Kappa Derby 2026
May 2, 2026
Premier Derby-Day Experience
Brandywine, MD
The Kappa Derby
The East Coast’s Premier Derby-Day event
An ALL-VIP experience where style meets grown & sexy vibes
Fashion. Style. Music. Culture. Celebration.
Featuring
- Umatched Vibes
Grown, sexy energy from start to finish
The show will go on, rain or shine - An Elevated All-VIP Experience
Upscale, festive vibes from arrival to last call - Premium VIP Sections
Reserved comfort and exclusivity for your crew - Live Music & DJs
Live performances and DJ sets all day - Derby-Day Style
Timeless Derby elegance with a contemporary touch - Signature Photo Experiences
360° booth, step-and-repeat, selfie stations - Premium Drinks, Cigars & Tastings
Curated bars, premium brands, refined tastings - Complimentary Happy Hour
Light bites and specialty cocktails
- Premium Food Vendor
Curated culinary options available for purchase - Lifestyle Vendors
Variety of vendors featuring distinctive products - Plenty of Parking
Free and upgraded parking options
- Live Kentucky Derby Coverage
The race, live on a big screen
Date
2:00pm - 8:00pm
Add to Calendar
Location
Ticket Options
The Individual VIP Party Pass delivers full-day, all-access entry to the complete Kappa Derby experience. From an energetic Happy Hour with curated bites and specialty cocktails to nonstop music, dancing, fashion moments, a cigar lounge, and the live 152nd Kentucky Derby broadcast, this pass keeps you in the center of the action all day. As the sun sets, your experience continues with exclusive access to Kappa Derby After Dark, an upscale, grown and sexy party that closes the night in true VIP fashion. One pass. Two experiences. No lines. No limits. Standard (free) parking included, with the option to upgrade to Premium Parking.
Step into the center of the action. The Individual VIP Party Pass is your all-access entry to the full access and prestige of Kappa Derby, crafted for those who don’t just attend… they arrive.
Begin with a high-energy Happy Hour featuring curated light bites and designated specialty cocktails. Move effortlessly through the dance floor, music by DJs featuring The Legendary DJ Kool, dancing, fashion contest, as well as signature moments designed to keep the atmosphere elevated and electric. Unwind in the cigar lounge area, connect with amazing people, and catch every second of the live 152nd Kentucky Derby broadcast in style.
As the sun sets, the experience deepens. Your pass includes exclusive entry to Kappa Derby After Dark, an upscale, grown and sexy party where the vibe is smooth, the crowd is sharp, the dancing continues and the night completes the experience! One pass. No lines. No limits. Just a seamless VIP experience from first pour to last dance.
** EARLY BIRD SPECIAL SOLD OUT. WE WILL RELEASE MORE SECTIONS THE WEEK OF MARCH 1. **
The Krimson VIP Section offers a private, velvet-roped experience designed for groups who want space, style, and status. Perfect for up to six guests, this reserved lounge-style section delivers premium seating, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and prime positioning to enjoy all the energy of Kappa Derby, without the crowd. From Happy Hour through the live 152nd Kentucky Derby broadcast and into Kappa Derby After Dark, this is where your group arrives together, toasts together, and experiences Derby Day at the highest level. Standard (free) parking included, with the option to upgrade to Premium Parking.
Experience Kappa Derby from behind the velvet rope. The Krimson Lounge Section is a private, roped-off lounge area with a reserved section exclusively for you and your guests, designed for those who prefer space, style, and a first-class vantage point. Perfect for groups of six who move together and celebrate together, this section delivers comfort, energy, and elevated access.
Includes:
- Party pass and private velvet-roped section for up to 6 guests
- Dedicated seating area
- One complimentary bottle of champagne
- Premium positioning for an unmatched Derby Day experience
- Happy Hour w/ Light Bites & Specialty Drinks
- Designated Cigar Lounge Area
- Kappa Derby After Dark (After Party)
ARRIVE together. TOAST together. CELEBRATE like you own the moment.
Because Kappa Derby isn’t just attended — it’s EXPERIENCED.
Make your arrival effortless with an upgrade to Premium Parking, conveniently located close to the party area for easy entry and exit.
Limited availability. Advance purchase recommended.
schedule
Schedule of Events
Saturday, May 2, 2026
The signature Kappa Derby experience starts here with a high-energy day party filled with nonstop music, dancing, premium cocktails, cigars, food, lifestyle vendors, and Derby-day fashion on full display. Expect immersive photo moments, fellowship, and grown-and-sexy vibes from start to finish. Music by DJs, featuring The Legendary DJ Kool, and live performances.
Hats on. Drinks up. Join us as we pause the party to watch the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, streamed live on the Kappa Derby big screen—where tradition, style, and celebration collide.
Same ticket. A whole new energy. As the sun sets, Kappa Derby transforms into After Dark—where the lights go low and nonstop music carries the vibe straight through the night. No break. No reset. Just a perfect close to an amazing Derby Day experience!
Sponsors
Sponsor the Kappa Derby
Vendors
Become a Vendor at the Kappa Derby
Brought to you by
College Park-Sandy Spring Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Our Chapter motto in this Administration is "Charting our Path and Controlling our Legacy." With that we’re diligently at work charting continued success with our current programs while envisioning new opportunities to grow the Chapter and to have an Impact on our community, with our youth, our Seniors and our Prince George’s and Montgomery County reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
All ticket sales will be made via Eventbrite, and can be purchased anytime while supplies last.
The Kappa Derby will be held RAIN OR SHINE!
The Hennessy Creek Event Facility, 13201 Martin Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613 (in Southern Prince George's County). If you would like to drive, parking is available on site. We also recommend using your car service of choice (Uber, Lyft, carpools, etc.) to get to and from the event.
Dogs and/or other pets are NOT permitted at the venue for this event. Service animals are always welcome.
No. All guests must be 21 years or older to attend this event, especially since alcohol will be served
All sales are final. There will be no refunds issued for the event.
You can send an e-mail to us at polemarch@cpsskapsi.org with questions, and we'll be happy to help.
All attendees must be over 21 to attend. You will need to provide a government-issued photo ID card verifying your age to receive admittance into the event.
You will need to either bring your printed ticket or you will need to pull up your ticket on your phone.
