The Kentucky Derby may be the reason that everyone will gather at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2015, but there are also plenty of other events to attend. In addition to private parties held in smaller settings, the following are the four primary official Kentucky Derby events taking place during and around that weekend.
Taste of Derby
On April 30, 2015, the sixth annual Taste of Derby will take place at the North Wing Lobby of the Kentucky Exposition Center from 7pm to 11:30pm. The night is all about showcasing fabulous food and wine from horse racing destinations across the United States, such as Houston, New York, and New Orleans, all in an effort to raise funds for hunger relief organizations.
Unbridled Eve Gala
The Unbridled Eve Gala will take place on May 1, 2015 in the Grant Ballroom at the Galt House Hotel at 7pm. Dance only admittance starts at 10pm. It’s a black-tie optional event. Ticket and tables are available, and you can also make a donation to the Unbridled Charitable Foundation.
Hermitage Grand Gala
Also on May 1, 2015 is the Hermitage Grand Gala, which will take place at Hermitage Farm in Goshen. Celebrities to perform at the event are Julie Atlas, Ne-Yo, DJ Cassidy, and Darius Rucker. Proceeds from ticket and table sales will go to benefit The University of Louisville Autism Center, Cardinal Covenant Scholarship at the University of Louisville, Kosair Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Hospital Foundation, The West End School, and the Kentucky School of Art at Spalding University.
Barnstable Brown Party
Another event to take place on May 1, 2015 is the Barnstable Brown Party at the home of Patricia Barnstable Brown in Louisville. The black-tie affair is known to draw in celebrities as performers as well as guests. Those who were on the guest list for the 2014 event included Kings of Leon, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Salt-n-Pepa, Lee Ann Womack, and Boyz II Men. Proceeds will benefit the University of Kentucky’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center.
With all the fabulous official Kentucky Derby Events, it can be almost impossible to decide which one to attend so the best thing to do is grab a drink and see where the weekend takes you.