Parties on Kentucky Derby Weekend, Events, Experiences, Concerts, and Party Ideas at Home
The 2022 Kentucky Derby 148th running is set to return to a more normal scene than we’ve experienced in the last couple of years. That essentially means Louisville becomes one big month-long party with the “fastest two minutes in sports” capping it all off. We’ve put together a list of the best Kentucky Derby parties, weekend events, and of course themed party ideas at home.
SEE ALSO: Kentucky Derby Party Decorations, Supplies, and Games
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Kentucky Thurby
WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 2022
WHERE: Churchill Downs Racetrack
TICKETS: GA $29 via Ticketmaster (Packages up $250)
What is Kentucky Thurby? It is the Thursday prior to the Kentucky Derby preceding the first Saturday in May. Locals affectionately refer to this as Thurby! This event is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville and offers a local’s experience of Kentucky culture, fare, music, and of course horse racing!
The 2022 Thurby Party will host actsNathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats live in the infield. There are different levels of tickets that can be purchased, but all will permit admission to the infield where the band will perform between races in the afternoon.
The event is Presented by Old Forester, so Kentucky bourbon definitely has a ticket to the show!
SEE ALSO: Kentucky Derby Festival: Everything You Need To Know
Parties on Kentucky Derby Weekend
Barnstable Brown Gala
WHEN: May 6, 2022
WHERE: Private Residence in Louisville, KY
TICKETS: Invite Only
The Barnstable Brown Gala has become a staple for one of the best Kentucky Derby Parties for the last 33 years. It attracts a celebrity guest of those ranging from Jeff Bezos to Tom Brady, and has been recognized by Conde Nastas one of the top ten parties in the nation.
If you’re wondering what to wear, this event is a black tie affair with a red carpet entrance at theluxurious home of Patricia Barnstable Brown in Cherokee Park. The guest list includemovie stars, singers, local celebrities, sports legends, and horse racing fans from across the world. Guests can expect live music, dancing, gourmet food, and other surprises.
Arguably the most sought after invite of parties on Derby Weekend, it also supports a good cause. Over the years, some of the proceeds for this party helped support the boys and girls club of Kentuckiana and the University of Kentucky’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center.
SEE ALSO: 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster
Rabbit Hole Distillery KY Derby Party
WHEN: Fri, May 6, 2022, 8:00 PM – Sat, May 7, 2022, 1:00 AM EDT
WHERE: Rabbit Hole Distillery
711 East Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
TICKETS: $250 via Eventbrite
The Rabbit Hole Distillery KY Derby Party brings Kentucky Bourbon front and center!Rabbit Hole Distillery has one of the most modern bourbon distilleries in Kentucky and they invite you to experience it with this party on Derby weekend.
This KY Derby Party happens on Oaks Night and features anopen bar including top craft premium bourbon cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, artistic installations, live band, house dj, valet arrival, and intriguing entertainment. It also has the option for a private3 course dinner from Executive Chef Kevin Ashworth.Rabbit Hole Distillery welcomes stars, young creatives, and industry paragons on famed Oaks Night to kick off Derby weekend in style.
Stitzel-Weller Affair
WHEN: May 6, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
WHERE: Stitzel-Weller Distillery: 3860 Fitzgerald Rd, Shively, KY 40216
This Oaks Night party brings us to another Louisville distillery on the eve of the KY Derby. Blade and Bow hosts their annualStitzel-Weller Affair in partnership with The Garden & Gun Club at Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
The Stitzel-Weller Affair Derby party features live music, an alfresco dinner, and of course signature bourbon cocktails at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively. This is about a 10 minute drive by car from Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Winner’s Party
WHEN: Saturday, May 7, 2022
The KY Derby Winner’s Party celebrates the conclusion of the “Run for the Roses” and features the crowning of a new Derby champion. With that being said, of course there’s an appearance from the winning owner, jockey, and trainer. This party on Derby Day features complimentary champagne, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 2022
WHEN: Fri, May 6 – Sat, May 7
WHERE:The Galt House Hotel, 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY
TICKETS: To purchase tickets or a table, email Peggy Koch (or call 502-894-9768) or Tonya York (or call 502-419-6370).
