Derby Day is right around the corner! I’ve rounded up all the Derby festivities in Lexington. If you’re hosting a Derby party you should also take a look at my Mint Julep Iced Tea or Derby Party Menu.
Keeneland
An obvious choice for Derby festivities! Keeneland is hosting their usual watch party. General admission starts at $7.
Derby Pie
If you can’t tell by the name, Derby Pie is an obvious way to celebrate! A flaky crust is filled with chocolate chips and walnuts. I learned recently that ‘Derby-Pie’ is actually trademarked by Kern’s Kitchen in Louisville, so they’re technically the only ones allowed to use the name. Here in Lexington, you can get the official Derby-Pie at Kroger, Liquor Barn, Meijer and Carson’s. Missy’s Pies makes a ‘Mayday Pie’ that you’ll probably find very similar 😉 Or make my Derby Pie Bars!
Or a Derby Donut
This should be an official thing, right? North Lime Claysmill is featuring a chocolate donut topped with bourbon caramel icing, crushed pecans and chocolate chips on Saturday.
Mint Juleps at Drake’s & Harry’s
Grab a Woodford Reserve mint julep at Drake’s or Harry’s and keep the julep glass. Available 4/29-5/7.
Derby Day Breakfast at Waveland
Start your day with an elegant breakfast served on fine china by period dressed interpreters. $50 ticket includes multiple courses and a tour of the mansion.
Bourby Derby at Grand Reserve
Derby Day Double Blind Bourbon Bonanza
There will be a collection of 16 different Kentucky bourbons divided into four different tiers that you will have the chance to randomly try. You will not know what tier you are tasting or what bourbons are in each tier until the tasting is complete. $60 tickets.
Bourbon & Bets at Azur
A Cinco de Mayo themed kick off to Derby weekend on Thursday! $65 four course menu and Four Roses bourbons.
Derby Treats from Martine’s
Derby cakes, pecan pie, and more.
Simulcasting at Red Mile
On Derby and Oaks Day at Red Mile, wagering and simulcasting, food and drinks at the Clubhouse, and big prizes on the gaming floor.
Cornhole Tournament at Double H BBQ
Cornhole tournament starts at 11am, plus hot browns!
I need the derby donut!!
Me too!
I can’t wait to get some Derby Pie! Celebrating at the castle sounds like it would be a fantastic time!
This is awesome. I honestly didn’t know about a lot of these!
Hope you’ll get to try something new Maya!
You’ve got Lexingtonians covered! You may or may not find me on Harry’s patio per usual.
Would expect nothing less 😉
So much fun! I wish I could make it to the derby hat contest at Southern Barker with Remus!
I totally thought you would be there!
The Kentucky Castle event sounds fun, and of course such a unique venue! Great list.
Love that so many places in Lexington celebrate Derby!
Those Derby donuts are tempting! Can’t wait to visit Lexington soon!
Yes, come see us!
I would love to combine derby and cinco de mayo! Two of the most fun events/holidays!
Great roundup! You should’ve included the Derby Lela pic!
Ha, she should have made an appearance!
I had some fried Derby Pie bites last night from Carson’s for my birthday!
Oh wow, those sound delicious!
So many fun things! Definitely want to try the ‘Mayday Pie’ from Missy’s Pies! Ben and I will be at the actual Derby this year and are so excited!
I’m definitely going to get me a slice!
I love that there are so many different things going on in Lex for Derby in all price points that between the two of us, we barely even overlapped in events. What a cool city we live in!!
Oh my goodness! Derby Day at the Castle sounds so fun! What a great idea!
If only it didn’t rain!