Louisville and Miss Cardinal Country titles move on to represent the winner at the Miss Kentucky pageant. The winner of Miss Kentucky then moves on to Miss America.

​The Goddess Anahata will be competing for the titles of Miss Cardinal Country and Miss Derby City under her given name, Mahogany M. Shelton. Tickets are $25 at the door for patrons.