25 Winning Kentucky Derby Party Ideas for 2024
Lauren Miolene
Editor
The Kentucky Derby is an annual race held in Louisville on the first Saturday of May, starting the first leg of the American Triple Crown. This year the Kentucky Derby takes place on May 4, 2024. The day consists of good, old-fashioned thoroughbred racing between the fastest horses in the United States. If you can’t make it to the Churchill Downs racetrack this year, the Derby makes a perfect party theme year round, no matter what the occasion. Use these Kentucky Derby party ideas to celebrate a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette, or even a fundraiser.
Whether you watch the horses race or not, the Kentucky Derby provides a perfect opportunity to host a preppy, over the top party.
Here are 25 fun Kentucky Derby party ideas:
Kentucky Derby Party Entertainment
Bartender
The Mint Julep is the official drink of the derby, but why make it yourself? Bartending and mixology is a precise science that tastes much better being served by a professional bartender. Browse and book local bartenders to mix up this traditional cocktail for partygoers to sip on during the race.
Bluegrass Band
Immerse yourself in derby culture with the musical stylings of a high-energy bluegrass band. This genre consists of the banjo, guitar, fiddle, and bass, providing an upbeat, fast paced sound. Ask to see if the band can play a special rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home,” the official song of the race.
Party Bus
If you’re traveling to your local racecourse, what better way to get there than by renting a party bus? Safely transport guests to and from the venue, so everyone will be able to safely enjoy a glass of bourbon or two.
Photo Booth
What’s a party without plenty of pictures to commemorate it? Incorporate iconic derby props like extravagant hats, bowties, and of course a backdrop featuring the signature Twin Spires. Browse digital photo booths, video booths, and even 360 photo booths for guests to remember this extravagant event.
Jazz Band
The energy (and the stakes) are high at the Kentucky Derby, so jazz music will accent this celebration perfectly. Get guests moving and grooving to traditional jazz tunes, swing, and other signature styles by booking a lively jazz band. Listen to our Kentucky Derby party playlist for music inspiration.
Kentucky Derby Party Decor
Run for the Roses
The winner of this race receives hundreds of roses, that’s why it’s nicknamed “Run for the Roses.” Easily incorporate this flower into your decor by adding rose accents throughout your space. This can include centerpieces, flower walls, even mixed with balloons. Book a florist to arrange gorgeous floral arrangements that will enhance this party theme even more.
Rich Strike Tribute
This American thoroughbred racehorse was the winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Pay tribute to this trusty steed by incorporating chestnut horses in your decor. Think balloons, backdrops, and even horse cocktail stirrers available on Etsy.
Gold and Silver Accents
The owner of the winning horse receives a gold trophy, while the trainer, jockey, and breeder take home a silver trophy. Incorporate these winning colors into your decor by using silver and gold balloons, tableware, even colored candles. If there is anything that can be customized with colors, keep it metallic.
Derby Day Banner
Every party needs a perfect photo opportunity (for your next Instagram post, of course!) Hang a festive sign in honor of the derby on a flower wall, backyard hedge, or any place else that is suitable for pictures. Browse different signs on Amazon for an additional Kentucky Derby party idea.
Derby Day Party Games and Activities
Bourbon Tasting
Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and there are plenty of options to pick from. Double oaked, malted, wheat, and rye batches allow the perfect opportunity for a tasting at this derby shindig. Select up a variety of your favorite bourbon for guests to taste and try, while also getting into the spirit of the derby.
Derby Hat Contest
The Kentucky Derby is known for people wearing extravagant hats and headpieces. Invite guests to model their own and vote for the best. Award the most over-the-top, largest, most creative, whatever category you can think of!
Horseshoes
This is a horse race afterall; lean into the theme by arranging a game of horseshoes. If the weather cooperates, a variety of lawn games is the perfect derby day party activity. Browse Amazon to purchase your own set of horseshoes, cornhole, ladder toss, and more outdoor games.
Make a Bet
While you can obviously wager on the horses in the race, you can always keep the stakes low by playing a few friendly rounds of poker, roulette, or black jack. Browse and book different casino games on our site to get in on the gambling action with minimal financial loss.
Official Kentucky Derby Food Ideas
Brunch
The races typically begins in the late morning to early afternoon, so there is no better meal to celebrate this event than brunch. Visit your local bakery to pick up an assortment of bagels, pastries, and other delicious brunch treats for guests to snack on. Don’t forget plenty of champagne and fruit juice for derby day mimosas!
Southern Pecan Pie
There is nothing sweeter than a slice of delicious pecan pie, so it has to make an appearance on your dessert spread during the Kentucky Derby party. Get creative with dessert by trying different variations like chocolate pecan pie, bourbon, or banana caramel.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Turn this authentic Kentucky Derby meal into a party-friendly bite. Traditionally served as an open-faced sandwich using turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, these sandwiches can easily be made as little sliders that are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Fried Chicken
If there is one thing southern cuisine is known for, it’s their delicious fried chicken. Try your hand at different recipes using secret ingredients like buttermilk, pickle brine, and even potato chips in the batter. If the kitchen isn’t your favorite place to be, consider booking a caterer to whip up the southern staple.
Kentucky Derby Party Drink Ideas
Mint Julep
The official drink of the derby, dating back to 1983, is the mint julep. Whip up your own using bourbon, simple syrup, water, and fresh mint poured over ice. Serve in a silver cup because everyone will be a winner with this derby day cocktail.
Fresh Lemonade
Who doesn’t love a cold, refreshing glass of fresh lemonade? You can never go wrong with mixing up a pitcher of lemonade for party guests to sip on. Elevate this beverage by using sparkling water, strawberries, or orange slices for a delicious party drink.
Kentucky Oaks Lily
The official drink of the Kentucky Oaks is an Oaks Lily, a cocktail made with Finlandia vodka, sweet and sour mix, triple sec, and cranberry juice. Garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge to create this beautiful derby drink.
Southern Sweet Tea
A staple in the south is sweet tea, and it’s extremely simple to make. Make a big batch of this drink using black tea, sugar, and ice, garnished with mint leaves or lemon slices. Mix this tea with equal parts lemonade for a delicious homemade Arnold Palmer.
More Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
Dress for the Occasion
In case you didn’t know, the racetrack also doubles as a runway. A Kentucky Derby party is the perfect opportunity to don your new summer dress, suit and tie, feathered hat, or fascinator. Think bold and loud for this dress code because nothing is off limits.
Garden Party
Weather permitting, host this soiree outside! The Kentucky Derby provides the perfect opportunity to set up this event in your garden or backyard. If the sun is shining and it’s not too hot out, definitely take advantage of using nature as your backdrop.
Watch the Race
If you’re hosting your party on the day of the derby, have it playing for guests to watch in between mingling and the party activities. You can always stream past races if your event isn’t taking place in May.
DIY Pennants
Root for your chosen horse with a custom pennant flag. Get into the spirit of the Kentucky Derby by arranging a DIY craft station for guests to create their own. Make sure to include felt, letters, and other craft supplies for people to include the horses’ jersey colors and initials.
Find more party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
