The 150th annual Kentucky Derby is set to take place on May 4, 2024. Unlike most sporting events, the derby is jokingly known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Though the race is short, the party lasts all day.
While you may not be able to make it all the way to Churchill Downs in Louisville to see the race, there are several spots around town where you can get in on the action. So, don your oversized hats and find out where you can sip on mint juleps and at these derby day events in Orlando.
Kentucky Derby Events Orlando
Kentucky Derby Tea Time
Saturday, May 4, 10am, 1pm & 4pm
The Tea Room Experience
420 E. Church St, Unit 109, Orlando, FL 32801
Enjoy a Kentucky Derby Themed afternoon tea with a Selection of Finger Sandwiches, Scones with Devonshire Cream & Preserve, Savory Bites, Petite Desserts & a Fine Selection of Unlimited Loose-Leaf Tea.
$48
Kentucky Derby Day
Saturday, May 4, 12-7pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Celebrate the Greatest Two Minutes in sports with an all-day party featuring live music, Derby-inspired food and beverage specials, and more! They'll be showing the race on the big screen with sound.
$5 cover after 5pm
Kentucky Derby Affair
Saturday, May 4, 2:30-6:30pm
Bosendorfer Lounge, Grand Bohemian Orlando
325 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Experience the epitome of luxury and sophistication at this exclusive Kentucky Derby celebration hosted at the renowned Bosendorfer Lounge. Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of opulence and excitement. Strut your stuff and compete for fabulous prizes in our Opulent Derby Hat Showcase. Let your style shine as you vie for the title of most luxurious headwear. Immerse yourself in the classic Derby tradition with their Exquisite Mint Julep Bar.
FREE – While this event is open to the public, tickets are available by RSVP only.
Derby Day Extravaganza
Saturday, May 4, 3:30pm
FBC Mortgage Stadium
4465 Knights Victory Way, Orlando, FL 32816
Loyal Source’s Derby Day is Orlando’s biggest Kentucky Derby watch party! They’re holding this year’s event at FBC Mortgage Stadium, with unlimited food and drinks, a live auction, raffle prizes, 50/50 raffle, winner’s circle, music by DJ Gonzo, dancing, and much more. The party is open to adults 21 and older – so bring your best Derby fashions and join the fun!
Tickets start at $125
Kentucky Derby Party at HighT
Saturday, May 4, 4pm
HighT
23 W Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Grab your hats and head to HighT to watch the greatest two minutes of sport racing. May the best Horse win! Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres throughout the event. Featuring Specialty Cocktails, Photo Ops, and Games!
$36 per person
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Saturday, May 4, 4-7pm
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Sample southern appetizers and mint juleps in the Lobby Lounge sunroom. Derby attire required. For reservations call (407) 393-4200.
Derby on Park
Saturday, May 4, 5-8pm
Mercedes Benz of Orlando
810 N Orlando Ave Maitland, FL 32751
If you like to party with Big Hats, Mint Juleps, Delicious Food, and Luxury Sports Cars, then come experience the real “Horsepower” of Derby on Park at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando. Enjoy 3-hours of fun at the Ultimate Kentucky Derby viewing experience, Lite bites via serving stations, premium open bars, music inside & outside, dancing, Women's Best Hat, Men's Best Dressed, and Best Dressed Couples contest with amazing prizes, (Derby attire encouraged – inside & outside event). Complimentary Valet Included for everyone.
Tickets start at $70
Dapper Derby Day
Saturday, May 4, 5-8pm
Stadium Club at the Caribe Royale Orlando
8101 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Join UCP of Central Florida for a watch party to witness the most exciting two minutes in sports, the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby! This exciting event includes food and beverages, golf simulator contests, a spectacular raffle, and a best dressed contest for those showing off their Derby finest. Your ticket includes admission to the private party at Orlando's most interactive, immersive, and captivating sport’s bar with a appetizer buffet and drink tickets.
