Down & Derby
05-04-2024
The top 5 best Derby parties in the U.S. by Matador Network, was featured in Forbes Magazine. Down & Derby
Down & Derby, which has been ranked one of the top 5 best Derby parties in the U.S. by Matador Network, was featured in Forbes Magazine.“Down & Derby” emerges as a premier event, heralded as one of the top five Derby Day parties in USA. Nestled in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, this illustrious event seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary flair, captivating attendees with its electrifying ambiance and unparalleled celebration of which has been ranked one of the top 5 best Derby parties in the U.S. by Matador Network.
Imbued with the spirit of the iconic race, Down & Derby invites guests into a world where Southern charm meets modern sophistication. From the moment guests step through the doors, they are enveloped in an atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation, as the unmistakable energy of Derby Day pulses through the venue.
Tickets
21 + Age Allowed.
$6.00 parking available (with validation) at 100 High Street Garage. Validation stickers are available at Alewives Taproom.
Venue
High Street Place
100 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
A modern & stylish food hall located in Boston. Featuring hip eateries, cocktail spots and dessert shops. HSP also offers the largest video screen in all of Downtown making it the perfect location to watch the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!
2019 Recap
“Down & Derby” was a vibrant and dynamic event hosted by the Laura Ladd in 2019, encapsulating the essence of community, fun, and philanthropy. Held in the heart of Boston, this annual fundraiser brought together individuals from all walks of life to support the crucial mission of ending domestic violence.
Hosts
Judges
Celebrity Guests Appearances
2024 Entertainment
Green Carpet
Spring has sprung! Guests will be welcome in style with a garden party entrance, step & repeat with photo opp and live entertainment.
Interview on the green carpet with our very own “Bookie”!
Brian Vincent is a hilarious RI based comedian. This seasoned veteran studied under the late Vaudeville Comic Billy Miller, he learned the “old school” way of show business. His quick wit, excellent timing and dry sense of humor make him a hit with any age group!
Louie Bello
Louie Bello is an American Boston-born singer and songwriter. He is also the former Sony ATV writer and Boston award winner who can be seen on venues around the country from Boston to Texas. He has written and performed with dozens of National Recording Artists and he is the writer and performer of the title song for the ESPN documentary, PUSH. He has performed in local and national music festivals, such as Boston Fest Red Gorilla Festival, SXSW, Phantom Gourmet’s Summer BBQ.
New England Red Velvet Steppers
Wagering Window
Bet on your horse, and you could win 50% of the pot!
How it works:
Purchase raffle tickets
Place them in the mason jar that represents the horse you think will win. (Hint: you can place tickets in all jars to increase your chances of winning!)
We will pick the winning ticket from the jar of the Kentucky Derby winning horse.
Love Life Now Foundation, Inc. will receive 50% of the total bets, and you will walk away with the rest!
Trumpet Performance by Sara Manning - Harvard University Band
Where The Excitement Begins!
Derby Games
All types of fun games to keep you entertained
* Cornhole
* Jumbo Jenga
* Pop-A-Shot
* Jumbo Connect Four
VIP Experience
Includes official Kentucky Derby swag & photo opportunities with Woodford Reserve.
*Complimentary Bourbon Tasting from 4:00 PM-5:00 PM.
*Only available to VIP guests
Watch The Race On a 28 Foot Video Wall
Experience the most exciting 2 minutes in sports on the largest video in all of downtown Boston.
Photo Booth
Delicious Food
Please join us from 4PM – 7PM and enjoy complimentary passed hors & d’oeuvres & dessert on us
Door Prizes
Down & Derby attendees have a chance to win a FREE door prize for simply attending the event!
Hat Contest
Compete for the coveted titles and win a prize in one of three categories. Best Hat (ladies only), Best Dressed (men only) Most Creative (open to all)!
DJ & Dancing
This party is going LATE! From 7:00PM on our DJ JWALL will be spinning all kinds of music to bring you the most electric nightlife.
Itinerary
Event Chairs
Laura Ladd & LLN President – Lovern Gordon
4:00PM – 5:00PM Green Carpet entrance with entertainment and photo opp
4:00PM - 5:00PM Dance Performance Featuring The New England Red Velvet Steppers
4:00PM – 8:00PM Photo Booth & Derby Games
4:00PM – 6:30PM Live Music
4:00PM – 6:00PM Mock Betting. A chance to win a CASH prize via 50/50 Raffle
4:00PM – 7:00PM Complimentary Hors D’oeuvres & Dessert
5:30PM – Best Hat, Best Dressed & Most Creative Contest
6:15PM – Trumpet Player Performs Call To The Post
6:24PM – Post Time. Kentucky Derby Shown on a 28 Foot Video Wall
7:00PM – Mock Betting Winner Announced & Commencement Speech
7:00PM – LATE! Stay For The Afterparty. DJ & Dancing
Corporate Sponsors
John Higgins,Owner Higs Tickets
Maureen Ryan Financial Services
Armand GibsonSal Steel Inc
Winner's Circle
Jeff Mucciarelli & Lauren Haidon
Judy Gordon
Galey and Nic Gravenstein
Mark and Mary Wise
Wendy London and Theresa Williams
2024 Sponsors & Partners
Photo Gallery
Previous Sponsors & Partners
Get in Touch
For questions or concerns, please email us