What better way to get into the Derby spirit than by joining us for the 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea at the historic Seelbach Hotel. This is an "official" 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival event and guests will receive a complimentary pegasus pin with the purchase of each ticket.

Guests will be treated to an English afternoon tea experience using vintage china and accesories that have been carefully curated over time to provide a unique and unforgettable dining experience with a Derby twist. Our menu will include traditional tea sandwiches, savory bites and sweets and a specially crafted "trifecta" of hot and cold teas. Please let us know at the time of placing your order if you require a gluten-free option.

Not sure about the etiquette of afternoon tea? No, problem.... there will be a quick and fun introduction into the history and etiquette provided by Mrs. Lisa Board of Elegant Life. A special guest appearance will be made by Hall of Fame jockey, Mr. Pat Day.

This year celebrates the 100th anniversary of American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece "The Great Gatsby." Fitzgerald frequented the Seelbach hotel while stationed at Louisville's Camp Taylor during World War I and he referenced this historic hotel and other Louisville landmarks in this literary masterpiece.

Last year's event reached capacity in the legendary "Oakroom" which shares a secret connection with the notorious ganster, Al Capone. This year, we will be entertaining guests in the larger and opulent Grand Ballroom which is the backdrop of Daisy and Tom Buchannan's wedding in Fitzgerald's novel.

Derby attire, hats and fascinators are highly encouraged to be worn. No jeans, please.

*Guests will be seated together to fill tables of 8. All tickets purchased on the same order will be seated together. If you would like to be seated with others who purchased tickets on a different order, please provide their name when purchasing tickets or contact Kimberly directly and we will do our best to have you seated together.

*ASL Interpreter will be provided for deaf or hard of hearing individuals. If an ASL interpreter is needed for you or someone in your party, please include "ASL" following your last name so that we can ensure an ASL interpreter is seated at your table. For example: John Doe (ASL). All tickets purchased on the same order will be seated together. If you have any questions about ASL seating please contact the organizer.

Valet parking is available on site for an additional fee. There is a parking garage conveniently located behind the hotel and also metered street parking.

This event is a major fundraiser for the Louisville Recovery Community Connection, a 501(c)3 nonprofit which provides resources and supports for those in addiction recovery.

Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea Fundraiser

By Louisville Recovery Community Connection

Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea Fundraiser

Continuing to help our community heal , one connection at a time.

Team Members