2026 Kentucky Derby Hat Party

Kentucky Derby Hat Party 
Saturday, May 2, 2026  
Time: 5pm to 7:30pm 
Location: The Equestrian Hotel Terrace 

On Saturday, May 2, watch the 152nd Run for the Roses® at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the Kentucky Derby Hat Party on The Equestrian Hotel terrace from 5pm to 7:30pm. 

Choose a gorgeous Derby hat or commemorative Woodford Reserve bourbon bottle (first come, first served) and cheer on your favorite as the race unfolds live on the Jumbotron screens. The Hat Party features chef-attended action stations serving elegant race-day small plates, including Hot Brown sandwiches, jambalaya, fried green tomatoes and more. Enjoy included samples of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Woodford Reserve and mint juleps, or purchase Derby-day cocktails, beer and wine from the cash bars. 

Please note: Event is 21+.  

Pricing: 

• $300 per person 

Make it a weekend! Stay in style with the Derby Weekend Resort Stay Package at The Equestrian Hotel or The Riding Academy Hotel and enjoy a full weekend of Derby-inspired events, including access to the Kentucky Derby Hat Party.
Click here to reserve your package.

Event Menu: 

APPETIZERS  

• Deviled Eggs, Smoked Paprika, Bacon Lardons  


• KFC Sliders, B&B Pickles, Alabama White Sauce  

DISPLAY STATIONS  

• Little Gems, Roasted Baby Beets, Goat Cheese, Pecans, Sorghum, Kentucky Soy Vinaigrette  


• Fried Green Tomatoes, Green Tomato Jam, Pimento Cheese  


• Buttermilk Biscuits, Pimento Cheese, Honey Butter, Apple Jam  

ACTION STATIONS  

• Hot Browns, Sourdough, Roasted Turkey, Roasted Tomatoes, Applewood Bacon, Mornay Sauce   


• Jambalaya, Tasso Ham, Chicken, Shrimp, Crawfish   


• Grilled Creole Filet, Mashed Potatoes, Jus   


• Blackened Redfish, Hoppin’ John, Sauce Piquant 

DESSERT 

• Hummingbird Cake, Cream Cheese Icing  


• Mini Derby Pies, Toasted Pecans  


• Strawberry Shortcake Verrines, Whipped Cream  
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: 
* Pricing is inclusive of gratuity.  
* Taxes and online service fees additional. 
* This is a reception style event. Seating will be first come, first served.    
* Pricing is subject to a 15% increase 72 hours before the start of the event.  
* Refunds will not be issued within 48 hours of the event, unless the event is canceled by World Equestrian Center – Ocala due to inclement weather. 

If you have questions regarding this event, please reach out to:
Kim Kent, Special Events Manager
1390 NW 80th Ave Ocala, FL 34482
Office: 352-414-7855 | kimberly.kent@wec.net
www.wec.net