There are plenty of ways to celebrate “The Running of the Roses” on Saturday, May 4, right here in the DYT.
Here are five celebrations you won’t want to miss:
>> The ULTIMATE guide to Derby Day in Dayton
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
1. WIENER DOGS ON THE RUN
The Dachshund will dash and you will laugh (see what we did there?).
It is the fourth year for the Oregon District Business Association’s annual Derby Day Wiener Dog Race.
It is the cutest few minutes you’ll ever see.
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4
WHERE: Oregon District
COST: Free to attend | Race registration is closed
MORE INFO: Website
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
>>WHERE TO PARK: New, free parking spaces now open in Oregon District
THE SCHEDULE
The festivities will run as follows:
2 p.m.: Pup Costume Social
3 p.m.: Pup Costume Parade: Beginning in the Trolley Stop Plaza and ending at the corner of Fifth Street and Pine Street (Dogs must be leashed. All breeds welcome!)
4 p.m.: Wiener Dog Races Commence
5:30 p.m.: Costume and Race Award Ceremony
2. DRESSED TO KILL
You are going to want to dress to impress if you are heading to Dayton Taste’s Derby Day bash.
The “Hats, Bow Ties, Bourbon, & Sundresses Derby Party” not only celebrates the horse race, but is meant to kick off summer.
"Ladies will be dressed in their sexiest, classiest sundresses while the fellas will be looking fly with their bowties. DJ Ron Hunter will keep the crowd going and our bartenders will keep the cognac and cocktails flowing," the Facebook event for the party reads.
The party includes light hors d’oeuvres, a cigar bar and drink specials.
DJ Ron Hunter will play music, and there will be a contest.
WHEN: Party starts at 5 p.m.
WHERE: 2555 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood
COST: $20 and VIP booths are $175.
MORE INFO: Facebook or call 937-854-7060
>> How to throw a Derby Party of your own
3. CENTURY BAR
This Derby celebration mainstay will feature mint juleps all day and feature the race on the radio, the “old fashioned way,” said Joe Head, co-owner of Century Bar.
Hats and fancy frocks are completely optional.
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4
WHERE: The Century Bar, 10 S. Jefferson St., Dayton
TICKET COST: Admission is free. Mint juleps will cost $9 each.
MORE INFO: centurybar.com | Facebook or call 937-223-3382
>> PODCAST: What Had Happened Was ... Bourbon, Beards and Joe Head
4) DERBY AND BBQ
Credit: Miami Valley Hunt & Polo Club
Credit: Miami Valley Hunt & Polo Club
The Miami Valley Hunt and Polo Club has a derby party planned to fill you up with mint juleps, fun and a BBQ included in the admission price.
Following the race, guests are invited to enjoy the evening with their friends and BYOB drinks.
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: 2465 Keystone Club Drive, Moraine
COST: $20 per person at the door.
MORE INFO: Facebook, | 937-949-9443 | website
Credit: Miami Valley Hunt & Polo Club
Credit: Miami Valley Hunt & Polo Club
5) DERBY AT THE TRACK
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway will celebrate the 145th Kentucky Derby within its Simulcast Theater and drink specials in its Skybox Sports Bar.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, May 4.
WHERE: 777 Hollywood Blvd., Dayton
COST: Reserve a carrel seat in the Simulcast Theater are $15. Table seats are $10. Each reservation includes a Churchill Downs Program. For reservations, call 937-235-7861.
MORE INFO: Website | 937-235-7861 | Facebook
A BARREL AGED BASH
Credit: Jim Witmer
Credit: Jim Witmer
Bunkers Sports Bar and Grill will feature Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale at its Kentucky Derby bash. Guest will be invited to pick horses and their will be a best hat contest. The bar is promoting Lexington Brewing Co.’s Kentucky Experience Sweepstakes.
People are invited to post photos of themselves with Lexington Brewing Co.’s products on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win a two night stay in downtown Lexington, tickets to a live horse race, a tour of Town Branch Distillery and dinner at two top Lexington restaurants.
The contest ends at 11:59.59 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Click here for official rules.
WHEN: starting at noon on Saturday, May 4.
WHERE: 893 E. National Road, Vandalia
COST: Admission to the bar is free.
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