“And they’re off!” To Big Bear Lake for another fabulous Kentucky Derby party. Want to host the best Kentucky Derby party west of the Mississippi? Kentucky Derby party ideas are easier than hitting a Pick 6 on Derby day!
If you’ve never thrown a Kentucky Derby party, let me just say—what are you waiting for? The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race. It’s a celebration of the Bluegrass State, bourbon, fancy hats, and, of course, one of the most epic drinking games in all of America. It’s The Run for the Roses where the only thing that matters more than the horses is the party you’re throwing.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to throw a Kentucky Derby party so epic that even American Pharoah would wish he were invited.
A Brief History of The Derby (And When You Can Expect a Lot of Hats)
The Kentucky Derby has been around since 1875, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the world. In fact, it’s so legendary that even if you don’t know a thing about horse racing, you’ve probably heard of it. It’s often called the “Run for the Roses”, because the winner is draped in a blanket of red roses—kind of like the Oscars, but with more bourbon, way more betting and a lot of yelling and swearing (From degenerate gamblers like me!)
Who’s Got the Best Shot at Glory?
Now, you may be wondering who’s the favorite to win this year’s Derby. Well, folks, this year it’s all eyes on Bob Baffert and his horse, Barnes. Wait, what’s that? Bob Baffert’s back? That’s right, after a bit of a hiatus, Baffert is back with a horse named after his long-time assistant, Jimmy Barnes. And let me tell you, Jimmy is a super nice guy.
Jimmy Barnes is so dedicated to this sport that we love that in 2020, Jimmy was kicked by the racehorse Thousand Words in the walking ring before the Kentucky Derby, breaking his arm. He still finished saddling horses for that race before exiting for the ER. When you are the right-hand man (With a broken arm) to the best racehorse trainer in America, you suck up little things like broken bones and pain to do your job. Yes, millennials could learn a thing or two from Jimmy Barnes! Not to mention the time Jimmy was unseated from his pony during the morning workouts, breaking his pelvis and still showed up for his job, so I’d say he deserves a champion racehorse named in his honor! If you’re anything like me, you’ll cheer extra hard for a horse named after such a good guy.
Get bit by a Triple Crown Champ; A Kentucky Derby drinking game!
Even if I did get bit by the Triple Crown champion, Justify, because of Jimmy’s exuberance (Once upon a time) when it comes to Kentucky Derby party ideas, getting bit by a champion race horse is one party souvenoir I will never forget!
Kentucky Derby Party Ideas: Let’s Get This Party Started
Okay, so now you’re probably wondering what you’re going to need to throw your epic Kentucky Derby party. Let’s dive in. Looking for the best Kentucky Derby party ideas? Let this horse racing party queen point you in the right direction.
1. Decorations that Scream “Bluegrass State”
You can’t have a Kentucky Derby party without a little bit of bluegrass in the air (or at least in the décor). Think of My Old Kentucky Home playing in the background while your guests gaze at beautiful roses, horse racing paraphernalia, and, of course, a whole lot of bourbon bottles.
2. Food Fit for a Derby King (or Queen)
Let’s talk about the foods you’ll serve at your Kentucky Derby party. This isn’t just any party, my friend—this is the Run for the Roses, and food needs to be fancy but accessible. A few fan favorites include:
- Hot Browns (a glorious mess of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce)
- Mint Julep-inspired cupcakes (because why not?)As Talia likes to say, “The days go by so fast when you are eating and talking and drinking and gambling.”
- Deviled eggs (It’s a Southern classic—don’t even think about skipping them.) And they are keto-friendly! So what if your house smells like a room full of farts! It’s that authentic racetrack aroma. Kentucky Derby party ideas; Sometimes they are just too race track authentic!
- Pimento cheese sandwiches (Spread the Southern love, y’all!)
- Bourbon balls (You read that right—bourbon And balls. That’s a win-win.)
3. Ladies, Pack Your Fascinators! Men, Pack Your Cigars.
You know the drill: fascinators, big hats, and flair are the only acceptable headwear at a Kentucky Derby party. Men? It’s time to rock the cigars and put your best racing-themed attire to work. (You know the drill—think “stylish jockey chic.”)
4. The Old Kentucky Home Karaoke Contest
What’s better than bourbon, fancy hats, and horses? Singing. Specifically, an Old Kentucky Home karaoke contest. Everyone has to belt out the iconic “My Old Kentucky Home” like they’re in the middle of a Broadway show, or at least Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Bonus points if you try it after a few mint juleps. You’ll either sound amazing, or you’ll completely forget the lyrics and end up in a fabulous sing-along disaster. Either way, it’s a win.
Kentucky Derby Drinking Games: We Came Here to Drink Bourbon
Now that you’ve got your party all set up, let’s talk about the most important part of the Kentucky Derby: the drinking games. Trust me, you need a few, or this party just won’t be epic. When it comes to Kentucky Derby party ideas, drinking games are a must! I mean, you have forty minutes before the races! What else are you going to do, talk to your weird cousin over there?
