Annual Events
Annual Gala Uncorked
February 2024 (date TBA)
Proceeds benefit the Derby Community Foundation's Community Enrichment Grant Program.
Third Thursday 2023 Spring Series
March 16. 5-8 p.m., Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
April 20, 4-8 p.m. Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave. (this event will be combined with Spring Into Art, normally held on a Sunday)
May 18, 6-9 p.m., Warren Riverview Park, 321 W. Market St. Learn more at DerbyKS.com/thirdthursday.
Fall 2023 Dates: August 17, September 21 and October 19.
Third Thursday is a time to celebrate the arts in Derby. Enjoy live music, artist exhibits, adult beverages, food truck fare and more. This is a free event sponsored by the City of Derby and the Derby Public Library for all to enjoy.
Horses, Hats & Roses: A Kentucky Derby Fundraiser
May 2024, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join the Derby Historical Society & Museum for a Kentucky Derby Fundraiser to benefit the Museum.
Tickets go on sale March 1. Individual tickets are $75 each and a table for 8 is $600. Your ticket includes a Mint Julip, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. The event features a Hat & Attire Contest, Thoroughbred Horse and Jockey photo op, games, wine pull, a photo booth and Kansas-style betting on the Derby.
Visit DerbyKSHistoryMuseum.org for more information. Purchase tickets on the website or call Jane at 316-788-1797.
Citywide Garage Sale
May 18, 19 & 20, 2023
The Rotary Club of Derby is in its third year of organizing the Derby Citywide Garage Sale after Crime Stoppers of Derby held the sale for 28 years.
- Cost: $10
- Where to sign up: Derby Recreation Center, 801 E. Market and Derby Public Library, 1600 Walnut Grove - cash, check, and debit/credit cards accepted
- Sponsored by the Derby Rotary Club.
12th Annual Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest
June 9 &10, 2023
High Park, 2801 E. James St. / Live music, food trucks and BBQ competition
Join us for the 12th Annual Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ & Music Fest on June 9 & 10, 2023.
This free, fun and family-friendly event is Derby's largest gathering. Visit DerbyBBQ.com for all the event details.
Independence Day Parade
July 4 at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by the Derby VFW Post 7253.
Contact: Dale Webster, 316-789-8244, www.vfw7253.org
Fireworks in the Park
July 4 at 6 p.m. (Fireworks begin at approx. 9:30 p.m.)
- Bring a blanket and lawn chair and enjoy a fun evening in Derby at High Park with food trucks and fireworks.
- Food trucks include: Cheezepanzee, Urban Skillet, Brazita Bites, Funky Monkey Munchies, Kona Ice
- ADA parking will be available at the Darrell Zimmerman Family Shelter parking lot.
- No personal fireworks or alcohol allowed in the park.
- Visit the July 4 in Derby page for more information.
- Questions? Call Public Works at 788-0301 or email info@derbyweb.com
National Night Out
August 2023, 6 to 9 p.m.
Rock River Rapids, 1900 E. James St.
National Night Out is a time to get together with neighbors and friends and celebrate our community with a free evening swim and activities. The Derby Police Department and Derby Fire & Rescue will have trucks and vehicles for kids to explore, a bike rodeo and Safety Town.
Chamber Chili Cook-off
October 2023, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
Join the Derby Chamber of Commerce for its annual Chamber Chili Cook-off. Participation as a contestant is only open to Chamber members and there is no charge to compete. Chili tasting and voting is open to the public for $5 per person.
Holiday Events
3rd Annual Holiday Lights Contest
Dec. 2-23, 2023
View the 2022 map at DerbyKS.com/holidaylights
View homes in the contest. (2022)
Plan early to create the best display and win a prize! The deadline to sign up is Nov. 27.
The City of Derby invites residents to decorate their yard, house or both. Judges will pick their favorite displays, and the public will vote for the People’s Choice prize on Facebook. Anyone who lives in the Derby city limits is eligible to participate. If you have questions, email info@derbyweb.com or call Janae’ Springer at 788-1519 ext. 1232.
17th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
2023 date TBA, 6 to 8 p.m.
Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
This kickoff to the holiday season will have the Mayor lighting the tree as well as the following:
- Free cookies, cocoa and kettle corn
- Food trucks
- Holiday music as you walk around the park and enjoy the lights.
- Photos with Santa in the Pavilion
- Kid's crafts in the Venue.
Questions? Call Public Works at 788-0301 or email Shana. Sponsored by the City of Derby.
6th Annual Christmas Tree Gala Week & Bake Sale
2023 dates TBA
Derby Historical Museum, 710 E. Market
Purchase raffle tickets to enter into a drawing for your favorite tree and pick up some sweet treats for you or a friend.
Proceeds go toward operation of the Derby Historical Museum.
Questions? Contact Susan Swaney at 788-7851.
Cookie Extravaganza
2023 dates TBA
St Mary Catholic Church, Knights Hall
2300 E. Meadowlark Rd.
Fill a Christmas tin with delicious homemade Christmas cookies (price range is $6 to $10). Benefits the Derby Neighbor Ministry.
Mistletoe Market Craft Show
2023 date TBA, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Swaney Elementary School, 501 E. English St.
$1 donation benefits school programs.
Local vendors and small businesses are invited to create a fun holiday shopping event for the entire community! Questions? Contact Tasha McKeever at 316.204.0173 or swaneymistletoemarket@gmail.com. Parents and Teachers of Swaney appreciate your support!
Holiday Extravaganza
2023 date TBA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Faith Lutheran School, 208 S. Derby Ave.
Find the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family. Free admission.
Kansas Grown Farmers Market Winter Market
2023 date TBA
The Pavilion at Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
Enjoy a variety of vendors with Kansas-made products.
Learn more about Kansas Grown at Kansas Grown Farmers Market.
Winterfest Arts & Crafts Bazaar
2023 date TBA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd.
Free admission.
The 25th Annual WUMC Winterfest 2022 is one of the largest winter craft fairs in Derby! It will include 70 vendors, a silent auction, bake sale, kitchen full of deliciousness and so much fun!
Christmas Parade
2023 date TBA
Celebrate the holidays at the annual Christmas Parade!
The route begins at Panther Stadium, proceeds west on Madison to Georgie, south on Georgie to Market, and east on Market back to Panther Stadium. Sponsored by the Derby Chamber of Commerce.
4th Annual Christmas in the Park
2023 date TBA, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
Santa Paws
December 2023, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Decarsky Dog Park, 1600 Line Dr.
Get your pup's photo taken with Santa for $5.
Sponsored by the Derby Recreation Commission.