Kentucky Derby Party: Top 10 Best Party Ideas

Believe it or not, the Kentucky Derby is taking place tomorrow at Churchill Downs! Whether you’ve been planning for weeks or have just learned about the event now, it’s never too late to look up some helpful tips for a party. The Kentucky Derby is known for its elegance, so your party celebrating the occasion should match that! From authentic cuisine to fancy attire, we’re here to help you create the perfect party atmosphere. Here are the top 10 tips to make this year’s Kentucky Derby party the best one yet.

Kentucky Derby 2018 Details:

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2018
Start Time: 6:34 P.M. ET
TV Channel: NBC
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live

10. Timing

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Timing is everything in life, and planning when to start your party is no exception. The race begins promptly at 6:30 P.M. (ET), so it’s best to arrive early or late afternoon to kick off the celebration.

9. Dress to Impress

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The Kentucky Derby is known for its upscale atmosphere and elegant outfits, so why not bring some of that southern charm into your venue and dress to the nines! Fashionable attire and wild hats are a must for any successful party.

8. Cocktails

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As the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, your party would be incomplete without mint juleps to go around. Bourbon and iced tea is another refreshing choice.

7. Dessert

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Desserts in Kentucky are well known for their chocolate, nuts, and bourbon combinations. Try serving your guests a slice of Derby Pie, which is a custard creation filled with toasted walnuts and chocolate in a slightly salted crust.

6. Photo Booth

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It’s always fun to take pictures at a party, especially in a photo booth! Create the perfect picture scene with props like hats, jockey attire, and even fake mustaches.

5. Games

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No party is complete without games, so why not entertain your guests with classics like horseshoes, croquet or cornhole. Pin the tail on the racehorse is another Derby favorite!

4. Racing Prizes

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If you and your friends choose to make bets on the winning horse, have a themed prize in hand, such as a red rose bouquet.

3. Venue

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With the weather finally starting to warm up again, it’s a good idea to host your party outside if possible, to enjoy the sunshine and give your guests a more authentic race atmosphere.

2. Diner

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Before serving guests a slice of Derby Pie, try incorporating another traditional favorite, Kentucky Hot Browns, into the menu! Serve on open-faced sandwiches with a side of cole-slaw for the ultimate Derby treat.

1. Invitations

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Instead of just sending a text, why not embrace the elegance of the Kentucky Derby by sending guests handwritten invitations! The personal touch gives you the opportunity to decorate your cards with as much racing memorabilia as possible, so don’t hold back on the Derby puns and references.

Although all of these tips will make your party great, the most important tip of all is to have fun and celebrate!