The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race—it’s a tradition steeped in history, Southern charm, and thrilling excitement. Held annually at Churchill Downs, this race brings together fashion, food, and festive energy, making it the perfect occasion to throw a themed party. Whether you prefer a classy garden gathering or a lively backyard celebration, there are endless ways to bring the Derby Day experience to life.
From mint juleps and classic Southern cuisine to fun games and stylish decor, hosting a Kentucky Derby party is all about hospitality and elegance. If you’re ready to create an event filled with glamour, entertainment, and friendly competition, these 23 party ideas will help you craft the perfect Run for the Roses celebration.
1. Southern-Inspired Invitations
Your Kentucky Derby party begins the moment guests receive their invitation. A well-crafted Derby-themed invitation sets the stage for the event and gets everyone excited about what’s to come. Whether you choose elegant paper invitations or send digital invites, make sure they reflect the spirit of the Derby.
Use roses, jockey silks, or gold horseshoes in your design to add authenticity. Handwritten invitations on thick, embossed paper with a touch of gold foil detailing bring an air of sophistication. For a more casual approach, platforms like Canva or Evite allow you to design beautiful invitations with playful horse-racing puns like “Place Your Bets & Wear Your Best!”.
If you’re feeling extra creative, include a dress code reminder or a mini betting card with the invitation. This encourages guests to come prepared and adds to the excitement even before the event begins.
2. Dress Code: Hats, Bowties & Southern Style
A Kentucky Derby party is all about fashion and flair. Encourage guests to dress in their Derby best, embracing the signature styles that make this event so iconic. The ladies’ hats should be extravagant, the dresses vibrant and elegant, and the gentlemen’s suits should feature bowties and pastels.
Host a “Best Hat Contest” or “Best-Dressed Award” to make the dress code even more fun. Offer small prizes like mini bourbon bottles, Derby-themed glasses, or a bouquet of red roses for the most impressive outfits. Guests will love the opportunity to go all out and embrace the high-fashion traditions of Churchill Downs.
If some guests don’t arrive in proper attire, have a hat station where they can borrow or create their own fascinators. Stock up on faux flowers, ribbons, and decorative pins so last-minute arrivals can still look the part.
3. Mint Julep Bar
No Kentucky Derby party is complete without the classic mint julep, the official drink of the race. Set up a julep bar where guests can mix their own cocktails using fresh mint, simple syrup, crushed ice, and top-shelf bourbon. Arrange a beautiful display of silver julep cups, fresh mint leaves, and a variety of bourbons for tasting.
For added variety, offer fruit-infused juleps like peach, strawberry, or blackberry mint juleps. This gives guests the option to enjoy a modern twist on the classic cocktail. Include a non-alcoholic version made with lemonade, fresh mint, and crushed ice so everyone can participate.
Create a custom menu sign that lists the available drinks and their ingredients. This makes it easy for guests to mix their own drinks while enjoying the atmosphere of the party.
4. Signature Derby Cocktails
While mint juleps are the most famous Derby drink, expand the bar menu with other Southern-inspired cocktails to give guests more choices. Offer refreshing drinks like Bourbon Smashes, Kentucky Mules, and Sweet Tea Cocktails, which all pair beautifully with the warm, festive atmosphere of the Derby.
Pre-mixed pitchers of classic bourbon drinks can help keep the bar flowing smoothly, so no one has to wait for their drink. A bourbon tasting station can also be a fun way to introduce guests to different types of Kentucky’s famous whiskey.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, include mocktail versions of these drinks using ginger beer, lemonade, or iced tea. Everyone should be able to raise a glass and toast to the excitement of the big race.
5. Big Hat & Bowtie Contest
Encourage guests to show off their finest Derby fashion by hosting a Big Hat & Bowtie Contest. The Kentucky Derby is famous for its extravagant hats and southern-chic attire, so make it a highlight of the event.
