The Kentucky Derby is the most watched and most attended horse race in America. Known as "the fastest two minutes in sports,” it’s a celebration of sport, fashion, and fun times outdoors. It should come as no surprise that the event has grown in popularity in the Mile High City over the years, nearly to the point of becoming another unofficial holiday which is celebrated throughout Denver.
One derby party in Denver even hails itself as the largest Kentucky Derby party outside of Kentucky. In 2016, the Denver Derby party boasted a recorded 5,000 attendees.
This year's Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4. Coverage starts at 12:30 p.m. MDT and will be aired locally by Denver Gazette news partner and NBC affiliate 9News. The race starts at 4:57 p.m.
Whether you are new to derby traditions, a hardcore enthusiast, or just looking for a different kind of weekend event, here’s a list of some of the top Kentucky Derby parties taking place in the Denver area this year:
Denver Derby Day 2024 at the Ritz Carlton
Head to the Ritz-Carlton, 1881 Curtis Street, in Denver and get ready to experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby like never before with multiple 10-foot video screens and live entertainment all day long.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate derby celebration with two dance floors, giant interior event spaces, and a chance to show off your best outfit on a runway. There’s no need to wait for your drinks at their fast-serve bars with plenty of drink specials all day long, including the classic mint julep.
This event also features a pre-event brunch and after party add-ons. Come down to Elway’s downtown for brunch featuring a three-course menu for $42 plus bottomless mimosas for $20. For an additional $30, partygoers can stay longer from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to enjoy DJs, dance floors and cocktail and food selections.
The event takes place from 1-5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4. The after-party continues until 8 p.m. Tickets for the exclusive watch party start at $60. Tickets for the after-party are $30, while a combination watch party/after-party ticket is $75.
To purchase tickets, visit the event website at https://denverderby.org/
Denver Mini Derby – Stanley Marketplace
Kicking off at the Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St. Aurora, CO 80010, the Denver Mini Derby promises to be one of the most fun Kentucky Derby viewing events in Colorado, featuring two “mini” races featuring miniature horses and a famous corgi race. Attendees can enjoy a massive viewing screen, live music, DJ sets, delectable food options, open bar, BBQ, and more.
Don your most extravagant hat and pastel attire for this unforgettable annual event, where you'll join fellow derby enthusiasts in experiencing the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.
The event takes place from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Tickets cost $79 plus fees for general admission or $149 plus fees for VIP admission, which includes a VIP bar, open seating and BBQ.
To purchase tickets, visit their EventBrite page.
*This event was initially located at the Tivoli Quad, but has relocated due to recent protests on the Auraria Campus.
Denver Derby Party – McGregor Square
The Denver Derby Party bills itself the biggest (and best) of its kind in the country. Spanning an entire city block, McGregor square is an ideal venue for a party of this size with more than 17,000-square-feet of outdoor gathering space, Milepost Zero food hall, three levels of indoor space and balconies, as well as a 66′ by 20′ LED screen to view the event.
Infield and plaza tickets start at $125 or for $300 you can receive an “elevated” Jockey Club experience with premium facilities and food and beverage options. The event takes place on Saturday, May 4 and starts at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit their website.
Annual Derby Party at the St. Julien – Boulder
Experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby, Boulder-style: Join St Julien Hotel & Spa for the annual Derby party on Saturday, May 4, from 1-5 p.m., blending Southern charm with Rocky Mountain luxury.
Guests can sip mint juleps, don their fanciest hats and indulge in an afternoon of exhilarating horse racing excitement against the stunning backdrop of the Flatirons. Plus, a live performance by Maydays; a Derby hat contest for the most creative, stylish and eye-catching headwear and a chance to win prizes; hand-rolled cigars by Palma Cigar Company from 2:15-4:15 p.m.; and additional excitement from Woodford Reserve and Mile High Canine Rescue.
The event is free to attend with food and drink for purchase, but St Julien also offers an exclusive VIP package for $130 per person with reserved seating, an elevated Southern buffet and an open premium bar. More information and tickets can be found here.
10th Annual Derby Party – TheBigWonderful at Bellevue Station
Taking over Belleview Beer Garden and its surrounding streets, TheBigWonderful at Belleview Station, 6751 E. Chenango Ave. Denver, will feature local shopping with over 70 Colorado craft vendors, unlimited sampling from more than 15 breweries, cideries, and distilleries, street food and food trucks, and live bluegrass.
Don your derby best and join them for all the festivities, plus a live stream of the Kentucky Derby. The shopping and live music portion of this event is free to the public and all ages. A cash bar will be available for individual drink purchases.
Only beer fest ticket holders will be able to sample from the local breweries at this event, which will be spread throughout the event. VIP beer fest tickets are available for $60 (2-6 p.m.) while general admission beer fest tickets (3-6 p.m.) are available for $35.
Tickets can be purchased from their website.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.