In our opinion, Denver’s best KY Derby party is the Denver Mini Derby. This event started a couple years ago by Eleven Creative, the same group who created the Mile High Beer Festival, Whiskey+Doughnuts, and RiNo Prom (to name a few). This year’s Mini Derby moved from its former location at Stanley Marketplace to the bigger Conservatory Green Park in Stapleton.

Proceeds from the ticket sales helped support their charity partners Next Step Horse Rescue and Minds Matter of Denver. The Mini Derby is names such because the event actually has a mini horse race: mini-sized race course with mini-sized horses! The horses are all rescue horses from Next Step Horse Rescue and guests could visit with them before and after the race and take photos with the little cuties.

One of the best parts is all tickets included open bar access complete with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey mint juleps, Smirnoff vodka cocktails, Avery Brewing Company beer, wines, champagne, Red Bull and KeVita kombucha! I’d argue this open bar was better than at most events and kept everyone refreshed, energized and extra-cheery.

And boy was there plenty to cheer for! The 145th annual Running of the Kentucky Derby was just one of the races at the Denver Mini Derby. The real reason people pick this Derby party over any other is to see the live mini horse race and Corgi race take place on the greens right in front of them! Guys and gals alike we’re so excited to see these races and exuberantly cheered the cute animals on. It was adorable.

Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man, Best Hat, and Cutest Couple which made for a beautiful event. Rollin Smoke BBQ and Infinitus Pie’s food trucks sold tasty eats and Groove ‘N Motion provided the live music before the race. We had a fantastic time and we highly recommend you join in the fun next May!