Have categories like “Most Elegant Hat,” “Most Creative Hat,” and “Best DIY Bowtie.” Offer fun prizes like a bottle of bourbon, a mini trophy, or a Churchill Downs souvenir to the winners. This is a great way to spark friendly competition while celebrating the best-dressed guests.
Set up a photo booth area where participants can pose with their winning hats and bowties. This makes for fantastic social media photos and helps capture the fun of the event.
6. Red Roses & Elegant Decor
Since the Kentucky Derby is known as the “Run for the Roses,” incorporating red roses into your decor is a must. Use rose centerpieces, floral garlands, and gold horseshoe accents to create a classic Derby Day ambiance.
A rose-covered archway at the entrance makes for an elegant first impression as guests arrive. Arrange gold-trimmed table settings, checkered tablecloths, and vintage jockey figurines for added charm.
For a rustic touch, decorate with wood barrels, lanterns, and greenery to mimic the traditional Derby feel. Elegant yet festive, these decorations will instantly transport your guests to the world of Churchill Downs.
7. DIY Wagering Station
Make watching the race even more exciting by setting up a DIY betting station where guests can place friendly wagers. Use printable betting slips or a large chalkboard with race odds so guests can pick their winning horse.
Instead of using real money, opt for raffle tickets or tokens that guests can use to place bets. Offer prizes for correct predictions, such as a mini bottle of bourbon, Derby-themed gifts, or even a championship ribbon.
To keep things organized, designate a race announcer to go over the odds and explain the betting process before the race starts. This adds to the authentic feel of the event and gets everyone involved.
8. Classic Southern Menu
No Kentucky Derby party is complete without a menu full of Southern comfort food. Serve traditional favorites like hot brown sandwiches, shrimp and grits, fried chicken sliders, and bourbon meatballs to delight your guests.
Pair the main courses with pimento cheese dip, deviled eggs, and fresh buttermilk biscuits. These dishes offer a perfect blend of rich, savory flavors that complement the festive atmosphere.
For dessert, go with Derby Pie, bourbon pecan pralines, and bread pudding. These decadent sweets are essential to round out the meal and provide the perfect ending to your Southern feast.
9. Mini Derby Race Game
Bring the thrill of the racetrack to your party with a mini Derby race game that lets guests feel like they’re part of the action. Use toy horses or wooden hobby horses and set up a fun race course in your yard or living room. Assign each guest a horse, and let them roll dice to advance their horse toward the finish line.
Make it a team event to add an element of friendly competition. Guests can cheer for their assigned “jockey” and strategize their way to victory. The winner can receive a small prize like a golden trophy, a mint julep kit, or a Derby-themed gift.
To make the experience even more immersive, create personalized racing sheets with fun horse names and statistics for each participant. This adds a humorous and interactive touch to the event and makes for great photo opportunities.
10. Derby-Themed Photo Booth
A photo booth is a fantastic way to capture the elegance and excitement of Derby Day. Set up a station with a themed backdrop featuring Churchill Downs, red roses, or racing silks. Provide fun props like oversized hats, jockey helmets, bow ties, horse cutouts, and signs with classic phrases like “Talk Derby to Me” and “Hold Your Horses.”
Encourage guests to strike their best Derby pose and share their photos on social media. You can even add a hashtag for your party so everyone can see and enjoy the pictures later. This not only makes the event more memorable but also keeps guests entertained between races and cocktails.
To make it extra special, print out photo strips for guests to take home as souvenirs. Consider adding a small Polaroid station so guests can instantly snap and keep their photos.
11. Giant Jenga & Lawn Games
Keep the excitement going before and after the race with classic outdoor games. Set up lawn games like cornhole, croquet, horseshoes, and bocce ball to entertain guests in between cocktails and conversations. These easy-to-play games create a laid-back, social atmosphere perfect for a Derby Day gathering.
For a fun twist, customize Giant Jenga blocks with Kentucky Derby-related words or challenges. For example, when someone pulls a block, they may have to answer a trivia question about the Derby or do a quick “jockey dance.”
