It's time to party! How to get tickets to 12+ Kentucky Derby parties you can actually attend
Like the Superbowl and Mardi Gras, the Kentucky Derby is more than a single-day celebration. Louisville becomes party central leading up to the "most exciting two minutes in sports," more commonly known as the Kentucky Derby.
Some festivities, like the star-studded Barnstable-Brown Derby Eve Gala, are exclusive and invitation-only affairs, but there is more than enough confetti, bourbon, and dance music to go around.
This list of parties includes just some of the Kentucky Derby season events you can purchase a ticket to in Louisville while at the same time supporting important causes and charities. Starting in late April, and running through the wee hours on Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday, May 6, there is something for everyone.
From low-key outdoor soirees featuring family-friendly activities to gala celebrity-inspired black-tie affairs, there are so many options you may not be able to pick just one.
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Here's a list of Kentucky Derby parties, in date order, that you can actually attend. If you don't see a party that tickles your fancy, check back often. We'll update this list as parties are announced leading up to the 149th Kentucky Derby, held this year on May 6.
2023 Kentucky Derby parties in Louisville
Secretariat Bourbon Dinner and Launch Party
WHAT: The Kentucky Derby Museum's Secretariat Bourbon Dinner, presented by Fifth Third Bank, is the official launch party for the new permanent exhibit "Secretariat: America’s Horse." Guests will enjoy a bourbon-themed dinner and be the first to explore the new exhibit before it opens to the public. Additionally, dinner guests will have a guaranteed opportunity to purchase one Secretariat Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Personal Selection Box Set.
WHEN: Thursday, April 20. VIP entry at 5:15 p.m. Dinner party entry at 6:15 p.m.
WHERE: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
COST: VIP tickets $250, Dinner Party tickets $200
MORE INFORMATION: derbymuseum.org
Gallop Gala
WHAT: Down Syndrome of Louisville celebrates the 12th year of the Gallop Gala featuring live and silent auctions, music, and dancing alongside the amazing individuals with Down syndrome the organization serves. Entertainment will be provided by The Crashers from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Attendees must be 21 years or older to attend.
WHEN: Friday, April 21 starting at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Galt House Hotel, 140 N. Galt St.
COST: Tickets start at $100
MORE INFORMATION: downsyndromeoflouisville.networkforgood.com
Kentucky Derby Museum Ball
WHAT: Enjoy a night of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at Churchill Downs Racetrack’s exclusive Homestretch Club, followed by a seated dinner, dessert, and live music at Kentucky Derby Museum. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the Kentucky Derby Museum.
WHEN: Friday, April 28. Starting at 6 p.m. with cocktails at Churchill Downs Racetrack then moving to the museum's Oak Terrace for dinner.
WHERE: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
COST: $600. An after-party-only ticket is also available for $150. This includes the Backstretch Dance Party event at the museum beginning at 9 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: derbymuseum.org
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Kentucky Bourby
WHAT: TKO Flight Club hosts this bourbon-centric event and fundraiser to aid in the fight against Parkinson's disease. The party includes free bourbon tasting from local distilleries, hors d'oeuvres, live bottle raffles, a cigar bar, door prizes, an online auction, free valet parking, horse racing and more. A limited number of Glamping at the Bourby tickets are also available for those who prefer an overnight stay at the park.
WHERE: Progress Park, 4501 Progress Blvd.
WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 6-10 p.m.
COST: $100-$1600
MORE INFORMATION: Eventbrite.com
Goodtimers 'Derby Week' Kick-Off Day Party
WHAT: Celebrate the start of Kentucky Derby week at the Icehouse with live music from Sean Clay & Friends with DJ Emptybeats, DJ Z-Nyce and DJ Always.
WHEN: Sunday, April 30, 5-10 p.m.
WHERE: The Icehouse, 226 E. Washington St.