1. Pin the Tail on the Racehorse
It’s simple—grab a racehorse poster and a tail, and the first person to pin the tail on the horse wins a prize (and probably drinks a celebratory bourbon shot). Kentucky Derby party ideas, are you sensing a trend yet?
2. The Mitch McConnell Drinking Game
Ah, Kentucky politics. Anytime someone mentions Mitch McConnell still being in the Senate, you’ve got to take a shot of bourbon. Trust me, by the time the race starts, you’ll be very “enthusiastic” about your support for the Kentucky Derby. Another great Kentucky Derby party ideas, if you see Andy Beshear in the winners circle handing out a trophy, roll your eyes and take a shot of bourbon.
3. NBC Analysts and Belinda Stronach: Take a Shot
This one’s for the diehard horse racing fans. If you’re watching the race on NBC, every time the analyst mentions Belinda Stronach, take a swig of Kentucky Common Beer. The more they mention her, the better for you. (Or is it worse?)
Bet on the Derby for dummies, Or at least newbies
So you have a mint julep clutched in your hand and you downloaded the Fanduel app on your iPhone. The question is just how do you bet on a horse race? Check out this informative video I helped make a few years ago when I worked at Santa Anita Park.
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby
Now, just which of these majestic three-year-old Thoroughbreds should you bet on in 2025? If you are planning a Kentucky Derby Party and looking for Kentucky Derby party ideas, you definitely need a cheat sheet of which ponies your guests should bet on, in order to have the best time. The best party hosts know who is going to win the big races and how to bet on them. Trust me, I’m a denergate gambler!
Longshots worth watching
Hay race fans (See what I did there?) When coming up with Kentucky Derby party ideas, you need a list of 20-1 horses who have an outside chance of getting in the money. There is so much money bet into the Kentucky Derby pools from across the world, longshots on Derby day happen and frequently come in the money. If it’s Derby day, you want to be prepared with some great information!
A longshot may not win the Kentucky Derby this year but I think a longshot such as Publisher or Baeza can definitely finish in the money (First, second or third) If you are looking to bet trifectas, exactas or just a good old safe show bet, look at horses such as
- Burnham Square (15-1): This horse is like that underdog team that nobody saw coming. With a strong finish in the Holy Bull Stakes, he could have the stamina. Holy Bull sounds like something you shout when your 50-1 shot hits. He could be this year’s spoiler.
- Publisher (45-1): He is the son of American Pharoah; this guy’s got a name that screams “winner.” Sure, he’s a maiden, but so was the horse who won the Derby in 1933. Sure, trainer Steve Asmussen is 0 for 33 in the Kentucky Derby but he knows how to train a decent horse, I swear. If you’re playing exotics, Publisher in the trifecta is the stuff dreams (and therapy bills) are made of.
- Final Gambit (30-1) He may be the new boy in town but he is on the improve for Todd Pletcher
So do your homework, trust your gut, and bet responsibly—or at least dramatically. Because if you hit a 50-1 shot, you deserve to be insufferable for the rest of the year. At least I will!
Amber Exacta’s best bet to win
This year’s Kentucky Derby, I think, is a real puzzle. If you are looking at a win bet, I would look at Journalism, who will obviously be the favorite or either Burnham Square or Sovereignty. I think the winner of the Kentucky Derby this year will be one of those three.
Personally when it comes down to the 2025 three year old crop, I don’t think any of them are that good. I just think the crop of three-year-olds this year is very slow to develop and no one stands out on paper. But if you want a sure thing, definitely bet to win on Thorpedo Anna in the La Troienne, Race 7 on Friday.
Thorpedo Anna is the reigning horse of the year (Even though, yes, she is a filly!) and the fastest horse you will see run on this Kentucky Derby weekend.
And remember, folks, in the Derby, anything can happen. That’s what makes it the greatest two minutes in sports.
Wrap-Up: The Derby’s Almost Here—Let’s Get Ready to Party!
So, there you have it. Whether you’re planning to watch the Derby with a group of friends or throwing your own Kentucky Derby extravaganza, don’t forget to have a blast and enjoy the rich traditions of the Bluegrass State. The hats, the bourbon, the food, and the games—it’s all part of the magic. Kentucky Derby party ideas start with inviting your most fun and outgoing friends, of course, and especially if they think drinking and gambling is a great way to spend a springtime afternoon!
Remember, My Old Kentucky Home is waiting for you, and the only thing missing is you and your fabulous party guests. So grab your mint julep, put on your best fascinator, and let the Run for the Roses begin!
So, there you go. You’re now ready to host an epic Kentucky Derby party that will go down in history (or at least in your social media feed).