Kentucky Derby Day Party 2026 at SunRay Park & Casino

What are the event details?

• Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
• Location: SunRay Park & Casino, 39 Road 5568, Farmington, NM
• Cost: Admission is free, but some seats in areas like the High Desert Suite are paid
• Good to know: Some areas of the property are restricted to guests 21 and older. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find their preferred viewing spot for both the local live races and the Kentucky Derby broadcast.

What happens at the SunRay Kentucky Derby Party?

The Kentucky Derby Party at SunRay Park & Casino combines live local racing with the energy of the big race from Churchill Downs. Fans can watch races from first post at 1:15 p.m. through the afternoon, then turn their attention to the Derby broadcast.

Whether you prefer to relax in the Sports Arena or stand trackside near the action, you’ll have multiple viewing options for both SunRay’s card and the Derby itself.

What is the Derby Hat Contest at SunRay Park?

SunRay’s $850 Derby Hat Contest rewards standout style and creativity across four themed categories, giving guests a reason to dress in their best Derby attire.

Categories include:

• Too Hot to Trot: Best Overall Hat ($300)
• Daily Double: Best Dressed Couple ($250)
• Off to the Races: Most Outrageous Hat ($150)
• Run for the Roses: Most Creative/Themed Hat ($150)

Key times:

• Registration: 1-3 p.m.
• Hat Parade & Judging: 3:15 p.m.
• Winners Announced: 3:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Participants must be 21 or older, and each person may enter one category.

How can guests follow the Kentucky Derby broadcast?

Guests can watch the Kentucky Derby live at SunRay Park & Casino, with coverage beginning in the early afternoon.

• Derby broadcast coverage begins at 12:30 p.m.
• The Kentucky Derby post time is 4:57 p.m. 

Seating in the High Desert Suite is limited and may be reserved. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the Derby broadcast and live racing from the Sports Arena restaurant or trackside viewing areas.

Is there radio at the event?

Yes. KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point will broadcast live from SunRay Park & Casino on Derby Day.

From 12 to 4 p.m., the live remote will feature music, giveaways, and updates on the Derby Hat Contest, helping to build excitement on-site and on the air.

Where should I sit? High Desert Suite vs. General Seating

To get the best experience at SunRay Park & Casino, it helps to know your viewing options:

• The High Desert Suite: This is the premier indoor viewing area. This is also where the live radio remote with KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point will be buzzing with activity. Seating in the High Desert Suite is limited and may be reserved. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the Derby broadcast and live racing from the Sports Arena or trackside viewing areas.
• The Sports Arena: A high-energy indoor environment with massive screens. This is the “hub” for the Kentucky Derby broadcast and the perfect spot to stay cool while watching the 152nd Run for the Roses.
• Trackside Viewing: For those who want to feel the thunder of the hooves, the trackside areas offer the best views of the local live racing (starting at 1:15 p.m.). 

Join KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point at SunRay Park & Casino

Don’t miss out on the most exciting day in horse racing! Head down to SunRay Park & Casino on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby in style. Whether you’re there for the live local racing starting at 1:15 p.m., the chance to win your share of $850 in the Derby Hat Contest, or the “Run for the Roses” broadcast at 4:57 p.m., there is no better place in Northwest New Mexico to be. 

Look for the KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point crew trackside from 12 to 4 p.m. for music, exclusive giveaways, and all the Derby Day energy you can handle. General admission is free, so grab your best hat and we’ll see you at the track!

FAQ: SunRay Park & Casino Kentucky Derby Party

When is the Kentucky Derby Party at SunRay Park & Casino?

The Kentucky Derby Party takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at SunRay Park & Casino in Farmington, New Mexico. The event runs through the afternoon with live racing, a Derby Hat Contest, and the Kentucky Derby broadcast, giving guests a full day of racing and entertainment.

How much does it cost to attend the Derby Party at SunRay?

General admission to the Kentucky Derby Party and SunRay Park is free, as is entry in the Hat Contest (The High Desert Suite requires a fee). Guests can watch live horse racing and enjoy the Derby broadcast at no cost. Certain areas of the property are limited to guests who are 21 years of age or older, and certain activities may charge a fee.

What time does live horse racing start?

Local live racing at SunRay Park begins with first post at 1:15 p.m. Races continue throughout the afternoon, allowing guests to enjoy a full card leading up to the Kentucky Derby post time at 4:57 p.m. Trackside and Sports Arena viewing areas give guests multiple ways to follow all the action.

How do I enter the $850 Derby Hat Contest?

Guests can sign up for the Derby Hat Contest on-site at SunRay Park & Casino between 1 and 3 p.m. The Hat Parade and judging begin at 3:15 p.m., with winners announced between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. Participants must be 21 or older and may enter in only one category.

Will there be radio at the event?

Yes. KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point will host a live remote from 12 to 4 p.m. at SunRay Park & Casino. The broadcast will feature music, giveaways, and live updates from the Derby Hat Contest, adding to the party atmosphere for guests at the track and listeners tuning in across the region.

Where is the best place to watch the Kentucky Derby at SunRay?

Guests have several great options! You can watch the 152nd Kentucky Derby on massive screens in the Sports Arena or from the trackside viewing areas. While the High Desert Suite offers a premium indoor experience, seating there is very limited. We encourage guests to arrive early to secure their preferred spot for the 4:57 p.m. post time.