How to Host the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party 🎩🌹✨

Hold onto your fascinators and bow ties—it’s time to celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports! 🏆🐎 The 151st Kentucky Derby is happening on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and whether you're a longtime fan or just here for the Mint Juleps, hosting a Derby watch party is the perfect way to bring friends and neighbors together for a day of fun, fashion, and friendly competition!

📺 How to Watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Coverage Begins: 12:00 PM ET on USA Network
Main Event Broadcast: 2:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
Race Time: 6:57 PM ET

Set up a dedicated viewing area with comfortable seating and big screens so guests won’t miss a second of the action!

Derby Stylin' Inspo

woman wearing a vibrant pink Kentucky Derby hat adorned with large feathers, flowers, and decorative elements. The hat features bold green and yellow accents, complementing her stylish green outfit. She is captured from behind, adjusting the brim of her hat, with a blurred outdoor event scene in the background.

🎨 DIY Hat & Bow Tie Crafting Party

Kick off the festivities by creating your own Derby Day masterpiece! Set up a crafting station with:🎩 Hats & Headbands – Provide wide-brimmed hats, fascinators, or sleek bow ties for guests to decorate.🎀 Decor Galore – Stock up on ribbons, faux flowers, feathers, tulle, lace, and more for the ultimate Derby glam.🏆 Contest & Prizes – Host a fun contest for:

Most Elegant
Most Creative
Best DIY

This is a fantastic way to engage guests and get them into the spirit before the race.

🥃 Kentucky Derby Happy Hour & Race Viewing

After crafting, invite guests to sip and socialize while enjoying a curated menu of Derby-inspired cocktails and bites. Create a cozy Derby Lounge vibe with festive decor, themed napkins, and table settings.

🍹 Signature Cocktails:

A classic Mint Julep cocktail served in a copper mug with a gold handle, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a lime slice. A metal straw is placed in the drink, and a bundle of mint and whole limes sit nearby on a dark surface, adding to the refreshing presentation.

🍃 Mint Julep – The Derby staple with bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice.

🍓 Run for the Roses Spritz – Champagne, strawberry puree, and elderflower liqueur for a bubbly twist.

🍊 The Oaks Lily – Vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and a squeeze of lemon.

🥤 Mocktails & Refreshments:

🌿 Cucumber Derby Cooler – Sparkling water, muddled mint, cucumber, and lime.

🍑 Southern Sweet Tea Punch – A refreshing blend of iced tea, lemonade, peach nectar, and ginger.

🥨 Light Bites:

🥪 Derby Tea Sandwiches – Cucumber, pimento cheese, and smoked salmon mini sandwiches.🥃 Bourbon Glazed Meatballs – A Southern favorite!

🥧 Mini Derby Pies – Bite-sized pecan-chocolate treats with a bourbon kick.

🐎 Pick Your Winner!

Add some friendly competition to the mix with a “Pick Your Horse” game! Provide betting-style cards where guests can choose their favorite horse before the race. Offer fun prizes for those who pick the winning horse!

🐾 Run for the Rosé: Derby-Themed Pet Parade & Social!

Let the four-legged friends in on the Derby fun! Host a pet parade where residents can dress their furry friends in Derby-inspired outfits—think tiny bow ties, floral collars, and even mini fascinators!

A Jack Russell Terrier wearing a sparkly turquoise bow tie and a small gold party hat, resting its paws on a wooden surface. The dog gazes attentively at something in front of it, with a blurred background adding a warm, celebratory atmosphere.

🐕 Pet Parade Categories & Prizes:

🏆 Best Dressed

🎩 Most Regal🌹 Cutest Derby Duo (Owner & Pet)

📸 Photo Booth: Set up a themed backdrop with Derby props so pet parents can capture the moment!

🍖 Pet-Friendly Treats: Offer dog-friendly “Mint Julep” biscuits, pup cups, and fresh water stations.

🐎 Mini Derby Race: For extra fun, set up a short pet race with small prizes for the winners!

📲 Social Media Idea:

🎩🌹 Sip, style, and cheer—it’s Derby Day! Show off your best Derby look, delicious cocktails, and race-day excitement by tagging #[YourCommunityName]DerbyDay! 📅 Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 📍 [Insert Location] | ⏰ Pre-race festivities start at [Insert Time], Race at 6:57 PM EST 🏇✨

Derby Day & New Neighbors: Turn the Fun into a Referral Win! 🏇✨

Want to turn your Derby Day bash into a built-in resident referral opportunity? 🏇✨ Encourage residents to bring a friend, coworker, or family member who might be looking for a new place to call home. Whether they come for the Mint Juleps, the hat contest, or the thrilling final stretch, events like these showcase your community’s vibrant, welcoming atmosphere—making it easy for guests to picture themselves living here! Consider offering a small incentive, like an entry into a giveaway or a fun Derby-themed perk, to keep the excitement going. 🎟️🎩

From stylish hats to signature cocktails and friendly competition, a Kentucky Derby watch party is the perfect way to bring people together for an unforgettable day of racing excitement! 🏆🐎 Whether you go big with games and themed décor or keep it simple with great company and race-day bites, the key is to have fun and embrace the Derby spirit. So, raise a glass, place your bets, and let the good times roll—may the best horse win! 🌹🥂

I'd love to see your Derby party photos! 📸 Please email them or tag us on Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe for more creative monthly event and marketing ideas.

Thank you for creatingHOME!

Renee