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 26

2:00pm - 8:00pm: Street Fair Exhibitor Show
2:00pm - 8:00pm: Kid's Zone Open near 2nd & Bennett
7:00pm - Under the Colorado Moon at the Butte Theater
7:30pm - Last call for alcohol

Main Stage

4:00pm - Beer Garden opens at Main Stage
5:45pm - First Responders Recognition at Main Stage
6:00pm - 8:00pm: Live music by United States Air Force Academy Band, Wild Blue

Pocket Park Stage

2:00pm - 8:00pm: Pocket Park Beer Garden Opens
2:00pm - 4:15pm: Live music by Maddox Ross
5:00pm - 7:30pm: Live music by UKU:STIK VIBES

Double Eagle Stage

2:00pm - 4:15pm: Honey & Ruin with Jamie Brown
5:00pm - 7:30pm: Joe Uveges

Saturday, June 27

7:00am – 10:00am: Pancake Breakfast at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00am – 4:00pm: Silent Auction at Lower Level Double Eagle Casino
10:00am - 8:00pm: Street Fair Exhibitor Show
11:00am - 12:00pm: Parade along Bennett Ave. (west to east)
12:30pm: Kids Zone opens
12:30pm: Donkey Derby Qualifying Race #1
1:00pm: Under the Colorado Moon at the Butte Theater
1:30pm: Donkey Derby Qualifying Race #2
2:30pm: Donkey Derby "Media Race
3:30pm: Donkey Derby "Military/First Responders Race"
4:30pm: Donkey Derby "Trophy Race" (1st - 3rd place from Races 1 & 2)
5:30pm: Donkey Derby Days "Fun Race"
7:00pm: Under the Colorado Moon at The Butte Theater
7:30pm: Last call for alcohol

Main Stage

1:00pm - 8:00pm: Main Beer Garden opens
1:00pm - 3:00pm: Live music by Mimic
3:45pm - 5:45pm: Live music by JUSTUS
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Live music by The Martini Shot

Pocket Park Stage

12:00pm - 8:00pm: Beer Garden at Pocket Park opens
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Live music by Carmen & Lewis
3:15pm - 5:00pm: Live music by Ralph Williams
5:45pm - 8:00pm: Live music by Boomtown String Band

Double Eagle Stage

12:30pm - 2:30pm: Live music by Boomtown String Band
3:15pm - 5:00pm: Live music by UKU:STIK VIBES
5:45pm - 7:30pm: Live music by Maddox Ross

Sunday, June 28

7:00am – 10:00am: Pancake Breakfast at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00am – 5:00pm: Street Fair Exhibitor Show
10:00am - 5:00pm: Kids Zone open
12:00pm - 5:00pm: Beer Gardens Open
12:00pm: Professional Pack Burro Race and Poop Drop
1:00pm: Under the Colorado Moon at The Butte Theater
2:00pm: Donkey Derby "Casino Race"
3:00pm: Donkey Derby "Fun Race"
4:30pm: Last call for alcohol
5:00pm: End of event

Main Stage

10:30am - 1:30pm: Live music by Maddox Ross
2:15pm - 5:00pm: Live music by Dakota Blonde

Pocket Park Stage

11:00am - 2:30pm: Live music by Annette and Doug Conlon
3:15pm - 5:00pm: Live music by Christian Jaquez