About the
Derby Party
Here's everything you need to ensure your Derby Party experience is the best ever! Browse the event schedule, see transportation options, get maps and directions, find the pre/post party events and take advantage of deals and specials we lined up just for you.
Denver's Original Derby Party
Held annually, rain or shine, on the first Saturday in May we host the largest Kentucky Derby Party outside of Churchill Downs. And 100% of the proceeds benefit the Sean Lough Memorial Scholarship.
Come Join Us for Our 11th Annual Fund Raiser!
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER – We are proud to officially announce the 11th annual Derby Party, benefiting the Sean ‘Ranch’ Lough Memorial Scholarship, will be held on May 5 in vibrant Downtown Denver! Being held on newly updated 14th Street and around the Performing Arts Complex, we are set to close down and transform the city streets and buildings into a dynamic indoor/outdoor space.
Do Not Miss This One!
The focal point of this year's fund raiser will be the Convention Center corner and the largest LED display in the nation outside of Times Square, which will carry the race on NBC. Derby Party 2012 will also be incorporating the elegant Ellie Caulkins Opera House and part of the Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. We expect up to 5000 people to experience what has been recognized as the largest derby party outside of Kentucky in this very unique event space – we promise you won’t be disappointed! This "party with a purpose&" is held Saturday May 5th, from 1:00 to 6:30 rain or shine - Get your tickets now!
How it All Started
Ten Years Ago
Denver locals Terrence Hunt and Scott Anderson were searching for a way to honor their friend Sean 'Ranch' Lough, who had passed away in a mountain-biking accident in Virginia. The two men decided to try turning their annual parties—Hunt’s holiday fete and Anderson’s Labor Day bash—into fundraisers for a small scholarship fund they established in their friend’s honor.
“We needed a spring event to round out our fundraising,” Hunt remembers. Before Lough passed away, he was supposed to meet Hunt at the Kentucky Derby, but he didn’t make it because he had to work. “That was the last time I would have seen him,” Hunt says. So the friends added a Derby party to their roster. The first year, it took place at the Wash Park Boat House. "We had a few sponsors and one of those water jugs to collect donations,"; Hunt says.
A Colorado Tradition is Born
The Party Has Evolved
And that's putting it mildly. Before long, a full Foundation was formed and we moved the Derby Party to the Denver Botanic Gardens. Last year, more than 3,000 people bought tickets, which often sell out within 45 minutes.
The party is a hit, but more important to Hunt, Anderson and Lough’s other friends is the way it changes students’ lives. For the past nine years, the Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation has given a scholarship to a high-achieving, low-income student from the Denver area to attend Colorado State University. The recipient is always a first-generation college student.
The first five scholarships covered tuition for four years. Then five years ago, the Foundation raised enough to award one full-ride scholarship a year, which covers tuition, room, board, fees and books for the student’s four years at school.
Rusty Says...
Listen up pardners - here are a few tips to help make Derby Party more fun for ya!
Don't forget your ID or your Ticket
Unfortunately nobody will be allowed into the party without a valid ID and you must have your ticket, not a confirmation email or credit card receipt.
Please be patient
The General Admission line is usually the largest around 2:00. We will process everyone as quickly as possible but please be patient, we expect close to 5000 people. The entrance will have food and music while you wait.
Jockey Club uses unique entrance
Jockey Club ticket holders will have an exclusive, no-waiting, entrance. But you may enter at the GA entrance if you are arriving with friends who have GA tickets.
No outside food or beverage allowed
We will have plenty of food and drink, and it's all included with your ticket. Anyone caught with outside beverages or food may be asked to leave.
Don't Worry About the Weather
Our tents will be heated and there is plenty of indoor space for everyone should the weather turn bad. We will have umbrellas but suggest a light coat or sweater if unsure about the temperature. There will be a couple coat checks in the party.
Please bring cash for tips
All our volunteers are working for tips only, so please help them out.
Get free stuff!
We will be handing out maps, schedules and tip sheets as you walk in the door. These will have locations and times for all events as well as a coupon for a Buffalo Trace mint julep at the entrance - enjoy!
This is a charity Event
Please remember this is a charity event and we ask that you be courteous both inside and outside the event.
Don't remove your wristband
Be sure to KEEP YOUR TICKET WITH YOU and also you MUST WEAR YOUR WRISTBAND AT ALL TIMES, anyone without either will be asked to leave and may be prosecuted for trespassing.
Do not drink & drive!
The Denver Police force will be out and looking for drunk drivers. There should be plenty of public transportation available at the gates.
25% OFF