This event brings you a full night of glamour, charm, and hospitality at its finest during the 9th annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. Held on Derby Eve, the KY Derby Party is ablack tie-optional event. It begins with a cocktail reception which features specialty bars serving fine wines, champagnes, bourbons, vodkas and custom cocktails provided by Champion sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits brand partners.
The guest list here minglescelebs and VIPs alike from sports, music, TV, movie, poker, and horse racing worlds upon their red carpet entrance atGalt House Hotel Grand Ballroom. Like a lot of derby parties, this one features an impressivesilent auction. Items offered in that fun tradition have ranged fromVIP Indy 500 experience, private poker lesson with poker legend Phil Hellmuth, tickets to the LA Lakers Owners’ Box for a game at the Staples Center, a Masters golf package and more. Learn more here.
Party Horses Derby Event feat. Diplo
WHEN:
WHERE:
TICKETS: Invite Only
Party Horses NFT already made a huge splash rushing out of the gate with a partnership with Maker’s Mark. Now that NFT ownership gains more utility and benefits to owners in the form of a Kentucky Derby Party. This Oaks Night party features Grammy-winning DJ Diplo, and another Miami staple, DJ IRIE.
Rockin’ Derby Eve feat. Jake Owen
WHEN:Friday, May 6, 2022 | 7:30–11:30 p.m.
WHERE:Paristown Hall –Louisville, KY
TICKETS: VIP $850 | Only 1,000 Available
The Rockin’ Derby Eve Party is hosted atOld Forester’s Paristown Hall in Louisville, KY. This event is limited to 1,000 guests and features an intimate show with country music performing artist, Jake Owen.
VIP tickets include all food and beverages featuring heavy, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, food stations and sweets. The event is present byWoodford Reserve and includes an open bar with craft cocktails, beer, wine, bourbon and world-class service. The package also includesBrent Street valet reception withaccess to the Christy’s Garden turf club.
It is a fundraising benefit raising proceeds for Norton Healthcare Foundation, Derby City Divas, and Thoroughbred Charities of America.
SEE ALSO: Kentucky Derby Hats: A Tradition Behind the Craziest Fashion Tradition in Sports
Derby Events and Experiences
Taste of Derby
WHEN: Thursday, May 5th, 2022
WHERE: KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville, Kentucky
TICKETS: $395.00 each via Ticketmaster
The Taste of Derby Party is a culinary-driven event with chefsrepresenting each stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, as well as other celebrity chefs. Taste of Derby features food tastings, wine pairings, premium open bar, complimentary valet service, live entertainment, and a red carpet entry.
Fillies & Lilies
Concerts
THURSDAY, MAY 5th
- Chase Rice
- When: Thur. May 5, 2022 – 8:00 PM
- Where: Fourth Street Live!, Louisville, KY
- Tickets: $20 GA (Standing Room Only),
FRIDAY, MAY 6th
- Steve Aoki
- When: FRI MAY 6, 2022 – 8:00 PM
- Where: Fourth Street Live!, Louisville, KY
- Tickets: $20 GA (Standing Room Only)
- Janet Jackson & New Edition
- When: Sat, May 7 at 7:00pm
- Where: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY
- Tickets: Prices from $35.98 to $375.50
SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About Derby Pie (Recipe Included)
Derby Themed Party Ideas at Home
If you’re not making the trip to Louisville for the Derby, you’re still in luck. Kentucky Derby themed party ideas at home are the next best option! Here’s some motivation to help you pull together your own Kentucky Derby Party Ideas regardless of where you are on Derby Weekend.
Love Mint Juleps? Check out The History Behind The Kentucky Derby’s Infamous Cocktail!
