Derby Fest 2025 at Sam Houston Race Park: Houston’s Ultimate Kentucky Derby Day Celebration
The energy and tradition of Churchill Downs will come alive in Houston on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as Sam Houston Race Park (SHRP) hosts Derby Fest 2025—a day-long celebration of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. Combining Southern charm with Texas hospitality, this immersive event will transform SHRP’s infield into a vibrant gathering place for horse racing fans and entertainment seekers alike.
Located just 15 miles northwest of downtown at 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W, Sam Houston Race Park has been a staple in the Houston sports and entertainment scene since 1994. Derby Fest continues the park’s tradition of hosting major racing events with fanfare and flair, aligning perfectly with the rich heritage of the Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
A Modern Spin on a Timeless Tradition
The Kentucky Derby, first held in 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is the longest-running sporting event in the United States. Traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, it draws thousands of spectators in flamboyant hats and bowties to witness the top three-year-old thoroughbreds compete on the national stage. This year’s Derby features early favorites such as Fierceness, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, and Sierra Leone, who has made headlines with strong prep race performances.
While the original Derby takes place in Kentucky, Derby Fest at SHRP allows Houston fans to celebrate the pageantry and passion of the event—without leaving town.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Full Day of Events and Entertainment
Gates open bright and early at 8:00 AM, with the Showgrounds Tunnel to Derby Fest opening at 10:00 AM. SHRP’s own live racing will begin at approximately 10:30 AM, and the 151st Kentucky Derby will be shown live on jumbo screens at approximately 5:59 PM.
Event Highlights Include:
- Live Music by Southern County Line (2:00–4:00 PM)
- DJ Big Love at the Wine Garden Stage
- Kentucky Derby Hat Contest with diamond prizes from Shannon Jewelers (11:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- Crawfish, food trucks, wine garden, lawn games, and exclusive merchandise
- Live and simulcast racing, mutuel wagering, and full-day fanfare
VIP and General Admission Options
General Admission tickets ($30 advance or $40 day-of) include access to the food trucks, merchandise vendors, and wagering facilities, plus live music, a hat contest, and access to lawn games. Fans are welcome to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the large outdoor screens set up for optimal viewing of the races.
Contestants in the 2024 Derby Hat Contest at Sam Houston Race Park's Derby Fest. (Source: SHRP)The VIP Experience at Derby Fest 2025, priced at $175 in advance or $200 on the day of the event, offers an all-inclusive package featuring premium catering and full bar service with classic Derby cocktails like Mint Juleps and Oaks Lillies, access to a climate-controlled tent with lounge seating, private outdoor seating and viewing platforms, luxury restrooms, and full access to all general admission amenities.
Sam Houston Race Park’s Role in Racing Culture
Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc., Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier horse racing venue, playing a vital role in promoting Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in Texas. SHRP regularly features a full calendar of events that extend beyond the track, including concerts, food festivals, and holiday-themed gatherings—making it a true hub for community entertainment.
Derby Fest not only celebrates one of the most iconic days in American sports history but also showcases Houston’s enthusiasm for live horse racing and Southern-inspired revelry.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Be Part of the Tradition
Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or simply in search of a unique day out, Derby Fest 2025 at Sam Houston Race Park promises a festive mix of tradition, style, and Texas-sized fun. From Mint Juleps and live racing to fashion-forward hats and crawfish platters, this event blends the elegance of the Kentucky Derby with the vibrance of Houston’s local culture.
Grab your tickets, curate your best Derby hat, and get ready for a thrilling day of racing, revelry, and Southern flair at Houston’s biggest Kentucky Derby celebration.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.