The Kentucky Derby isn't just a horse race — it's a beloved American tradition steeped in history, style, and Southern charm. While the main event is hosted at Churchill Downs in Louisville on the first Saturday in May, you can host your very own race day celebration right at home. Whether you’re a big racing fan or like to soak up the atmosphere, the Kentucky Derby has so much to enjoy.
From classic Kentucky Derby food and drinks to décor, party games, and outfit ideas, this guide has all the inspiration you need to throw a spectacular party that will have your guests racing back for more. So grab your hats and seersucker suits, stock your home bar with bourbon, and let's get ready to party Kentucky Derby style!
Traditions |Food | Drinks | Decorations | Outfits | Party games
Kentucky Derby traditions
Like many of our major events here in the US, Kentucky Derby traditions are all part of the fun. Whether it’s drinking mint juleps and tucking into some hot brown bites and Derby pie, wearing an elaborate hat, or singing along to ‘My Old Kentucky Home’, these traditions contribute to the unique and festive atmosphere of the day. Infuse your Kentucky Derby party with a few of these traditions to transport your guests to the heart of the Derby experience.
Kentucky Derby food
First things first: food. The Kentucky Derby is steeped in food traditions with many classic Kentucky dishes taking the stage. A spread of Southern comforts will be a real crowd-pleaser at your Kentucky Derby party, so why not add some of these dishes to your menu? If the weather is fine, take your Kentucky Derby party outdoors with a race day BBQ. We have plenty of cookout ideas to give you some inspiration and you can set up a sheet and a projector to screen the race alfresco. If you’re looking for even more Kentucky Derby food ideas, take a look at our recipes.
Appetizers |Entrées | Desserts
Appetizers
- Pimento cheese: A Kentucky Derby favorite, whip together cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimento peppers. Serve in ramekins alongside a platter of crudites and crackers, like our rustic crackers from our Easter recipes.
- Deviled eggs: Deviled eggs are a party staple, and you can add a Kentucky twist with a Bourbon candied bacon garnish.
- Shrimp cocktail: A classic shrimp cocktail is an elegant option that’s perfect for Derby Day. Try our crawfish cocktail salad recipe (pictured above) for a more sustainable twist.
- Charcuterie board: Infuse your Kentucky Derby party food with some race day sophistication by serving up a charcuterie board filled with flavorful meat, cheese, crackers, and crudites. Add a Derby spin to your Kentucky Derby appetizer by rolling your cured meat into roses. You can read our guide to making the best charcuterie board for even more ideas.
Entrées
- Kentucky Hot Browns: A Kentucky icon and one of the most famous Kentucky Derby foods, this open-faced sandwich features turkey and tomatoes smothered with cheesy Mornay sauce and topped with bacon.
- Hot brown bites: A bite-sized version of the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich.
- BBQ brisket: Featured on the official Kentucky Derby food menu, BBQ brisket is comforting, tender, and oh-so flavorful. Cook in a cast iron pot with a lid for succulent results and serve with a side of mac and cheese, coleslaw, or cornbread.
- Buttermilk fried chicken: It doesn’t come more Southern than fried chicken. Serve with a selection of dips and sauces for everyone to help themselves.
- Burgoo: Another Kentucky classic, Burgoo is a hearty meat- and vegetable-based stew that will warm you up from the inside. Perfect served with a side of cornbread. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try our vegan bean stew recipe.
Desserts
- Derby pie: Created by the Kern family in 1950, Derby pie has gone on to become one of the most popular Kentucky Derby desserts. Serve this rich and indulgent chocolate and walnut pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Bourbon balls: Recipes can vary for these bite-sized confections, but most are made by mixing crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder with Bourbon and corn syrup. The mixture is rolled into balls and covered in a smooth layer of dark chocolate or more powdered sugar.
- Bourbon peach pie: Another bourbon-based dessert, this peach pie recipe includes a splash of Bourbon for Derby spirit. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to indulge in a sweet peaches and cream combo in every bite.
- Banana pudding: Simple to make and easy to eat, you can’t go wrong with a classic banana pudding. Serve in a large bowl with a spoon to allow everyone to help themselves.
Kentucky Derby drinks
Aside from the famous horse race, Kentucky is perhaps best known for its bourbon, so it’s no surprise that bourbon-based cocktails feature heavily on Derby Day. The mint julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, with over 125,000 mint juleps being enjoyed over the Kentucky Derby weekend each year, according to the official Kentucky Derby website. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this famous Kentucky Derby drink, our mint julep iced tea will be a smash.
