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Down & Derby Party

May 2nd, 2026
2pm-6pm

At The Grainhouse, Windsor

Enjoy The Race! The Raffle! The Fun!

Celebrate!

The 152nd Kentucky Derby, “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” as NOCO Unify brings Churchill Downs to Northern Colorado with a live feed of the actual race, bringing all the action to you!

The Details:

Join us in partaking in America’s oldest and greatest race. The Down & Derby Party celebrates all the pageantry and excitement of the Kentucky Derby. It just happens to do it Colorado-style. This must-attend event of the season includes the tastiest fare, beverages, games, and, of course, the traditional Mint Julep as your welcome cocktail (or Champagne). Live music, dancing and other shenanigans will make you smile all day long. The Facette Medspa hat and best dressed contest is always a fun time. Oh, and there are always a few surprises.

This is a 21-and-over event.

FAQs

How Much Are Tickets?

On Thursday, April 2nd, from 9am – 5pm, we will have our annual Advance Ticket Sale (ATSE), where tickets will be offered for $175 this day only.

Exclusive special ticket pricing available for those attending the NOCO St. Pat’s Parade & Celebration. Find us & the ticket link in Old Town Fort Collins on Saturday, March 14th.

Tickets will be available for purchase online at the regular cost of $225 once Advanced Ticket Sales close.

Your Ticket Includes:

Large viewing area for the live Kentucky Derby on the biggest screen available
All-inclusive drinks and Derby style eats
Multiple bars with large assortment of beer, wine, and cocktails
Large covered areas with plenty of seating options
Live Music
Facette MedSpa’s Best Hat and Best Dressed Contest
Valet parking
Numerous ways to win incredible prizes throughout the event

What about Group Tickets?

New this year, ticket packages of 10 or more tickets can be purchased for $200/ticket.

What is the Advance Ticket Sales Event? (ATSE)

This year’s Advance Ticket Sale Event is on Thursday, April 2nd – from 9am-5pm.

On THIS DAY ONLY you can purchase your entry tickets ONLINE for $175 (regularly $225).

Can I buy a ticket at the door?

The Down & Derby Party has sold out almost every year. It is best to buy them in advance!

What do I wear?

We’d like to encourage you to wear your best Derby duds. Don’t know what those are? Take a look at the pictures. Of course we’ll take you if you don’t want to get all Derby-dudded up, but give it a try. And, for women, yes, hats are a critical fashion statement.

How do I sponsor this event?

We’d love to have you! If you’re interested in being a bigger piece of the puzzle, email office@nocounify.org to discuss sponsorship options OR visit our website’s Derby Sponsorship Options for sponsorship details/availability.

See the NOCO Unify Sponsorbook.

What is the Facette MedSpa Best Hat & Dressed Contest?

No Kentucky Derby event could be complete without a tribute to proudly worn, traditional, ostentatious headwear. Facette’s Best Hat Contest will honor the finest chapeau donned at the party – the bigger and more flamboyant, the better. Not to be outdone, the Best Dressed Man contest features dudes in some fancy ‘fits.

Where do I park?

If you drive, there is valet parking at the event. Just follow the signs. If you ride share, there will be a drop/pick-up lane for you.

Do you offer refunds?

The event is a “rain or shine” unless there is a potential public emergency. There are no refunds as this is a non-profit event to raise funds for child-based organizations in NOCO.

What else do I need to know?

Since this is a fundraiser for NOCO Unify, there are great ways for you to help the children. We’ll have numerous ways to play to win amazing prizes this year. We are here to raise much-needed funds for underprivileged kids in Northern Colorado.

Who Benefits?

All event proceeds go to benefit NOCO Unify which supports NOCO youth organizations. The 2026 Impact Grant Recipients are: Boys & Girls Club of Weld County, Be The Gift, and Debut Theatre Co.