The 150th Kentucky Derby will be held on the first Saturday of May, attended by over 150,000 people. Hosted at the iconic Churchill Downs outside Louisville, Kentucky, it’s a horse race, a fashion destination, and a legendary party.
There are plenty of places in Colorado where you can attend a Derby party to catch all the action on TV and join in the festivities. Whether you’re in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Frisco, Telluride or Vail, here are some top spots to attend a lively party.
Boulder
The St Julien Hotel & Spa is hosting a party with live music from the Maydays and a contest for the best hat among guests. Palma Cigar Company will be hand-rolling cigars and the Mile High Canine Rescue group will be there if you’re looking for an adoptable four-legged friend.
Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor Rotary Club is hosting a Derby watch party at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Enjoy a photo booth, silent auction, whiskey raffle, and music from the Cheyenne Mountain High School Jazz Band.
Crested Butte
Birdie’s Golf Bar located in the heart of Crested Butte, is a great place to watch the Derby on their large screen TVs. In between the Derby races, practice your golf swing in the simulators, and make sure to order a hummus platter, signature pita, or bowl from Pitas in Paradise next door.
Denver
The Denver Derby Party will take over LoDo. Celebrate at McGregor Square next to Coors Field, with a full city block of entertainment and activities. Tickets range from Infield passes to the Jockey Box Club to private tables and cabanas for a VIP experience. All proceeds benefit the Sean Ranch Lough Foundation, which provides four-year college scholarships to Colorado State University to youth in the Denver Metro.
The Denver Mini Derby returns in 2024 at a new location – the Tivoli Quad. Watch the races on a giant screen, savor food and drinks from multiple vendors, and don’t miss the live races with adorable mini horses and Corgis!
Frisco / Summit County
The Women of the Summit are hosting a Derby Watch Party at the 10 Mile Music Hall in Frisco. This fundraising event will feature Southern food, mint juleps, games, and live music by the Mud Season Band.
Vail
Don’t miss the Vail Derby Party benefitting the Children’s Garden of Learning, a non-profit preschool. Dress to impress and dance to live music by the Straus Blues Band, enjoy a whisky tasting and silent auction, as well as appetizers and mint juleps.
No matter where you find yourself in Colorado, there’s sure to be a spot nearby where you can join in the excitement of the Kentucky Derby. So don your dapper hat and cheer on your favorite horse as they race for the roses!
