25 Winning Kentucky Derby Party Ideas for 2024

Get your event off to the races with these Kentucky Derby party ideas.

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

Bartender Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: V&V Bartending

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.

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Bluegrass Band

Bluegrass band Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective

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.

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Party Bus

Party bus Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Allstars Worldwide Limousine

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.

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Photo Booth

Photo booth Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: A1 Visuals Photobooth

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.

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Jazz Band

Jazz band Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Nuage Rhythm - French/Gypsy Jazz - Bossa Nova

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.

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Kentucky Derby Party Decor

Run for the Roses

Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Perry Correll/shutterstock.com

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

Rich Strike tribute Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Milleflore Images/shutterstock.com

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

Gold and silver accents Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Zoom Team/shutterstock.com

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

Derby day banner Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Amazon

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

Bourbon tasting Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: maeching chaiwongwatthana/shutterstock.com

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

Derby hat contest Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Diane Bondareff/shutterstock.com

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

Horseshoes Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: mary981/shutterstock.com

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

Make a bet Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Carlos l Vives/shutterstock.com

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

Brunch Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Losangela/shutterstock.com

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

Southern pecan pie Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: vm2002/shutterstock.com

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

Kentucky hot brown sliders Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Brent Hofacker/shutterstock.com

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

Fried chicken Kentucky Derby party ideasPhotos: Brent Hofacker/shutterstock.com

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

Mint julep Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Julie Vader/shutterstock.com

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

Fresh lemonade Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: nblx/shutterstock.com

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

Kentucky Oaks Lily Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: 279photo Studio/shutterstock.com

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

Southern sweet tea Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Elena Veselova/shutterstock.com

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

Dress for the occasion Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Nmorguelan/shutterstock.com

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

Garden party Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Ground Picture/shutterstock.com

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

Watch the race Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Vladimir Hodac/shutterstock.com

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

DIY pennants Kentucky Derby party ideasPhoto: Prostock-studio/shutterstock.com

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.

Published on 3/13/2024