2026 Madison Derby Party at The Edgewater
May 2
3:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Derby Weekend Done Right!
Get Down and Derby at The Edgewater
Join us on the Grand Plaza at The Edgewater for Madison’s 9th Annual Kentucky Derby Party, in partnership with J. Henry & Sons and benefiting Friends of UW Health, supporting patients and their families at UW Health.
Enjoy a Madison Favorite, The Big Payback, then get down with Disco Funk by VO5 Band while playing race day inspired lawn games like ring toss, bags, shuffleboard, horseshoes and more! Raise your Mint Julep or Kentucky Mule and toast the winner following the race event. Derby attire is not required but certainly encouraged as we continue the tradition of naming best dressed and best hat at this year’s celebration.
Don’t miss your opportunity to enter our raffle for a chance to win an overnight stay at The Edgewater. All proceeds from games and raffles will benefit Friends of UW Health. So, grab your seersucker blazer and best brimmed hat and join us on the infield for Madison’s best derby party! No reservations required. Party is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.
Timeline of Events:
- 3:00 PM – The Big Payback Performance
- 4:30 PM – Raffles
- 5:15 PM – VO5 Performance
- 5:57 PM – Kentucky Derby Race
- 6:10 PM – VO5 Performance
Derby Delights Available on The Grand Plaza:
- Smoked Brisket Sandwich with cherry-bourbon barbecue, apple-fennel slaw, pickled jalapenos, corn dusted kaiser bun. $17
- Kentucky Hot Chicken Sandwich with bourbon-cayenne glaze, house made butter pickles, shaved cabbage slaw, potato bun. $13
- Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Board with bourbon-infused hot honey, toasted pecans, pickled okra, seasonal fruit, grilled sourdough. $16
- Derby Chex Mix with spiced pecans, pretzels, candied bourbon peanuts & kettle corn tossed with a brown sugar bourbon glaze. $8
- Cornbread Crackers with whipped pimento cheese. $8
- Crispy Black-Eyed Pea Hush Puppies with smoked paprika remoulade. $9
Grand Plaza General Admission | Free & Open to the public
SOLD OUT VIP Grandstand Experience | $75
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
You can bet on a good time at with our VIP experience! Stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the Wine Room reception celebrating all things Derby with fare inspired by the flavors of the south. Watch the most exciting two minutes in sports from The Statehouse Terrace.
Tickets include:
- Private bar and exclusive access
- Exclusive 2026 9th Annual Madison Derby Party glass
- (2) drink tickets
- Taste of the Derby light bites:
- Smoked Duck Slider with cherry-bourbon gastric, honey goat cheese, and a pretzel bun.
- Maple Bourbon Pork Belly Bites with Kentucky maple glaze, pickled apple, and chives.
- Smoked Lamb Sliders with mint julep aioli, goat cheese, and a brioche bun
- Derby Grazing Board with whipped ricotta, hot bourbon honey, country ham ribbons, pickled okra, spiced pecan, charred peaches, and grilled sourdough.
- Bourbon Braised Short Ribs with creamy stone-ground grits and crispy shallots.
- Butter Milk Chess Tart with caramelized peaches and vanilla bean cream.
- Candy Pecan Praline Cheesecake with a brown butter crust and bourbon caramel drizzle
VIP experience happens rain or shine. Will be moved indoors.
