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Colorado might not have a Triple Crown event nearby but it’s not in Denverites’ DNA to pass up a perfectly good excuse to party. Don’t believe us? Consider all of the rowdy Derby Day functions in the Mile High City, some 1,100 miles away from Louisville.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best Kentucky Derby darties (for the uninitiated, that’s a portmanteau for “day parties”) occurring around Denver on Saturday. Whether you’re a racetrack regular or you’re just learning what a lead pony is, we suggest you get in on the horseplay.
Denver Derby Party
Cheer on your thoroughbred with thousands of other Denverites at one of the biggest Derby parties in the nation (sadly, its 25th and final run, having raised more than $10 million for the Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation). This soiree sprawls across 17,000-square-foot McGregor Square with a sparkling wine lounge, a massive LED screen, and live entertainment. Your ticket to this bash will get you all-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat provisions from Milepost Zero, access to infield lounges, and the Woodford Reserve tent. Spring for the “Jockey Club” experience and you’ll be treated like a prize-winning pony with a red-carpet entrance, access to bonus levels of McGregor, and elevated food and beverage options. 1 p.m.; $150–$300 (join the waitlist here)
TheBigWonderful Derby Party at Belleview Station
Top-notch people-watching. Live music. Decadent eats. If you’re looking for an infield vibe (read: more casual and rowdy), secure a ticket to this boisterous bash. Of course, this Belleview Station shindig puts a Colorado twist on the tradition—so expect tons of craft beer alongside traditional Derby cocktails and a lineup of bluegrass bands. The race will be livestreamed, and attendees can bring their four-legged friends to compete in a “Dapper Dog” costume contest. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; free attendance; $40–$108 for unlimited beer samples
Derby Day Bash at Avanti Food & Beverage
Usually, we’re partial to Colorado-based distillers—but, on Derby Day, we’ll make an exception for straight-from-Kentucky bourbon. Avanti has partnered with small-batch maker Woodford Reserve to ensure these mint juleps taste just like they do down south. Nurse yours while dancing to tunes from DJ Styla and flaunting your fit in hopes of winning the best-dressed contest. 2–6 p.m.; free attendance
Denver Mini Derby
OK, so this Derby party couldn’t get Secretariat or American Pharoah to attend, but we’d argue that its honored guests are even more adorable. In addition to a huge viewing screen, an open bar (hello, bottomless mint juleps), and live music, this gathering includes a race of pint-size ponies. And, they won’t be the only four-legged VIPs: Don’t miss the fan-favorite corgi race, which might just be more exciting than the Derby itself. 1–6 p.m.; $113–$213
Off to the Horse Races at Poka Lola Social Club
We regret to inform you that there is a limit to how many mint juleps you can drink before you get sick of them. If you’ve reached that point, head to Poka Lola Social Club, which has a multidrink cocktail menu of Derby-inspired sippers. Try a Talk Derby To Me (vodka, ube, lime yuzu tonic) or High Ball (bourbon, soda, lemon) while you root for your favorite filly. Noon.–11:30 p.m.; free entry
Colorado Non-Profit Mini Derby
Derby Day doesn’t have to be all drunken debauchery. This family-friendly fundraiser ensures the revelry is for a good cause; the benefitingnonprofits this year are Mile High Equestrian & Rescue, Robin’s Nest, and Tall Tales Ranch. Toast to your good deeds with a glass of whiskey or wine, bet on a series of charity mini pony races, visit the petting zoo, and check out the various raffles and auctions. 1–5:30 p.m.; $50–$150 for individual tickets
Derby Day Party at Wonderyard
Take advantage of the weekend’s warmer weather on the 2,000-square-foot patio at Wonderyard. Grab a drink and try your hand at yard games (horseshoes, anyone?), then sidle up to the TV to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. And don’t forget to finish your ’fit with your most extravagant hat for the Crazy Hat Competition. Starting at 10 a.m.; free attendance
Denver Derby Day at the Ritz-Carlton
Swap infield mud for something a bit more polished at this Derby Day fete inside the Ritz. Multiple 10-foot screens will broadcast the event in both the ballroom and on the terrace, and a live band and multiple DJs will keep the dance floors bopping. Dress to impress—there’s a best-dressed contest with prizes. 1 p.m.–8 p.m.; $36–$57
The Losers’ Ball: Unofficial Derby Afterparty
Find standard Derby Day fare and sips at this après-race event but with a fun twist: Everything is named after famous losers. Forget Me Not’s raceday schedule also includes door prizes and giveaways. 5 p.m.; reserve your spot here
Wiener Dog Derby & Derby Day Party
If you prefer your racers a little shorter and significantly cuter, this one’s for you. ViewHouse’s annual Wiener Dog Derby swaps thoroughbreds for dachshunds (free registration; handlers receive a complimentary mimosa or beer). ViewHouse won’t abandon its legendary weekend brunch for the occasion, but it will offer Derby-specific drinks (perhaps unconventional, but a green chile breakfast burrito might be the perfect vehicle for mopping up mint julep). Free attendance; RSVP here
Kentucky Derby Party at St Julien
Who says Boulderites can’t do glam? This bougie garden party at Boulder’s famously swanky St Julien features a Southern buffet and open premium bar in the shadow of the Flatirons. Also fancy: There’s a cigar station for hand-rolling your own smokes with a Woodford label. 1–5 p.m.; $140
