LouLife

There are plenty of parties for everyone coming into town for the greatest two minutes in sports.  Some of the parties are private, some cost upwards of $1000+ a plate and others just celebrate being in Louisville for the Derby.  While each party has its own cause, host and guest list, you can bet they’re all about having a good time!

Barnstable Brown: 

Hosted by Tricia Barnstable Brown and her sister, Priscilla Barnstable, the Barnstable Brown party is one of the most well-known and star-studded events of Derby weekend.  With proceeds benefiting the University of Kentucky's Barnstable Brown Pediatric Diabetes Research Laboratories, this black-tie event has raised millions of dollars over the past 10 years.

While a ticket to enter the party may be out of your reach, and an attempt to sneak in the party may get you a seat in jail for the night, a red carpet entrance is popular for casual onlookers as each attendee arrives to the party.  Similarly to the parties you see in Los Angeles, this red carpet is not only filled with some of the most famous people in the world, it’s all for a good cause.

Past celebrity attendees have included:  Tom Brady, Gene Simmons, Jimmy Fallon, Kid Rock, Eli, Archie & Payton Manning, Joey Fatone, Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minillo, Brittany Murphy, Jenny McCarthy, and Cybil Shepherd to name a few.

Grand Gala:

This Post-Derby party, celebrated the Saturday night after the run for the roses, is held at the Galt House Hotel and Suites.  The money raised for this black-tie soiree aids the local 828 Foundation, which contributes to various nonprofit organizations benefiting children's causes.  Last year's Grand Gala, which drew around 1,500 people, started Friday night with a VIP reception at the Muhammad Ali Center where a tribute to the boxing great was given.

Past celebrity attendees have included: Gabrielle Union, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Byron Leftwich, Warrick Dunn, Vince Young, Chris Tucker, D.B. Woodside, Keith Robinson, Regina King and Tichina Arnold, Michael Jordan, Wesley Snipes and Kevin Garnett among others.

Mint Jubilee:

Held at the Galt House Hotel and Suites on Friday before derby, this party benefits the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Gilda's Club of Louisville and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.  Tickets for this celebration can be purchased for $500 a person.  It is a black-tie event and it features a red carpet entrance, cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and dancing.

Celebrities who have attended this party in the past include: Melissa Joan Hart, Jennifer Tilly, Warren Moon, Shandi Finnessey, Tanya Tucker. Pat Day, Alyssa Milano, John Elway, and Dennis Franz.

For more information, please go to:

www.mintjubilee.org

Crown Royal Playboy Lounge:

Held at the Mellwood Arts Center, this party is a private one through invitation only.  The unique design and atmosphere of the center makes it a great place for a great party.  It is hosted by Crown Royal and Playboy, and according to Scooter Davidson with the Mellwood Arts Center, they anticipate hosting the party again in 2008.

Last year’s celebrities included: Bobby Flay, the Playboy Bunnies, Playmate of the year Sara Jean Underwood, Darrell Griffith, Bode Miller, the bachelor: Bob Guiney and Kevin Sorbo

The Unstable Barn Party:

“A party for the rest of us”, this celebration is held at the Louisville Visual Art Association at The Water Tower.  The cost is $10 and it includes one drink ticket.  Last year’s theme was "are you part of the elite or part of the paparazzi?"  Attendees were encouraged to wear costumes and dress as their favorite celebrity, rich person, or well-known photographer.   If you’re on a celebrity hunt, this may be the party just for you as last year’s “guests” included Anna Nicole Smith and Andy Warhol.  The proceeds from this event go to a fund that supports local artists.