Setting up a small tournament with friendly wagers makes things even more competitive. Award prizes like Derby-themed mugs, mini whiskey bottles, or souvenir glasses to the game winners.
12. Kentucky Derby Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge with a Kentucky Derby trivia game to see who the real racing fans are. Prepare questions about Derby history, famous racehorses, traditions, and fun facts. Guests can play individually or in teams, making it a great way to encourage social interaction.
For a more structured game, create multiple-choice questions and let guests use small whiteboards to write their answers. The person with the most correct answers can win a bottle of bourbon, a commemorative Derby glass, or a “Champion of the Track” ribbon.
If you’re feeling creative, add a lightning round where guests must answer quickly. This adds energy to the game and keeps everyone engaged throughout the competition.
13. Churchill Downs-Inspired Entrance
Create an impressive entrance that sets the tone for the party the moment guests arrive. Design a “Welcome to Churchill Downs” sign with a race-themed entryway decorated with white fencing, red roses, and a green turf walkway.
For a grand entrance, place barrels with flowers on either side of the door and hand out roses or Derby betting slips as guests walk in. This not only makes them feel like VIPs at the track but also builds excitement before they even step inside.
Adding a photo spot at the entrance allows guests to capture the moment and get into the spirit of the celebration. If possible, play a recording of a past Derby race or the traditional “My Old Kentucky Home” song in the background to add authenticity.
14. Personalized Racing Programs
Make guests feel like they’re attending the real Derby by creating personalized race programs for the party. These programs can include the schedule of events, cocktail and food menus, betting instructions, and fun Derby trivia.
For an interactive twist, include a section where guests can name their own horse and predict the winner of the race. Offering a “Best Horse Name” award adds an element of creativity and humor.
Design your programs with vintage-inspired fonts and elegant borders to give them a polished, authentic look. You can also include a “Racehorse Name Generator” where guests match their birth month and last initial to get a fun, random horse name.
15. Bourbon Tasting Station
Since Kentucky is famous for its bourbon, set up a bourbon tasting station with a selection of premium Kentucky bourbons. Provide tasting cards where guests can write down notes on flavors, aromas, and preferences.
For an upscale touch, pair different bourbons with chocolates, nuts, or small cheese bites to enhance the tasting experience. This is a great activity for both bourbon enthusiasts and beginners looking to explore new flavors.
Create a leaderboard where guests can vote for their favorite bourbon of the night. At the end of the party, announce the winning bourbon and encourage guests to raise their glasses for a final toast.
16. Fancy Derby Desserts Bar
A dessert bar inspired by the Kentucky Derby is a must-have. Feature traditional Derby treats like mini pecan pies, bourbon balls, strawberry shortcake cups, and chocolate horseshoe-shaped cookies.
For a hands-on experience, set up a DIY Derby cupcake station where guests can decorate cupcakes with red rose frosting, gold sprinkles, and mini jockey cap toppers. This adds a fun activity while ensuring everyone satisfies their sweet tooth.
Offer small takeaway boxes so guests can bring home a few treats as party favors. Adding Derby-themed dessert toppers and decorative signs makes the dessert table even more eye-catching.
17. Live Bluegrass Music or Southern Playlist
Nothing enhances the Derby atmosphere like the right music. If possible, hire a live bluegrass or jazz band to bring authentic Southern sounds to your celebration. Live music creates a festive energy that keeps the party lively.
If hiring a band isn’t an option, curate a Derby playlist featuring bluegrass, jazz, country, and classic Southern hits. Songs like “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Kentucky Rain” by Elvis Presley, and classic racing-themed tunes can transport guests to the heart of Churchill Downs.
Encourage guests to hit the dance floor for a fun Derby-inspired dance competition. This adds another layer of entertainment and gets everyone involved.
