Time for a little derby talk as the “fastest two minutes in sports” is headed to Churchill Downs on May 4. Celebrate locally with mint juleps, live tunes and over-the-top attire at these Kentucky Derby parties in Wisconsin.
7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party at The Edgewater
Race on over to The Grand Plaza at The Edgewater for Madison’s 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party, from 3 to 7:30 p.m., in partnership with J. Henry & Sons and benefiting Friends of UW Health. Revelers can celebrate with live New Orleans-style jazz with Mama Digdown’s Brass Band from 3 to 4:30 p.m. followed by The Big Payback from 5 to 7:30 p.m., as well as a raffle to win an overnight stay, race day-inspired lawn games and tasty mint juleps. While Derby attire is not required, it is encouraged as The Edgewater continues its tradition of naming best dressed and best hat. This Kentucky Derby party in Wisconsin is free and open to the public.
For more information: www.theedgewater.com.
2024 Derby Days at Nick’s Bar
Platteville
Kicking off at 3 p.m., Nick’s Derby Days celebrates the 150th Run for the Roses with live music, auctions and exciting best-dressed awards–an annual tradition since 2014. Party-goers can expect live performances from Frank Martin Busch and the Names, Wire & Nail, Troy Cartwright and headliner Logan Mize, as well as beer tents, great food from local food trucks and more. This is a 21-and-older event.
Cost: $30.
Tickets: www.nicksderbydays.com.
2024 Kentucky Derby Party at Tranquility Farm
Wisconsin Dells
You’re invited to Tranquility Farm’s second-annual Kentucky Derby Party, from 3 to 7 p.m. Guests can cheer on their favorite horse on a large-screen TV broadcasting from Churchill Downs, take part in gaming and best-dressed contests and dig into heavy appetizers with free water and soda. Event-goers can also sip on Woodford Bourbon, wine and festive cocktails at this Kentucky Derby party in Wisconsin.
Cost: $40.
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.
Downtown Derby Day
Downtown Fond du Lac
Get down and Derby at Downtown Fond du Lac’s first-ever Downtown Derby Day, an all-day celebration of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. With something for everyone, Downtown Derby Day participants can expect hat-making workshops, photo ops, contents, free horse and carriage rides, Kentucky Derby watch parties, great shopping specials and the inaugural Downtown Fond du Lac Beer & Bourbon Crawl (1 to 5 p.m.). Derby attire is encouraged.
Cost: The event is free to attend; Beer & Bourbon Crawl tickets are $20 (mocktails) and $30.
For more information: downtownfdl.com.
Tenba Ridge Kentucky Derby
Blair
Come experience Churchill Downs right here in Blair at Tenba Ridge Winery. During this Kentucky Derby party in Wisconsin, co-ed teams of four are invited to race via stick pony around the “Tenba Track,” with awards given to first-, second- and third-place finishers. Team check-in is at 1 p.m., with the race starting at 2 p.m. Registration is due April 28. Props will be available for pics, and everyone is encouraged to be decked out in Derby day attire. Racers must be 21 or over.
Cost: $40 (race entry); otherwise, it is free to view the race and enjoy the day.
For more information: www.tenbaridgewine.com.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at The Bar at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
Milwaukee
Starting at 1 p.m., The Bar at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel is the spot to be to get down and Derby on Saturday, May 4, as it will host a viewing party for the 150th Kentucky Derby. Patrons will enjoy pre-race music by bluegrass band Frogwater, a special menu of bites and mint juleps (for each purchase of the Southern-inspired cocktail, customers receive a raffle ticket for various giveaways) and best-dressed contests. You’ll want to take part–winners take home prizes from Saint Kate and Woodford Reserve.
Cost: The event is free to attend.
For more information: www.saintkatearts.com.