The Kentucky Derby is a celebrated event that has run uninterrupted through national highs and lows since its inaugural race in 1875. The race is often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" due to its fast-paced nature.. Of course, it wouldn't be the Kentucky Derby without a little friendly wagering. 

How can you celebrate the Kentucky Derby with your team and clients if you can't all be together to share Mint Juleps and compliment each other on fine haberdashery? A virtual or hybrid Kentucky Derby party is the perfect way to bring everyone together for a memorable event.

Wear Fabulous Hats

The single best thing about celebrating the Kentucky Derby is the hats. Gentlemen get to wear dashing derby hats, but the ladies truly go all-out for this event. Expect hats covered in flowers, feathers, fascinators, and even large artistic birds. There are hats with horse decorations, hats with voluminous veils, and hats that reach the sky. Some ladies wear delightful fascinators, and many make their own hats before the derby. Whether you're meeting in person or through Zoom, be sure to bring your hat, and to compliment others on their fine haberdashery. 

Enjoy a Virtual Day at the Track

Ever want to spend a virtual day at the track instead of heading personally to the crowded and dusty stands of the Derby? Now you can. With our Kentucky Derby virtual event, your team can share a delightful virtual race, complete with "funny money" betting and hilarious non-horse participants. Watch as virtual unicorns, ostriches, and more race to the finish line in a fun 60-minute mixer and virtual game celebration.

When you have a team who have mixed interest in actually watching the horse race, this event is the perfect balance of on-theme and fun for everyone. Enjoy an all-virtual environment with the team and a cocktail kit to mix your own drinks together for the event.

Make Friendly Wagers (with FUNNY Money)

No Kentucky Derby is complete without a few friendly wagers. Betting on the horse races is a tradition older than the Derby itself. In fact, merry-makers often bet on just about anything when the wagering mood is high.

Challenge your friends and coworkers to various bets throughout the day. Bet that a friend will say "yeah" more than fifteen times, or wager on how many olives are in the jar. Any kind of bet is fun during a wager holiday when it's all fun and games.

Try our virtual horse racing event to bring your team together over cool Kentucky Derby facts. 

MINT JULEPS ARE A MUST

Of course, no Kentucky Derby celebration is complete without the signature libation, the Mint Julep. We could not let you come all this way without giving you the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a silver or pewter cup (traditional for mint juleps), muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.

2. Fill the cup with crushed ice, packing it tightly.

3. Pour the bourbon over the ice.

4. Stir gently until the cup frosts on the outside.

5. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

6. Insert a straw and enjoy your refreshing mint julep!

Remember, the key to a perfect mint julep is using fresh ingredients, high-quality bourbon, and plenty of crushed ice to keep it cold. Cheers!

Explore one of many Mixology events to bring your team together over delicious glass rims.

TEN FUN FACTS ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY

Wow your friends, family, and co-workers on Derby Day with these 10 tidbits:

1. The Kentucky Derby is the longest-running continuously held sporting event in the United States. It was first held in 1875.

2. The race is often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" due to its fast-paced nature. The winning horse typically completes the 1.25-mile track in around two minutes.

3. The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep, a cocktail made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and water, served over crushed ice in a silver or pewter cup.

4. The Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

5. The race is steeped in tradition, including the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home" by spectators just before the race begins.

6. The Kentucky Derby has a significant fashion component, with attendees often wearing elaborate hats and colorful attire.

7. The Derby has a maximum field size of 20 horses, and contenders must qualify through a series of prep races to earn a spot in the starting gate.

8. The Kentucky Derby trophy is made of 14-karat gold and stands 22 inches tall.

9. Secretariat holds the record for the fastest time in Kentucky Derby history, completing the race in 1 minute and 59.4 seconds in 1973.

10. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.