18. Racehorse Adoption Game
Make your Kentucky Derby party even more interactive with a racehorse adoption game. Set up a small station where guests can “adopt” a toy racehorse for the event. Provide miniature plush or plastic horses and let guests pick one to represent them during the race.
Encourage guests to name their horses and keep track of their “performance” throughout the party. If their chosen racehorse wins the real Kentucky Derby, they can receive a fun prize like a bottle of bourbon, a decorative horseshoe, or a Derby-themed candle.
To add a unique touch, create horse profiles with fun characteristics and display them on a board. Guests can choose based on personality traits, making the activity more engaging and amusing.
19. Derby-Inspired Centerpieces
An elegant Derby centerpiece can transform any space and make the party feel upscale and festive. Arrange bouquets of red roses in silver mint julep cups for a nod to the Run for the Roses tradition. Add gold horseshoes, mini jockey figurines, or decorative horse statues to create a truly themed centerpiece.
For a rustic vibe, use barrel-shaped vases, lanterns, and fresh greenery to complement the Southern charm. A creative idea is to place small betting tickets or racing programs at each table so guests can engage with the theme while they dine.
If you want a DIY approach, fill clear vases with fresh mint sprigs and surround them with candles or string lights for a simple yet elegant touch. This will make your table settings both visually appealing and wonderfully fragrant.
20. Derby Horse Garland Decoration
A DIY Derby horse garland is an easy way to enhance the festive decor at your party. Cut out horse silhouettes from colored cardstock or fabric and string them together to hang across the venue. This simple decoration adds a playful and thematic touch without requiring a lot of effort.
For a more luxurious look, alternate gold-painted horses, roses, and miniature jockey silks to make the garland pop. Hang it across a bar, along a dessert table, or as a backdrop for the photo booth.
If you want a fun group activity, let guests decorate their own horse cutouts and add them to the garland throughout the night. This interactive element will allow everyone to contribute to the Derby spirit while creating a unique decoration.
21. VIP Winner’s Circle
Make the race winner feel like a true champion by creating a VIP Winner’s Circle at your party. Set up a small podium or designated seating area where the person who picked the winning horse can celebrate their victory.
Crown them with a garland of roses or a championship sash to make the moment extra special. Hand out a trophy, a golden horseshoe, or a bottle of Kentucky bourbon to commemorate their win.
Encourage all guests to cheer and snap photos as the champion is crowned. This not only adds excitement but also gives everyone a fun and memorable moment to celebrate together.
22. Derby-Themed Party Favors
Send guests home with Derby-themed party favors as a thank you for celebrating. Small keepsakes like mini mint julep cups, bourbon-infused chocolates, or personalized betting tickets make great souvenirs.
For a more unique touch, prepare mini Derby pies or homemade bourbon caramels in elegant packaging. Attach a thank-you tag with a fun Derby quote like “Thanks for trotting by!” to make it more personal.
If you prefer a DIY option, consider giving guests customized horse racing coasters or miniature bottles of Kentucky bourbon with a note reminding them of the amazing time they had at your party.
23. Live Stream the Race with a Derby Countdown
Build anticipation for the Kentucky Derby race by setting up a live stream station with a large TV or projector. Make sure the pre-race coverage is on display so guests can watch interviews, horse stats, and expert predictions leading up to the event.
About ten minutes before the race, gather everyone around for a countdown moment. Hand out racing programs or scorecards so guests can make last-minute bets and track their horses. Have a designated announcer hype up the crowd, making everyone feel like they are right at Churchill Downs.
Once the race starts, let guests cheer for their chosen horses and experience the thrill of the fastest two minutes in sports. Capture the excitement with photos or videos so you can relive the moment even after the event ends.
Conclusion
A Kentucky Derby party is the perfect blend of Southern elegance, thrilling competition, and festive entertainment. Whether you’re hosting a lavish garden gathering or a casual backyard celebration, these ideas will help you bring the excitement of Churchill Downs to your own home.