couple listening to Kentucky Derby playlist

Making the Perfect Kentucky Derby Playlist

As you prepare to host one killer Kentucky Derby house party, an essential element to consider is the soundtrack. As you know, the right music sets the tone for an unforgettable celebration, and at vineyard vines, we aim to keep our guests entertained and tapping their toes all day long. With this in mind, here are some of the best bigtime bangers every Kentucky Derby party playlist calls for.

couple at a Kentucky Derby party

Your Kentucky Derby Party Playlist

Bluegrass & Country

A great playlist slowly sets the scene as your guests arrive. Get the party started with some Kentucky-fried country and bluegrass while everyone settles in.

  • The Race Is On by George Jones
  • My Old Kentucky Home by Johnny Cash
  • Blue Moon of Kentucky by Bill Monroe
  • Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks

couple's outfits for Kentucky Derby

Jazz & Big Band

Now that everyone has a Julep in hand and feels sufficiently classy, pick things up a bit with the swingin’, sophisticated sounds of these jazz and big band essentials.

  • Luck Be a Lady by Frank Sinatra
  • Feeling Good by Nina Simone
  • Camptown Races by Dave Brubeck
  • Louisville Lodge Meeting by Louis Jordan

women's Kentucky Derby floral dress

Rock & Pop

Okay—your party’s groove has been established. Time to dance, rock and reminisce to something a tad more up-tempo. However, you’re not trying to take it over the finish line yet. Keeping a good time going is all about balancing the rockers with palate cleansers that give the party a chance to breathe.

  • Back in the Saddle by Aerosmith
  • Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
  • Horse to the Water by George Harrison
  • Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones
  • A Horse with No Name by America
  • Kentucky Woman by Neil Diamond
  • I just Want to Celebrate by Rare Earth
  • The Distance by Cake
  • Happy by Pharrell Williams
  • Whip It by Devo
  • We are the Champions by Queen

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Plan Your Kentucky Derby Party

Check out the rest of our Kentucky Derby Guide for tips on what to wear, throwing your own party and how to get around Churchill Downs.