You can’t attend the Kentucky Derby without attending at least one party. Even if you don't go to the actual event, I have a feeling there are a lot of people throwing their own derby themed parties. I mean, who doesn’t want to wear a big fancy hat and drink a mint julep? There are plenty of celebrity Kentucky Derby parties in Louisville, Kentucky, so celebrity visitors can celebrate this legendary horse racing event in style.
You can’t have a big event without making it super big, right? While celebrities are busy picking out the perfect outfit to enter in contests, placing bets, or trying to get the best mint julep in town, you'll likely find them at one of the many parties taking place throughout the weekend. That’s right, the Kentucky Derby is happening all weekend long. Just one day is not enough.
If you happen to be in or around Churchill Downs, or plan on attending the Derby at some point in your life, there are some Kentucky Derby parties you need to know about.
Here are the so-called top parties taking place throughout the weekend. These are events that celebrities also attend, so be aware.
1. Mare and Lily
The Fillies & Lilies party is held at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs to have a good time and give back to the community. The 2016 party will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, with a portion of event ticket sales donated to the organization, which provides quality care to retired Thoroughbreds. Country singer Vince Gill will also perform at the fourth annual Fillies & Lilies Party.
2. Barnstable Brown Gala
Yes, even Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag attended the Barnstable Brown Gala, Boyz II Men, Stephen Stephen Amell, Taylor Kinney, Aaron Rodgers, Gayle King and Kid Rock are among the many stars set to attend the 2016 event, per WDRB statement. Over the past nine years, the event has raised and donated approximately $11.2 million to the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at the University of Kentucky, WDRB reported.
3. Unbridled New Year’s Eve Party
The Unbridled Eve Gala includes cocktails, dinner, dancing, live music and a silent auction. According to the official website, a portion of the proceeds from the dress-optional party will be donated to causes such as Blessings in a Backpack, an organization dedicated to fighting childhood hunger. According to WDRB, the 2016 event attracted a host of celebrities, including Robin Thicke, Ashley Greene, Mira Sorvino and 50 Cent. There's no word yet on whether The Hills ' Lauren Conrad will appear again.
4. Mares and Stallions
Filly and stallion parties are usually attended by many celebrities. According to WDRB, some of the cast of "Vanderpump Rules" (Jax Taylor, Tom Sandoval, and Ariana Maddix), Joey Fatone, Bob Guiney, and Many famous faces including Dancing with the Stars' Cam Johnson will be in attendance at the 2016 event. It's all about entertaining guests and celebrities. You know it means business because it literally has a 40-foot red carpet.
5. A taste of derby
The Taste of the Derby event not only provides the opportunity to "mingle with racing celebrities" while drinking wine, eating what I consider to be top-notch food, and enjoying live music, but it also raises funds and awareness for hunger relief organizations. To date, the event has donated more than $235,000 to such organizations, including the Dare to Care food bank in Louisville, according to the official Taste of Derby website.
6. Winner’s Party
Finally, there's the winner's party, which is self-explanatory. Held at the Kentucky Derby Museum after the race. What makes this event special is that guests can watch the Kentucky Derby winner be crowned and party with the winning jockey, trainer and owners.
What better way to celebrate derby weekend than mingling with celebrities, drinking lots of mint juleps and champagne, and giving back to a worthy cause?
Image: Giphy
