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 2, 2026 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 Party at Merry Makers Club

Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 4-8 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. 

Aladdin Shrine Kentucky Derby Party

Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 4 PM – 7:30 PM
 
If you can’t get to Churchill Downs, put on your Derby finest and come out to Aladdin Shrine for casino games, raffles, big hats, and more! Tickets are $35 per person, or $65 for couples.

• A catered “grazing table”
• Blackjack and Roulette Tables with pretend money
• Bingo
• Basket Raffle
• 50/50 Raffle
• Post Position Winner
• Best hat contest
• Best dressed couple contest
• The Kentucky Derby on the big screens
• Cash bar with specialty drinks

Splurge event: Columbus Derby Day at Overlook at Astor Park

Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 45 pm-9 pm. Guests enjoy heavy 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

Kentucky Derby Party at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

Saturday, May 2, 2026. 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.

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

Derby-inspired food and drink 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! Admission is free! Details here. 

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

More Kentucky Derby fun