Mint julep recipe
This mint julep recipe makes enough for one glass, so you can adjust the amounts to make multiple servings for your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2oz of Bourbon (such as Woodford Reserve)
- 1tsp water
- 2tsp sugar
- Crushed ice
- Mint
Method:
- In a small tumbler, gently muddle the mint, sugar, and water to release the aromas in the mint.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice, add the bourbon, and stir well.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy.
Mint julep iced tea recipe
This mint julep iced tea recipe makes enough to serve 4–6 people, depending on the size of your servings. Adjust the ingredients accordingly if you need to serve more or fewer guests at your Kentucky Derby party.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 4 tea bags (black tea or green tea)
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Method:
- Heat your water in a saucepan until boiling then take off the heat and add the tea bags and fresh mint leaves. Let it steep for about 5–7 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
- Remove the tea bags and mint leaves from the water and stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled (about 1–2 hours).
- When ready to serve, fill your tall glasses with ice and pour over the chilled mint tea.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon slice, if desired.
Kentucky Derby decorations
Color scheme |Tableware | Centerpieces
Picking a color scheme
When it comes to any party décor, choosing a color scheme should be your first port of call. Red, black, and gold are most commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby, so you may wish to include these in your party decorations. You could also add touches of grassy green for a pop of lush color.
Choosing your tableware
White and cream dinnerware offers the perfect neutral base for your Kentucky Derby party decorations (and for any future celebrations). Our Arc White and Classic White collections make great blank canvases, while Porcelain Stars will add an elegant touch of gold to your table. Finally, the deep green tones of Greenwich and Carve Green will bring the racecourse to your Kentucky Derby table decorations. Our tableware is available as dinner sets and individual plates, bowls, serveware, and more, so you can mix and match to create your own unique edit.
Selecting a centerpiece
Roses are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby, with the winner receiving a blanket of bright red blooms named the ‘Garland of Roses’. And while 554 roses might be a few too many for your party table, you can still make red roses the star of the show with a floral centerpiece. Whether you place a few stems in glasses or small vases or go big and bold with a full bouquet, red roses will add some Derby Day elegance to even the most casual of tables. For tips on displaying your flower arrangement, and for even more table centerpiece advice for a Kentucky Derby themed party, take a look at our table decoration ideas.
Alongside red roses, consider adding a few equestrian-themed touches to your table. Simple additions such as a horse figurine, paper horseshoes, and garlands can add to the Kentucky Derby party theme with minimal effort.
Kentucky Derby outfits
With your table set, it’s time to think about your own outfit for your Kentucky Derby party. And when you’ve got to look as good as your dinnerware, it’s worth taking some extra time to pick the perfect pieces. After all, the Kentucky Derby is just as much about fashion as it is the racing.
Headwear is often the most important consideration when it comes to Kentucky Derby outfits for women, making this a great starting point. Whether you choose a large wide-brimmed hat, a classic pillbox, or a minimalistic fascinator, you can build the rest of your outfit around your accessories. Plain and sophisticated dresses or springtime floral prints are most common, but feel free to showcase your personality — Kentucky Derby style is all about making a statement.
Kentucky Derby outfits for men center around a good old dapper suit, but how you choose to wear one is entirely down to you. Go classic Kentucky with a seersucker blazer, some bold pants, and a boater hat, or look every part the gentleman in a smart sport coat. Again, don’t be afraid to try something different. If there’s ever a time to dress up, it’s now!
Kentucky Derby party games
While the Kentucky Derby only lasts two minutes, your party will no doubt go on all day, so having some entertainment on hand can keep the excitement going. Make the most of the race by organizing a Kentucky Derby sweepstakes. Write down the names of all the horses and put them into a large bowl, asking guests to pick one as they arrive. Whoever is lucky enough to pick out the winner gets a prize. Other Kentucky Derby party games include a classic game of horseshoe toss, a hat contest, or a hobby horse race.
Embrace the excitement and tradition of the Kentucky Derby by hosting your own Kentucky Derby party. Invite your friends and family for a day of soulful food, refreshing drinks, and unbridled fun, all while showing off your race day style.
Dress your table up to the nines with stunning dinner sets, glassware, and serving dishes from Denby. Our stoneware and porcelain are crafted with care to ensure they are versatile, beautiful, and durable, making them an elegant and practical option for any occasion. Don’t forget to browse the rest of our guides and how-tos for more inspiration for hosting your next celebration, including your Memorial Day and 4th of July parties.