The Kentucky Derby is America's largest horse racing event. In 2023, more than 150,000 spectators watched the derby live. As is tradition in Louisville this week, there will be plenty of activities for spectators to enjoy Saturday leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports.
One of the most popular off-course activities during derby week is partying. In 2024, his five parties over his last two nights of the Derby will feature celebrities, music artists and winning jockeys. Here's what you need to know about each party.
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2024 Kentucky Derby Party: Barnstable Brown Gala (May 3)
Louisville native Patricia Barnstable Brown has hosted the party every year since 1989 at her mansion a few miles from Churchill Downs. The Barnstable Brown Gala raises money for diabetes research and support for her Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky. Over the past 35 years, the gala has raised nearly $20 million for her.
This invitation-only event sees approximately 1,200 guests walk the red carpet to the Barnstable Brown mansion each year. This year's event will feature award-winning musicians, celebrities, and former and current star athletes.
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Here is the latest list of confirmed guests:
- Cole Hauser
- kid rock
- aaron rodgers
- tracy morgan
- Josh Groban
- sheryl lee ralph
- smoky robinson
- jack harlow
- Wynonna Judd
- Tina Knowles
- Darryl “DMC” McDaniels
- clay walker
- Boys II Men
- joey fatone
- bobby brown
- lee brice
- Pepa (Salt-N-Pepa)
- Mickey Guyton
- travis tritt
- eddie montgomery
- Doug E. Fresh
- billy gilman
- stephen amell
- Randall Cobb
- Davante Adams
- Larry and Dannielynn Birkhead
- holly robinson peete
- jordan smith
- diaper roots
- martha mccallum
- Natalie McQueen
- jimmy graham
- AJ Hawk
- matt flynn
- David Bakhtiari
- Brian Braga
- Allen Lazard
- corey linsley
2024 Kentucky Derby Party: Enjoy the Races (May 3)
Sports Illustrated hosts this late-night party at the Ice House in downtown Louisville. Friday night's festival will feature performances by The Chainsmokers and DJ Irie. Sports Illustrated has launched Club SI Lounge, a new hospitality suite in Derby, and will welcome Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith on-site during Derby week.
2024 Kentucky Derby Party: Fillies and Lily Horses (May 3)
This event is the only event held at Churchill Downs on a Friday night. The Kentucky His Derby Museum was established on the eve of the Derby and its name comes from the Kentucky His Oaks event held that day. The event will include live music, a silent auction, raffles, bourbon tasting, and more.
2024 Kentucky Derby Party: Unbridled Eve (May 3)
Another Friday night gala, “Unbridled Eve,” will also feature star-studded guests. Tonya York and Tammy York-Day, founders of Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc., started this event in her 2012 to benefit local charities. This year's main beneficiary is Blessings in a Backpack, a Louisville-based charity that provides weekend meals to area children.
Unbridled Eve takes place at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. The guest list includes celebrities, athletes, musicians, and special guest Louisville school bus driver Larry Farish Jr. In February, Farish Jr. gave pajamas to local elementary school students because they didn't have anything to wear on Pajama Day at school. After the story broke, Farish Jr. and his students were interviewed on Good Morning America.
Here's a list of this year's Unbridled Eve celebrity attendees:
- John Schneider
- Gina Torres
- andrea canning
- madison marsh
- noelia voigt
- Hanley House
- paula deen
- bob guiney
- Aaron Haddad
- Conrad Bachman
- Nick Vallelonga
- michael collier
- Madalyn Kinnett
- messiah bradshaw
- Mackenzie Shutt
- heather french henry
- Gia Combs
- edward lee
- rob angel
- lisa leslie
- Bonnie-Jill Laughlin
- Jean Kluge
- warren moon
- Amon Ra St. Brown
- Mario Urrutia
- Festus Ezeli
- larry demeritt
- Akoi Agau
- Valerie Combs
- michael bush
- Geneo Riley
- Bilal Powell
- Rau Alejandro
- Randy Travis
- Richie Sambora
- Mischievous violation of nature
- Skip Martin
- Selection subject.
- mike mills
- mark martell
- John Elefante
- Johnny Edwards
- JD Shelburne
- the crushers
- DJ Second Nature
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2024 Kentucky Derby Party: Winner Party (May 4)
Saturday night's main event will be held at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. The new Derby Champion will be crowned at a special party, featuring the winning owner, trainer and jockey.