$75
10th Annual Kentucky Derby Soirée
Saturday, May 4, 5-9pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Dress in your Derby best and join us for a night filled with the melodies of music, exquisite hors d'oeuvres, and our handcrafted signature cocktails. Engage with fellow attendees in a setting marked by Ivy Tea Rose's commitment to excellence, as we collectively bask in the anticipation of the iconic race.
$100
Derby Daze: A Kentucky Derby-Influenced Day Party Experience
Saturday, May 4, 5-10pm
Legends Resto & Lounge
5250 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Experience the excitement of “the greatest 2 minutes in sports” and immerse yourself in one of the most fashion-forward events in the world. Derby Daze is curated to recreate this atmosphere for the movers and shakers of the Central Florida community. Full food menu will be available with a variety of options, including vegetarian appetizers and entrees. Purchase VIP to guarantee seating and enhance your Derby Daze experience. There are a variety of VIP options, please choose the best to accommodate your party.
Tickets start at $20
Nearby Derby Day Events
Kentucky Derby Block Party
Saturday, May 4, 11am
Orange County Brewers
1117 International Parkway #1701, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Immerse yourself in the thrill of the Derby with games, prizes, and exclusive drink specials tailored to the occasion. Indulge in their delectable brunch menu available until 3pm to fuel your festivities.
Derby Party 2024
Saturday, May 4, 4:30-7:30pm
The Courtesy
1288 N. Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Come celebrate in style at The Courtesy's annual Derby Party! Enjoy a lineup from Michter’s Distillery with Juleps and other specialty cocktails, and Southern-inspired snacks from Swine & Sons. The ticket includes your seat, welcome drink or bubbles & a commemorative Derby glass.
$20
Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 4, 4-Close
Forward Slash Distillery & Blending House
650 S Capen Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Enjoy a special Kentucky Derby party with free entry, food by Red Panda Noodle from 5-8 p.m., an interactive photo booth, and peach juleps. Attendees can enjoy free samples of whiskey if they come dressed to impress in their best derby gear and Bungalower Buddy keyholders can unlock 15% off of their bar tab and another whiskey tasting just by dangling their keychain at the bartender.
FREE
Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 4, 5-8pm
Heathrow Legacy Country Club
1200 Bridgewater Drive, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Get ready to experience the excitement of the most prestigious horse race in style. Put on your fancy hats and dapper suits, and get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, fashion, and horse racing. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and of course, the thrilling race itself.
$100
Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Saturday, May 4, 5:30-9pm
Spill Wine Bar
1196 Tree Swallow Dr #1314, Winter Springs, FL 32708
Get ready to cheer on your favorite horses as they race to the finish line. Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or just looking for a fun time, this event is perfect for everyone. So grab your friends, put on your best derby attire, and head down to Spill Wine Bar for a day of excitement and entertainment. Fancy Hat Contest with prizes for the winner! LIVE MUSIC with Shine starts at 7pm.
FREE
Derby Day at The Yardery
Saturday, May 4, 2024
The Yardery
415 E 4th St, Sanford, FL 32771
Louisville, KY – the only place where people party for 2 weeks for a 2 min race! Head to The Yardery in Sanford to watch the race and enjoy some traditional Derby Day cocktails.
4th Annual DeLand Derby
Saturday, May 4, 4:30pm
The Center At Deltona
1640 Dr Martin Luther King Blvd, Deltona, FL 32725
The Rotaract Club of DeLand is excited to host this year's DeLand Derby for guests 21+ to enjoy. Tickets include a food buffet, drinks, and of course live streams of The Kentucky Derby. There will be music, casino games (NEW!), red carpet photos, a 50/50 raffle, lottery hat, Photo Booth, cigar bar, and best hat/best dressed contests so come in your best Derby attire!
$100
Kentucky Derby at The Castle Irish Pub
Saturday, May 4
The Castle Irish Pub
2625 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL
Sit front row for the Derby at The Castle. 20 seats at the bar = 20 horses. The first 20 people to snag a seat at the bar will get to draw a horse out of a hat. There will be prizes for the winners: First place gets a Castle T-shirt (new design) and second and third will receive a complimentary beverage of choice. Come dressed in your finest Derby attire – Best Dressed will win a bottle of Woodford Reserve!