Kentucky Derby Infield Party Scene!
Why The Infield Is 'Absolute Choas'


The infield party scene makes Derby Day one of America's great events.
Photos: Jack Fleming

• 2013 Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 4

It's wild – and occasionally wet – at the Kentucky Derby, America's Great Party. And it will be one or both in 2013.

No matter that the weather, the crazy and colorful infield scene thrives. The actual horse racing aspect for the infield party people is an afterthought, simply the excuse, similar to Jimmy Buffett concerts.

The craziness happens all over the infield but the primary partying action is the Third Turn Party. Elsewhere, people stake out spots for personal partying, wearing those big Kentucky Derby hats and having plenty of mint juleps by their side.

The PubClubettes at the wild and wet Derby infield.

The Derby, though, it more than a one-afternoon affair. For many, the real horseplay is not on the track, but the infield. Leading up the first Saturday of May (the 2013 race is the the 139th Run for the Roses) are two days of pre-party events called the Crown Royal Festival in the Field.

Entry to the infield concert , which takes place on the Infield Club, is $15 and includes admission to the track. Music starts at 11 a.m.

On Friday, May 3, there is even entertainment surrounding the Kentucky Oaks. Gates open at 8 a.m., with bands taking the stage at 11 (tickets for this day are $25).

The bands play in the infield as part of a regular concert held since 1997. In addition to name acts, local bands play throughout the day and night.

Post time for the Derby on Saturday is 4:04 p.m. GA tickets for the Derby are $40.

Mint Julep Recipe

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Sprigs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• Kentucky bourbon

ONLY use Kentucky Bourbon!

Kentucky Derby Photos and The Infield Party Scene

These girls go after each other in the mud wrestling pit.

See, they are friends after all!

There's a mud pit regardless if it's raining or shining in the infield.

Body shot! (And what a body!)

This is a little more than a body shot.

There's a lot of happy faces in the infield for the Derby.

This t-shirt tells the truth!

It's a takedown with a horse collar!

Three girls go after it in the mud wrestling pit.

She came of it as a clear winner.

Oh yeah, there are horses racing!