If you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year, you probably already know the basics: mint juleps, big hats, and delicious Southern food (and if you don’t, be sure to check out my Ultimate Derby Day Entertaining Guide. But when it comes to actually entertaining your guests during the race (and, more importantly, all the time leading up to it), having a few simple and well-thought-out activities can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve found that the best Derby Day activities are the ones that everyone can partake in without much knowledge or effort. You want something that gets guests involved without requiring a ton of setup, complicated rules, or awkward “wait, how does this work?” moments. And unless you’re hosting a very specific crowd, it’s best to avoid anything that feels too formal or encourages over-betting.

Whether your guests are seasoned bettors or just there for the outfits and snacks, these easy Kentucky Derby party activities are fun, interactive, and simple to pull off. Even better? They’re all printable, so you can set everything up in minutes.

1. Run for the Roses Raffle (The Easiest Option)

If you’re looking for a no-stress, beginner-friendly activity, this is it. A Run for the Roses raffle is about as simple as it gets: guests pick a horse out of a jar and cheer it on during the race. Whoever’s horse places first wins the raffle. That’s it. No complicated rules, no math, and no pressure. I love this option for mixed groups, especially when you have guests who may not be familiar with traditional betting. It keeps things light and fun while still adding that extra bit of excitement to the race.

Here’s what you need to host your own Run of the Roses raffle: 

• Printed instruction sign– This one’s available in my Etsy shop!
• Pre-cut raffle slips– I included two styles! Choose your favorite or use both.
• List of Kentucky Derby contenders– Refer to the Kentucky Derby website and write each horse on a slip. If you have a large group, you can double up or add a few blanks.
• A bowl or large derby hat– I used a glass champagne bucket, but any large bowl or jar will suffice. 
• Prize– I usually do one “grand” prize for 1st place. Woodford Reserve’s special edition Kentucky Derby bottle is always a hit, but you can add smaller prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, too.

Another thing I love about this option is that there’s no entry fee, which makes it great for all ages, including kiddos.

2. Pick-a-Horse Betting (Simple & Classic)

This is the next step up from the raffle, but still incredibly easy to manage. With pick-a-horse betting, each guest places a flat bet (I recommend something like $5 per card) on whichever horse they choose and on however many horses they choose. At the end of the race, the pot is split among the winners based on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. It keeps the structure of traditional betting, but simplifies the process so guests don’t have to overthink it. This is a great option if you want a little more excitement than a raffle and an official Derby feel without the complexity!

Here’s what you need to create a Place Your Bets station for pick-a-horse-style betting: 

• Printed instruction sign– This one’s available in my Etsy shop! If you create your own, make sure it explains how winnings will be distributed.
• Pre-cut betting strips– These should include a space for the bettor and horse.
• Pens– Have several on hand. 
• A bowl or hat for entries– I used our old wedding card box! Anything works really. 
• A jar or container for cash– Make sure there’s a designated spot for cash! If you’re techy, you can accept Venmo or CashApp bets, too.
• Calculator– Fractions are involved, so I recommend having a calculator handy to avoid mistakes. 

And if you want to add a little extra charm, feel free to recruit your pup! Nellie loves the attention (doesn’t she look pretty in her cute pink bow?!) and is always happy to “help” at the Place Your Bets station.

3. Simplified Win, Place, Show Betting (Equal Wagers)

If you want to lean into the classic Derby experience while still keeping things approachable, this is a perfect middle ground. With simplified win, place, show betting, guests choose:

• Win (1st place)
• Place (1st or 2nd)
• Show (1st, 2nd, or 3rd)

Each card has the same wager amount (again, $5 works perfectly), which keeps everything fair and easy to calculate at the end. The total pot is then split:

• 1/2 to win bets
• 1/3 to place bets
• 1/6 to show bets

And within each category, winnings are divided evenly among the winning cards. I love this version because it feels authentic, but still manageable for a party setting. It’s especially fun for guests who enjoy a little strategy without wanting to get too technical.

Here’s what you need to run a simplified and stress-free Win, Place, Show betting game:

• Printed instruction sign– This one’s available in my Etsy shop! If you create your own, make sure it explains how slips should be filled out and how winnings will be distributed. It’s also a good idea to provide an example slip for reference!
• Pre-cut betting strips– With spaces for race, win, place, show, and bettor. 
• Pens– I recommend having multiple pens ready for guests to use. 
• A bowl or hat for entries– Anything works really, so get creative!
• A jar or container for cash– Make sure there’s a designated spot for cash! If you’re techy, you can accept Venmo or CashApp bets, too.
• Calculator– Fractions are involved, so I recommend having a calculator handy to avoid mistakes. 

4. Weighted Win, Place, Show Betting (For a Classic Feel)

For a more traditional, “race day” experience, you can offer a weighted win, place, show betting option. This version works just like the simplified one, but instead of flat wagers, guests can bet different amounts. Payouts are then distributed proportionally, meaning the more you bet, the larger your share of the winnings. It sounds complicated, but with a simple instruction sign and calculator on hand, it’s actually very doable and will be a big hit with your more competitive (and more seasoned) guests. 

To keep things approachable, I recommend:

• Including a suggested wager range (like $2–$10)
• Adding a quick example of how payouts work
• Rounding payouts to the nearest dollar

This option adds a little extra excitement and gives your guests the chance to play more strategically, while still keeping everything organized and fair.

Here’s what you need to run a classic weighted Win, Place, Show betting game:

• Printed instruction sign– With clear directions and ideally an example. To keep everything clear and transparent, provide guests with as much information as possible, like how the betting actually works, how to fill out the slips, and how winnings are calculated. 
• Pre-cut betting strips– With spaces for race, win, place, show, wager, and bettor. 
• Pens– I recommend having multiple pens ready for guests to use. 
• A bowl or hat for entries– Anything works really, so get creative!
• A jar or container for cash– Make sure there’s a designated spot for cash! If you’re techy, you can accept Venmo or CashApp bets, too.
• Calculator– And ideally one organized “scorekeeper.”

A Few Kentucky Derby Hosting Tips

No matter which activity (or activities!) you choose, a little setup goes a long way in making everything feel seamless.

• Create a designated raffle or “Place Your Bets” station. Set out your instruction signs, slips, pens, and a jar or bowl for entries in one central and easy-to-find spot.
• Pre-cut your slips. Trust me, this makes a huge difference once guests start arriving.
• Keep it flexible. Some guests will want to go all in, others will just want to participate casually. Having multiple options (like a raffle + betting) makes everyone feel included.
• Expect that guests won’t have cash. Plan for Venmo or CashApp if needed!
• Lean into the fun. Derby Day is all about the experience (and the juleps). Don’t stress the details too much. A little friendly competition is all you need!

At the end of the day, the best Kentucky Derby party activities are the ones that bring people together. Whether your guests are placing bets, picking horses, or just cheering from the sidelines, these simple ideas will keep everyone entertained and will make your party one to remember. Happy hosting, y’all!

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