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 3, 2025 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!

A Day at the Derby Experience at North High Brewing

A Kentucky Derby themed fundraiser in celebration of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” with a variety of specialty Derby-style foods and a signature cocktail. Attendees can participate in a Derby outfit contest, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a group watching of this year’s famed horse race. All ticket sales will support special projects at the Westerville Public Library like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and the Summer Reading Challenge.

Date: May 3, 2025 from 4 pm – 9 pm
Location: North High Brewing Beer Garden, 250 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Cost: $75 per person (includes food & 1 drink ticket) This event is for adults (18+ only). Attendance limited to 150.

Purchase tickets here.

Derby Party at Merry Makers Club

Saturday, May 3, 2025 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! Music kicks off with the sounds of Charles Cooper, then DJ Remedy and DJ JMA spin the vibes on turntables! Pipes & Pleasures offering the finest cigars. Hat contest for the ladies! 50/50 Horse Race Raffle.

Details/tickets here. 

Splurge event: Columbus Derby Day at Overlook at Astor Park

Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 4 pm-9 pm. Guests enjoy heave hor d’oeuvres, top shelf open bar, live music, and more. Tickets are $150. See website for more details.

600 West Nationwide Boulevard
#5th floor Columbus, OH 43215

Derby Day at Lumin Sky Bar & Kitchen

Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 3 – 7pm. Doors at 2pm

Head to Lumin Sky Bar & Kitchen for classic Derby cocktails such as a Mint Julep, Old Fashioned or Raspberry Lemonade and watch the ‘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. 

Kentucky Derby Party at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

Saturday, May 3, 2025. 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. 

Derby Party at Loose Rail Brewing

May 3, 2025 from 5 pm – 10 pm

Sip on our exclusive Derby-inspired cocktails while indulging in specialty desserts crafted just for the occasion. 

The horses won’t be the only ones competing! There will be having a contest for:
Best Derby hat
Best dressed
There will be prizes for the winners! 

The Derby will be televised to watch the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! Music with Sadie & The Tramps  starts at 7pm. Admission is free! Details here. 

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

More Kentucky Derby fun