It’s the Run for the Roses. The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports — yes, they have that trademarked. America’s Race. Call it what you want, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continually running sporting event in the U.S. and one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. This year marks its 152nd running since it started beneath the iconic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs in 1875. And it seems everyone wants to be part of the springtime festivities, even in Colorado Springs with several Kentucky Derby parties to choose from.
Kentucky is as much bourbon country as it is horse country, making Kentucky Derby parties a perfect fit for local distilleries, restaurants and hotels. Cheers to the race’s bourbon-forward signature beverage, the mint julep! The prestigious race is as much about the hats as the horses, making it the fashion event of the spring, whether you know the difference between a Thoroughbred and a Quarter Horse or not.
Of course, there’s no judgment if you’re a Kentucky Derby newbie, but here are a few fun facts below to put you in the know. Then pick from the following local Derby parties and impress your friends with your insider knowledge.
Kentucky Derby Parties in Colorado Springs
All these local events happen on Derby Day: Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Derby Day at ViewHouse
Every race of the Kentucky Derby will be streaming on ViewHouse’s big screens and TVs throughout the bar, with the main event streaming at 4:57 MT. The menu will feature Woodford Reserve mint juleps, made to give you just enough liquid courage for betting big on your favorite horse. Dress to impress, and you can win prizes for the Crazy Hat Competition. Saturday Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Derby Day at The Aviator
Take your Derby Day celebration to the top floor at Hotel Polaris. The Aviator will be all in on the rooftop from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., serving cocktails by Sazerac, Southern‑inspired fare and live race broadcasts throughout the day. And downstairs, the celebration will be happening outside on the Flatiron Plaza. Miniature horses will even be on-site to add a playful, photo‑worthy moment.
Axe and the Oak Whiskey House
Axe and the Oak claims the original Springs Kentucky Derby party, and the distiller is still going strong. Stop by the Ivywild tasting room or stay all day for their $7 mint juleps or nonalcoholic juleps. Of course, you want to be in your finest. Prizes will be given for the Best Ladies Hat, Best Dressed Gentleman and Best Dressed Lady and more.
Cinco de Derby
May 1-5
Nacho Matrix
Can’t decide between a Derby party and Cinco de Mayo? Nacho Matrix is celebrating both at once with a combo party featuring food and drink specials that stretch Friday through Tuesday. Dress in your Derby finest and watch the race live on Saturday — while you eat and drink carnitas tacos and cilantro lime margaritas. Don’t worry, you can get 291 Whiskey mint juleps too. Best hat wins a gift card.
Broadmoor Rotary Club Derby Watch Party
Get a little closer to the horses at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame where the Broadmoor Rotary Club is hosting its fourth annual Kentucky Derby Watch Party from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The festivities include a Best Hat contest, silent auction, Bourbon Pull, 50/50 raffle and more chances to win. Each ticket includes entry to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, three drink tickets and a food voucher.
Club Tilt & Grill Kentucky Derby After Party
Celebrate in style at Club Tilt & Gril for a Derby-inspired evening with a bold Western twist. Enjoy music by DJ Dolo, plus food and drink specials starting at 6 p.m.
Kentucky Derby Fun Facts
- Only 3-year-old Thoroughbreds can run in the Kentucky Derby, so it’s their one and only chance at ultimate glory. Thoroughbreds are a breed that can trace their lineage back to three sires, or father horses, brought to England from the Middle East in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
- Twenty horses comprise the field for the Run for the Roses with one alternate this year. These are the fastest, most elite horses out of the approximately 17,000 eligible foals born in a given year. The odds of qualifying are tougher than becoming a NASA astronaut, according to Fast Company.
- The prize purse for the Kentucky Derby is $5 million. The winner gets $3.1 million. The runner-up receives $1 million with $500,000 going to third, $250,000 for fourth and $150,000 for fifth place.
- The winner also receives the coveted Garland of Roses, a blanket of more than 400 red roses that weighs about 40 pounds. Anybody remember the old children’s book Robert the Rose Horse? Achoo!
- The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs traditionally on the first Saturday in May with Derby Week festivities leading up to it. It is the first and most lucrative leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
- Only three fillies, female horses, have won the Kentucky Derby: Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988. The Kentucky Oaks race is open to fillies only and takes place at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1. It’s purse is $1.5 million, with the winner taking $750,000 plus the Lillies for the Fillies garland.
- The overall betting on the Kentucky Derby Day card hit a record $349 million in 2025.
- This year’s favorites to win? Renegade is the overall favorite with 4-1 odds. Commandment and Further Ado are next at 6-1, with Chief Wallabee following at 8-1. You can meet all the contenders and find the official Kentucky Derby expert picks if you’re looking to put some money on the race.
- Fashion trends have fluctuated with the decades, but hats have always been in vogue at the Derby, the more flamboyant the better. Brightly colored pastels continue to trend, and you can check out the official Kentucky Derby style guide here.
- Mint juleps were served at Churchill Downs from the beginning in 1875. It became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1939. It is made of muddled mint leaves, simple syrup and bourbon served over ice. Today more than 125,000 mint juleps are served during Derby Weekend.
- Secretariat holds the record for the fastest Kentucky Derby time ever, clocking 1:59.40 in 1973.
