Where, When, and How to enjoy The Kentucky Derby

It’s almost Derby time! Whether you’re watching the Kentucky Derby at home, or dressing up in a fancy hat and going somewhere to watch the race, we’re gathering some options to help you celebrate. 

The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Churchill Downs. Also known as “The Run for the Roses”, and “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes. 

Kentucky Derby Traditions

Whether you want to host a Derby Party at home, or are attending, one there are a few things you may want to remember. After nearly 150 years running, the race is steeped in traditions. 

One of the most well-known traditions of the Derby are the hats, which started in 1875! No hat is too fancy or over-the-top for the Kentucky Derby.

The tradition is said to have started as a way to bring a more favorable crowd and high-society feel to the event. Race tracks had a bad reputation as a place for women in society, and this helped change the culture and class of the race, making it a  “place to be seen”. Now, both men and women wear hats for good luck.

The mint julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. The historic beverage of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup is served in a silver or pewter julep cup (or whatever you have!).

The drink was popular in the south, and in Kentucky, where 95% of the world’s Bourbon is produced, and became the official drink of the Derby in 1938. 

The song My Old Kentucky Home, written by Stephen Foster has been a Derby Day tradition since 1921, and was named the Kentucky state song in 1928.

The Derby is frequently referred to as “The Run for the Roses”, because a lush blanket of 554 red roses is draped over the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The red rose is the official flower of the derby. 

Some of the traditional food fare of the race include Kentucky Hot Browns, Deviled eggs, fried chicken, pulled pork, biscuits, Kentucky Burgoo, bread pudding, Benedictine Dip, Pimiento Cheese Spread, Derby Sundae, 

Kentucky Derby Parties Columbus

While it’ll always be cheaper to stay at home or host a small party, there are also a few Kentucky Derby parties going on in Columbus. We’ll add more to the list as they are announced!

Derby Day at Budd Dairy Food Hall

Saturday, May 4, 2024 all day 

Dust off your fanciest derby hat to compete for a special prize while you watch the races! Chef Partner Features and Mint Juleps All Day Long. Rooftop DJ! Doors open at 11:00am. Details.

1086 N. Fourth Street, Columbus 

Kentucky Derby Party at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

Saturday, May 4, 2024. Watch and wager on the race! Party features food, entertainment and great company during this exclusive event! They’ll have live music, car show, food trucks, a Fancy Hat contest, and more.

Purchase tickets by contacting us at 614-295-4769. See details. 

Limited ticket availability, must be 21+ to purchase tickets. 

Hats, Bowties & Derby Cocktails at Callahan’s Pub

Sat, May 4, 2024 from 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm at Callahan’s Pub Rooms

Annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party to watch the most exciting 2 minutes of sports. Enjoy the unique made from scratch Mint Juleps served in the official Derby Glass, and all other official Derby Cocktails.

Dress to impress for your chance to win prizes for Best female hat, best male bow tie & Best Dressed couple ($300 in gift card giveaways!). Limited number of tickets available. 

Tickets are $45 each and include 3 derby cocktails of your choice, plus the official Derby glass as a souvenir. This is a 21+ event. Buy tickets here.

520 Park Street Columbus, OH 43215

Derby Party at Merry Makers Club

Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 3-8 pm. Merry Makers Club, Inc 618 E. Spring St Columbus, OH 43215

Annual Derby Party at our clubhouse. Admission is $60 all beverages complimentary.

Have fun with Derby fashion by showing off your spring colors and hats! Smoking on the patio w/ Pipes & Pleasures offering the finest cigars. Hat contest for the ladies! 50/50 Horse Race Raffle.

Food available from the giant Rib Man food truck. DJ Remedy spinning the vibes on turntables, and the music stops to watch the main horse race event! Tables and tents for outside seating.

Details/tickets here. 

7th Anniversary & Derby Party at Loose Rail Brewing

Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 5 pm – 11 pm

Enjoy featured cocktails from the Derby Cocktail menu. When you purchase a drink at the bar, your name will be entered into an hourly raffle for a chance to win merch, gift cards, etc! *Must be present to win.

The horses won’t be the only ones competing! We will be having a contest for:
Best Derby hat
Best dressed
Best dressed couple
There will be prizes for the winners! Who will be jockeying to win the best hat?!

The Derby will be televised to watch the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! Acoustic Superfriends will be back to help us celebrate 7 years! Music starts at 7pm. Admission is free! Details here. 

Splurge event: Columbus Derby Day at Lower.com Field

Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 4 pm-9 pm. Guests enjoy heave hor d’oeuvres, top shelf open bar, live music with SWAGG, and more. Tickets are $150. See website for more details.

Know of other fun for the Kentucky Derby in Columbus? Let us know!

More Kentucky Derby fun

TBA for 2024

Kentucky Derby Photoshoot FOR THE DOGS!

tba 2024 at 10 am at Dogtopia, 406 E Main Street, Columbus

Bring your pup in for a special Kentucky Derby themed photoshoot for $7! 

**If you are not a current pet parent who comes to daycare, please call to set up a Meet and Greet if you would like your pup to attend. Details here. 

Mint Juleps & Fast Hooves: Derby Watch Party at Townhall Short North

tba 2024 at TownHall Short North 792 North High Street Columbus

Saddle up and join us for a Kentucky Derby watch party at Townhall Short North! Enjoy our refreshing mint julep specials while cheering on your favorite horses. Don’t miss out on the action – come watch the race with us! (arrive early for seating) Details here.

Derby Day at Lumin Sky Bar & Kitchen

TBA 2024

Head to Lumin Sky Bar & Kitchen for classic Derby cocktails such as a Mint Julep, Old Fashioned or Raspberry Lemonade and watch the 149th ‘Run for the Races’ while wearing your favorite floppy hat!

From drinks and tapas, to hat contests with prizes; this viewing party’s odds are sure to come out as the winner. Wear your fanciest hat for our Derby Hat Competition for the chance to win some amazing prizes.

See more details.