Donkey Derby Days

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 26 - 28, 2026

Where: Downtown Cripple Creek, Colorado

Cost: FREE

More Information

Friday, June 27

2:00pm - 9:00pm: Street Fair Exhibitor Show
2:00pm - 9:00pm: Kid's Zone Open near 2nd & Bennett
2:00pm - 6:00pm: Pocket Park Beer Garden Open
6:00pm - 9:00pm: Main Beer Garden Open

Pocket Park Stage

2:30pm - 4:00pm: Live music by Maddox Ross
4:30pm - 6:00pm: Live music by Meghan Clarisse & Her Cavemen

2nd Street Stage

6:30pm - 9:00pm: USAFA "Wild Blue Country"

Saturday, June 28

7:00am – 10:00am: ELKS PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00am - 9:00pm: Street Fair Exhibitor Show
10:00am - 9:00pm: Kid's Zone Open near 2nd & Bennett
10:00am - 9:00pm: Gold Panning on Bennett & 4th
10:00am – 4:00pm: Silent Auction at Double Eagle (TBD)
11:00am: Parade up Bennett Ave.
12:00pm - 9:00pm: Beer Garden Open on 2nd Street
12:00pm - 9:00pm: Beer Garden Open in Pocket Park
12:30pm: Donkey Derby Qualifying Race #1
1:30pm: Donkey Derby Qualifying Race #2
2:30pm: Donkey Derby Media Race
3:30pm: Donkey Derby Military Race
4:30pm: Donkey Derby Trophy Race
8:30pm - Last Call for Alcohol

Pocket Park Stage

12:00pm - 2:30pm: Live music by Hoodoo Honey
3:00pm - 5:30pm: Live music by Radio X
6:00pm - 7:30pm: Live music by McDeviants

2nd Street Stage

1:00pm - 2:00pm: Live music by The Flying W Wranglers
2:30pm - 6:00pm: Live music by Mimic
6:30pm - 9:00pm: Live music by Austin Ross Band

Busker Stage

12:00pm - 1:30pm: Live music by Maddox Ross
1:45pm - 3:45pm: Live music by Annette & Doug
4:00pm - 6:00pm: Live music by Naked Dawn Duo

Sunday, June 29

7:00am – 10:00am: ELKS PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00am – 6:00pm: Street Fair Exhibitor Show
10:00am - 6:00pm: Kid's Zone Open near 2nd & Bennett
10:00am - 6:00pm: Gold Panning on Bennett & 4th
11:00am - 6:00pm: Pocket Park Beer Garden Open
11:00am - 6:00pm: 2nd Street Beer Garden Open
11:00am: Donkey Derby Casino Race
12:00pm: Donkey Derby Businessman's Race
1:00pm: Donkey Derby Fun Race #1
2:00pm: Donkey Derby Fun Race #2
5:30pm: Last Call for Alcohol

Pocket Park Stage

11:00am - 1:30pm: Live music by Justus
2:00pm - 4:30pm: Live music by Still Above Ground

2nd Street Stage

10:30am - 11:30am: Live music by Maddox Ross
12:00pm - 2:30pm: Live music by Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band
3:00pm - 6:00pm: Live music by Jason Lee Band

Busker Stage

10:00am - 12:00pm: Live music by Hunter Chambers
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Live music by Naked Dawn Duo
3:00pm - 5:00pm: Live music TBD