TICKETS ON SALE NOW

2026 Kentucky Derby Party at Ewing Young Distillery

Join us for the 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party — our most beloved event of the year!

This is the day we pull out all the stops: stunning Derby hats, festive Derby food, craft cocktails (and mocktails), and the thrill of the most exciting two minutes in sports — all in the perfect setting at our distillery. Guests love our party because:

• Outstanding craft cocktails and delicious Derby Day food.
• Watching the race with fellow Derby fans in a warm, casual, and inviting atmosphere.
• The beautiful horse farm setting — home to Kentucky Derby-winning stallion Giacomo!
• People-watching at its finest — seeing everyone dressed up in sensational Derby hats and outfits.

We’re keeping this year’s crowd 20% smaller on purpose — so you can enjoy a more spacious, relaxed, and elevated experience with your friends and fellow Derby fans.

• More elbow room for comfort
• Shorter waits at the bar
• Covered, heated patio seating for everyone
• Free parking included with your ticket

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Doors open: 11:45 AM

All seating is reserved, and you pick the time you want to eat -- 12:30 or 1:30. Arrive any time after doors open and settle in. Here’s the day’s schedule:

11:45 AM — Doors open | Cocktail & mocktail service begins

12:00 PM — Derby Day TV coverage starts on big-screen TVs (visible from every seat)

12:30 PM — Group 1 Buffet

1:30 PM — Group 2 Buffet

2:00 PM — Dessert & Derby Day fun

3:00 PM — Best Hat & Best Dressed Contest (bring your finest!)

3:30 PM — Grab your drink for the traditional race-time toast

3:55 PM — Get ready — the moment is almost here!

3:57 PM — Post time for the Kentucky Derby!

4:15 PM — Last call for cocktails & mocktails

4:30 PM — Party concludes

Tickets: $75 per person

Your ticket includes a Mimosa and a delicious Derby-inspired buffet from one of Yamhill County's most popular caterers, Biscuits & Pickles:

Maple-brined and roasted Carlton Farms pork chop

Grilled chicken thighs with Tillamook cheddar fondue and braised greens

German-style potato salad

Applewood smoked bacon and pimento cheese grits

Brussels sprout pickle slaw

Marionberry crisp with cinnamon crema

*Email info@ewingyoungdistillery.com to request a vegetarian option.

Plus, full cocktail and mocktail service throughout the day, big-screen viewing, reserved seating, parking, and all the festive Derby atmosphere.

This is your chance to celebrate Derby Day in style — with great people, outstanding food and drinks, and a friendly, energized vibe on our historic farm. Tickets are limited due to our intentionally smaller crowd size — we will sell out!  Reserve your seats today and get ready for an unforgettable 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party at Ewing Young Distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

The more Derby-ish, the better! Many ladies go all out with beautiful spring dresses and elaborate derby-decorated hats. Our male guests have been seen in everything from jeans to floral suits, bow ties, and Derby hats. Go for the gusto and compete for Best Dressed or Best Hat! There will be prizes!

How is the access for those with mobility limitations or those wearing fancy high heels?

If you're wearing fancy shoes, you may wish to arrive in sneakers and change to your nice shoes as you will be walking through a gravel parking lot. Email info@ewingyoungdistillery.com if you need to be dropped off on a concrete surface with a straight roll or stroll to your table.

Do we have to pay extra for parking?

No.  Parking is included in your ticket price.

Are there ticketing fees added on?

We are paying the ticketing fees.  Your total cost is the cost of the ticket, $75.

I heard that all your seating is outdoors. What if it's raining or cold?

We have an enclosed, covered patio and an enclosed event tent, and both are heated and on the concrete patio. It has rained some at almost every Derby party we've had, so we just plan for it! The party is on, rain or shine. Anyway, Oregonians never let a little rain bother us.

I want to eat at 1:30 pm. Should I still arrive at 11:45 am when the gates open?

That's up to you. We added the later mealtime for those who want to arrive later and eat later. So, arrive whenever you like. Your seat is reserved.

Is it an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet? Can I go through the line as many times as I want?

No, and no. One time through, please. ❤️

Can I get my picture taken with Kentucky Derby winner, Giacomo, same as last year?

Maybe. Giacomo, who won the Derby in 2005, is now an elderly horse who isn't always up for visitors. That will be a game-day call. But we will have a nice banner set up in the selfie tent so you can take your picture with images of Giacomo and our other past resident/Derby winner, Grindstone, who won in 1996.

Can I bring some snacks for before and after the meal?

Sure. But no outside liquid refreshments, alcohol or non-alcohol, are allowed. Per Oregon law, you may not buy a bottle of any size, including 50 ml, and consume IT on site.

Does my ticket include a free drink?

Yes, your ticket includes a complimentary Mimosa -- fruit juice and sparkling wine or a fruit juice and club soda mocktail.

Will there be a hat contest?

It wouldn't be a proper Derby party without a Hat Contest! Yes, we will have a Hat Contest and also a Best-Dressed Contest. For inspiration, search on the Internet for Kentucky Derby hats and attire, and don't wait until the last minute!   Get an inexpensive hat to start with from Amazon or a thrift store and load it up with roses, horses, anything Derby-ish.  And yes, if you win, you get a prize. A good prize.

Will there be Mint Juleps?

Oh yes. And they are delicious.

Questions to info@ewingyoungdistillery.com