DERBY FEST
May 3, 2025About The EventS
Your 2025 Concert Field Guide to Sam Houston Race Park
The ultimate Kentucky Derby experience at the Showgrounds on May 3rd, 2025, held in the infield of Sam Houston Race Park. This will be Houston's largest and most exciting Derby celebration, offering a day filled with live horse racing, live music, DJs, and an electrifying atmosphere, all complemented by jumbo screens to catch every moment of the Run for the Roses. The total capacity of the Showgrounds is 8,000 people. Guests will have access to the Wine Garden, where a selection of wines will be available, Food Trucks, Crawfish, Official Kentucky Derby merchandise, hand-rolled cigars, wagering, as well as an exclusive all-inclusive VIP section with indoor and outdoor lounge seating, climate control, full bar service and premium catering for those looking to elevate their experience. The Showgrounds will open at 10:00 AM and close after the last race at Churchill Downs.
• SHRP North and South Gates open at 9:00 AM
• Showgrounds gates open at 10:00 AM
• First post time for SHRP 10:30 AM
• SHRP Races will be shown on the big screen TVs and will be switched over to NBC Feed for Kentucky Derby after the conclusion SHRP races. Both SHRP and Churchill feed will be available on all TVs in the VIP section
• The Showgrounds will not be open on Friday, May 2nd for Oaks
• There will be a variety of food trucks available in the GA section and inclusive food in the VIP section
• Derby Fest ticket holders will be able to access the Grandstand
VIP Amenities
Full bar service - with Mint Juleps and Oaks Lillies
Gourmet buffet
Mutuel betting facilities
Exclusive private lounge seating
Live television feed of the Kentucky Derby
Comfortable lounge and table seating
Viewing Platform
Wine Garden with live music and DJ
Large screen televisions for optimal viewing
Luxury Restrooms - climate controlled
Access to general admission vendors, exclusive Kentucky Derby merchandise, and food trucks
General Admission Amenities
Access to General Admission vendors, Kentucky Derby merchandise, and food trucks
Limited outdoor seating options
Mutuel wagering facilities
Large outdoor television for optimal viewing
Lawn Chairs allowed
Kentucky Derby Hat Contest
Crawfish
Live Music
DJ
Wine Garden
Food Trucks