Donkey Derby Days

June 27 - 29, 2025

Watch this gold rush town’s resident donkey herd race in this historic festival.

For more than 80 years, Donkey Derby Days have topped the list of favorite Cripple Creek events.

People from all over the world descend on downtown, drawn by a chance to watch a race inspired by the town's resident donkey herd, believed to be distant relatives of the original donkeys from the town's Gold Rush days. Enjoy games, live entertainment, heritage competitions and other fun family activities that will make your visit one to remember!

The beginning of Donkey Derby Days dates back to the 1930s when local businessman Charley Lehew thought a festival would attract people to Cripple Creek. He and some business partners decided that donkey racing would be the main event. They built a donkey race track, found sponsors, food and entertainment vendors and the result was the first Donkey Derby Days festival.

When: June 27 - 29, 2025

Where: Downtown Cripple Creek, Colorado

Cost: FREE

More Information

2025 Schedule

Friday, June 27

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: District Museum: Live music and Street Dance Friday night

Saturday, June 28

7:00 am – 10:00 am: ELKS PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Vendors/Food Trucks Open
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Silent Auction at Double Eagle
11:00 am: Parade up Bennett Ave.
11:00 am: Open Beer Gardens
12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm: Concert Start Time starts on Main Stage at the District Museum
12:30 pm: Busker’s stage concerts throughout the afternoon at City Hall Beer Tent
12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm: start times for Donkey Derby Races
9:00 pm: Last Call for Alcohol

Sunday, June 29

7:00 am – 10:00 am: ELKS PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Vendors/Food Trucks Open
11:00 am: Open Beer Gardens
11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm: Concert Start Time starts on Main Stage at the District Museum
11:00 am: Busker’s stage concerts throughout the afternoon at City Hall Beer Tent
11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm: Start times for Donkey Derby Races
3:15 pm: Announce Winner of “50/50” Raffle on Main Concert Stage
5:30 pm: Last Call for Alcohol
6:00 pm: Beer Garden closed