COST: Tickets start at $30
MORE INFORMATION: goodtimersentertainment.com
Louisville Urban League Derby Gala
WHAT: The theme of this year's party is Love Renaissance and will feature entertainment with Joe, Dru Hill and Stokey. Attire is cocktail or black tie. The gala is an official event of the Kentucky Derby Festival and the premier fundraiser for the Louisville Urban League.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
WHERE: Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, 3029 W Muhammad Ali Blvd.
COST: Tickets start at $350
MORE INFORMATION: lul.org
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Derby City Soundstage
WHAT: Hip-hop legends T.I., Jeezy, and Trina will kick off Derby weekend at the Kentucky Expo Center's Freedom Hall. This year the annual Derby City Soundstage event will be hosted by Grammy Award winner DJ Drama.
WHEN: Friday, May 4. Doors at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Freedom Hall, 937 Phillips Lane
COST: Tickets start at $65
MORE INFORMATION: thelivesuite.com
American Lung Association's 29th annual Derby Eve Gala
WHAT: Cocktails, dinner, and dancing to live music by Burning Las Vegas. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association.
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 8 p.m. to midnight
WHERE: Seelbach Hilton, 500 S. Fourth St.
COST: Tickets start at $400
MORE INFORMATION: one.bidpal.net/derbyeve2023
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Fillies and Stallions
WHAT: This star-studded party takes place on Derby Eve and includes live music, specialty cocktails, and more.
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
WHERE: TBA
COST: Ticket prices are sent out after you register for the event.
MORE INFORMATION: filliesstallions.com
Goodtimers 25th Annual Derby Eve Experience
WHAT: A Derby Eve night of celebration at Angels Envy Bourbon Club. The event will include live music to be announced on the event website.
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
WHERE: 2550 S. Floyd St.
COST: $30-$400
MORE INFORMATION: goodtimersentertainment.com
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Rockin' Derby Eve
WHAT: A pre-party held under tents in Christy's Garden including a small plate dinner and open bar followed by country music artists Dustin Lynch and LOCASH performing at Old Forester's Paristown Hall.
WHEN: Friday, May 5 from 7:30–11:30 p.m.
WHERE: Old Forester's Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St.
COST: $500
MORE INFORMATION: derbyeve.com
Hillbilly Outfield
WHAT: Family-friendly weekend backyard party features games, food drinks, silent auction, live music, camping, and corn hole tournament. Kentucky Derby coverage and more. Proceeds benefit Twisted Pink.
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 4 p.m. and continuing through Saturday, May 6
WHERE: 12202 Old Shelbyville Road
COST: $65 cash, $70 credit card. There is special pricing for children attending with parents: $30 for ages 11-20; $10 for ages 6-10; free for ages 5 and younger.
MORE INFORMATION: hillbillyoutfield.org
Silks Derby Eve Bash
WHAT: A cocktail and dinner party followed by an after-party with music by Your First Generation at Historic Locust Grove. This annual Derby Eve event is a fundraiser for Operation Open Arms.
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane
COST: Tickets start at $200
MORE INFORMATION: oparms.org
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Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Gala
WHAT: There is a good chance you'll rub elbows with a celebrity or two at this Derby Eve party held in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. The annual black-tie event includes cocktails, dinner and dancing and raises funds for a variety of charitable organizations.
WHEN: Friday, May 5, from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Dance Party admittance begins at 10 p.m.
WHERE: Galt House Hotel, 140 N. Fourth St.
COST: Individual Gala/Dinner tickets start at $1,350. Individual Dance Party tickets(10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) are $500.
MORE INFORMATION: unbridledeve.com
Goodtimers After Derby Finale
WHAT: Just because the Kentucky Derby has been run doesn't mean the party has crossed the finish line. Goodtimers throws party number three of the Derby week celebrations the Sunday after the Kentucky Derby at Old Forester's Paristown Hall.
WHEN: Sunday, May 7, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
WHERE: Old Forester's Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St.
COST: TBA. Tickets on sale on March 31
MORE INFORMATION: goodtimersentertainment.com
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby parties 2023: How to get tickets to affordable events
