And they’re off! This Saturday, May 6th, marks the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. It’s both a classic sporting event steeped in tradition and everyone’s favorite excuse to bust out their seersucker suits and fancy hats and indulge in a refreshing mint julep, and Boulder certainly isn’t one to miss out on the excitement of the race and (especially) the celebrations that go along with it.
From mint juleps to whiskey sours and bowties to elaborate hats, here are just a few of the ways you can celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Boulder this weekend.
5th Annual Boulder Lifestyle Derby Days
Touted as one of Boulder’s premier annual parties, Boulder Lifestyle’s 5th Annual Derby Days this Saturday is a bountiful, old-fashioned celebration of all things Kentucky Derby. Slip into your seersucker suit and pastels and clink glasses at the Highland City Club in Downtown Boulder at this bash, which will include games, raffles, live music, and much more. Contributions towards local non-profits over the years at the event, such as TRU Care Hospice, Attention Homes, and There With Care, have exceeded $40,000. Get your tickets ahead of time here.
Kentucky Derby at Fate Brewing Company
Never one to miss out on a good theme, Fate Brewing Company continues their tradition this Saturday of going all out for sporting events, holidays, you name it, and is offering unique specials in honor of the Kentucky Derby. Put on your derby best for a chance to win a prize at their best dressed competition, and be sure to sample their food specials and the tapping of their Mint Julep Ale.
Boulder Derby Party 2017
Sponsored by the likes of Sanitas Brewing Company and Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the Boulder Derby Party is a very special bash supporting local non-profit Front Range Hippotherapy. Open since 2006, this organization offers physical, speech, and occupational therapies, using horses as the catalyst for treatment and betterment. Happening at the CU Stadium Club at Folsom Field, this party will include a live auction and dinner program. RSVP here now.
Derby Day Party at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa
A derby party at the St. Julien screams elegance and, this year, one of Boulder’s most beautiful venues is at it again. With the Good Manners Quartet (Junk Yard Jazz) band playing on the terrace from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, a hat competition, mint juleps galore, and one of the best views of the foothills in Boulder, this promises to be a festive and high class celebration.
Kentucky Derby Party at the Hotel Boulderado
Benefiting Colorado’s Medicine Horse Program, a non-profit that focuses on the benefits of interacting with horses to improve mental health, the Hotel Boulderado’s Kentucky Derby Party will feature plenty of delicious food, a hat and bowtie competition, a bourbon tasting, a performance by the Mark Diamond Jazz Trio, and much more.
Where do you prefer to celebrate the Run for the Roses? Tell us in the comments below!
Have a fun and safe Kentucky Derby, Boulder
