group of people sitting on an outside patios at tables wearing Churchill Downs themed attire
Holidays

Derby Day

Meet Us at Laurel for a Day at the Races!

Salt Lake City's original Derby Day party returns to Laurel Brasserie and Bar's patio for an afternoon of race-day traditions, mint juleps, live music, and proceeds benefiting Utah Food Bank.

Reserve Your Spot
special guest host Deena Marie Manzanares of Good Things Utah

The Celebration

Salt Lake City's original Derby Day party

For the fourth year running, The Grand America Hotel brings Salt Lake City its original Derby Day celebration. Gather on Laurel's patio for an afternoon of race-day traditions, live music, specialty cocktails, and community spirit. Festivities kick off at 4:00 PM with live music on the lawn, and Kentucky Derby coverage broadcasts on the terrace TVs through the 5:30 PM conclusion. All proceeds benefit Utah Food Bank.

Sip and Savor

Classic race-day fare and specialty cocktails

Raise a glass to the races with handcrafted Mint Juleps and Peach and Bourbon Smashes, the quintessential tastes of Derby Day. General Admission guests enjoy complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres throughout the event, while VIP guests receive exclusive chef's hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets. A special small bites menu will also be available, with full details coming soon from our culinary team.

woman's hand grabbing a specialty cocktail from the bar
server attending to a table of women

Get Your Ticket

General Admission and VIP Experience available

General Admission ($75) includes event entry and passed hors d'oeuvres. Upgrade to the VIP Experience ($150) for early entry at 3:15 PM, priority seating, two drink tickets, early access to the pony photo opportunity, exclusive chef's hors d'oeuvres, and a special gift. Don your best Churchill Downs attire and compete for best hat and outfit. A special pony guest will also be on hand for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity.

Know the Derby

10 facts to make you a Kentucky Derby expert

From Secretariat's unbroken track record to the 37-year wait for American Pharoah's Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is packed with stories worth knowing. Brush up on the history, the traditions, and the legends of the race before you join us on the patio. Read our blog for 10 things you need to know to sound like a Kentucky Derby expert.

jockey riding a horse during a race