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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. This soiree sprawls across 17,000-square-foot McGregor Square with a champagne 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..; $130–$300
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. Noon–6 p.m.; free attendance, drink tokens start at $10 for three; VIP tickets $50
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. 10 a.m.–1 a.m.; free attendance
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-sized 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.; $101–$202
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 Gold Rush (bourbon, lemon, honey) or High Ball (bourbon, soda, lemon) while you root for your favorite filly. 11 a.m.–midnight; free entry
Kentucky Derby Party at Stanley Beer Hall
The Derby in Churchill Downs dates back some 151 years, but Stanley Beer Hall’s tradition is just getting started. This inaugural event will include the obligatory mint juleps, plus a menu of hot browns and pimento cheese tea sandwiches. Place your bet on the winning horse to get a prize. Starts 3 p.m.; free attendance
Colorado Nonprofit 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 benefiting nonprofits 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 p.m.; $40–$175 for individual tickets
Take advantage of the weekend’s warm 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. Starting 10 a.m.; free attendance
Derby Day at Yardbird
Before you start downing juleps like they’re juice, make sure you’ve eaten some carbs to complement the cocktails. For a very on-theme brunch, head to Yardbird, where you can indulge in Kentucky-inspired dishes such as the Derby Pie (chocolate-walnut pie with coffee ice cream) and bourbon-glazed wings. Get an early start on the day by ordering a Kentucky mule alongside your entrée. Available May 2–4; Brunch served 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; menu prices vary
