Every first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs becomes more than just a horse race. It transforms into a nationwide celebration steeped in tradition, glamour, and good old-fashioned competition. Known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Derby captures the imagination of millions, not just at the racetrack, but also in homes across America. In 2025, the 151st running of the Derby will once again bring people together for a day of pageantry, food, and Kentucky Derby betting.
While some are fortunate enough to attend the event in Louisville, many others replicate the excitement in their living rooms. Whether through themed parties, fantasy wagering games, or simply gathering around the television with loved ones, Derby Day can be just as magical at home. Here’s your guide to starting your own at-home Kentucky Derby traditions and making May 3, 2025, an unforgettable experience.
The 151st Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with live coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. The actual race is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET. It caps off an incredible 14-race card, showcasing the best three-year-old thoroughbreds competing over 1¼ miles for a $5 million purse.
Don’t forget the Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day before, on Friday, May 2. This Grade 1 race for three-year-old fillies is as prestigious, featuring a 13-race card and a post time for the Oaks itself set for around 5:51 p.m. ET. For many families, the Oaks is a warm-up act, a reason to stretch the Derby celebration into a whole weekend event.
Just like Churchill Downs prepares for the arrival of tens of thousands of spectators, your home can be transformed into Derby Central with a bit of forethought. Send digital or printed invitations to your guests well in advance—bonus points if they resemble race tickets. Choose a color theme (red for roses, green for the turf, or gold for the trophy) and start shopping for themed supplies, such as horse cutouts, banners, and table centerpieces.
Plan your timeline to include a welcome cocktail hour, live viewing of undercard races, a "Best Hat" contest, fantasy wagering, and of course, the Run for the Roses itself. Encourage everyone to arrive by mid-afternoon to enjoy the complete festivities.
The Kentucky Derby is a visual spectacle, and your decorations should reflect that energy. Use red roses liberally—they are, after all, the official flower of the Derby. Table runners that resemble turf or jockey silks add a nice touch. Incorporate miniature horseshoes, vintage racing posters, and themed signage for areas like "Winner’s Circle" or "Wagering Window."
For a fun DIY craft, invite kids or creative adults to make their jockey silks using paper or fabric. Hang them on a wall for a colorful, custom backdrop.
No Derby celebration is complete without the proper attire. For women, that means colorful dresses, heels, and of course, the hat or fascinator. The bigger, the better. Men can embrace pastels, seersucker suits, bow ties, and fedoras. Hosting a "Best Dressed" or "Best Hat" contest with small prizes can elevate the fashion stakes.
And don't forget themed photo ops. Create a designated photo area with props like oversized sunglasses, fake roses, or even cardboard cutouts of horses and jockeys. Share your snapshots on social media to spread the fun.
A Derby party is the perfect excuse to indulge in some classic Southern fare. Traditional must-haves include Kentucky Hot Browns (open-faced sandwiches with turkey and bacon topped with Mornay sauce), pimento cheese dip, deviled eggs, and fried chicken. For sides, consider corn pudding, coleslaw, and buttermilk biscuits.
Dessert should not be overlooked. Offer mini Derby Pies (a chocolate and pecan tart), bourbon balls, or red velvet cupcakes with themed toppers. Create small "grazing boards" for guests to enjoy throughout the day.
The Mint Julep may be the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, but it's far from the only option. Serve the classic bourbon, mint, and sugar mix over crushed ice in silver or pewter cups. Provide alternative cocktails, such as the Oaks Lily (vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lemon juice), bourbon lemonades, and mint-infused iced tea.
Consider setting up a DIY bar where guests can mix their drinks or garnish them with mint, cherries, or citrus slices. For non-alcoholic options, flavored lemonades and sweet teas can be just as festive.
One of the most engaging parts of the day is getting everyone involved in the race itself. Create a "fantasy wagering" station where guests can place mock bets on the horses. Use play money or tokens and offer prizes to those who "win" based on Kentucky Derby odds. Print out the race programs so everyone can see the horses' stats and the jockeys' names.
Other fun games include Derby trivia, "Pin the Tail on the Horse," and racing bingo, where guests check off events like "jockey falls off" or "horse with pink silks wins."
While many partygoers enjoy fantasy wagering, others might be more inclined to engage in real-time Kentucky Derby betting through licensed platforms. In 2025, online horse racing wagering sites will make placing bets from the comfort of your living room easy. The convenience is unmatched, whether you're taking a shot at the exacta, trifecta, or simply picking a winner.
Before placing your bet, review the latest Kentucky Derby odds and watch the prep race replays. Some horses shine in the spotlight, while others peak early in the season. Using insights like past performances, jockey statistics, and track conditions can significantly enhance your Kentucky Derby betting strategy.
If kids are part of your party, be sure to involve them in age-appropriate activities. Set up a craft table where they can decorate paper horses or hats. Offer horse-themed coloring books, and maybe even a stick-horse race in the backyard or hallway. Small trophies or ribbons can be handed out for participation.
Including children keeps them entertained and introduces them to the tradition and excitement of horse racing in a fun, educational way.
Ensure your setup includes a large screen with good sound, ideally positioned so that everyone can see. Connect to streaming services for full coverage, including undercard races, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features.
Print out a race schedule so guests know when to expect key moments. Encourage everyone to quiet down just before post time so everyone can enjoy the call of the race, arguably the most thrilling part of the day.
Hosting a Kentucky Derby party at home allows you to personalize the experience while embracing one of America’s most iconic sporting events. From traditional food and drinks to fantasy betting and dress-up fun, every element helps create memories that will last long after the garland of roses has been awarded.
Whether you're a seasoned fan tracking Kentucky Derby odds or a newcomer eager to bet on Kentucky Derby contenders for the first time, celebrating at home delivers the thrill, flavor, and style of Churchill Downs without ever leaving your front door.
So start planning, dress the part, and raise your julep—because the Derby isn’t just a race. It’s a tradition you can live every year, right from your living room.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
