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LIVE RACE BROADCAST WAGER FOR PRIZES LIVE MUSIC DANCING SPECIALTY COCKTAILS HEAVY HORS D’OEUVRES BOURBON TASTING CIGAR BAR COMMEMORATIVE GLASS BEST DRESSED/BEST HAT CONTEST GAMES AND MORE

Saturday, May 2, 2026
3:00 - 9:00pm
The Historic Early Inn

Proceeds from the day

go to benefit the

SunBine Music Foundation.

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Step onto the lawn at The Historic Early Inn on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00 to 9:00 pm for an afternoon steeped in Southern charm and Derby Day tradition.
 

Settle in for live music, dancing, and a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby as the excitement builds toward the thunder of the final stretch. Savor heavy hors d’oeuvres, sip curated bourbon selections, enjoy a cigar under the open sky, and raise a glass to the season in true garden party style.


Arrive dressed to impress. The Best Dressed and Best Hat contests promise bold color, classic tailoring, and statement pieces worthy of the winner’s circle. Lawn games and lively conversation keep the energy high from start to finish.


This is a ticketed event and space is limited. Secure your place early and gather your friends for an elegant Derby celebration in Rocky Mount before tickets sell out.

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Includes access to the Pavilion at The Historic Early Inn, two drink tickets, heavy hors d'oeuvres, live music, dancing, and more. 

General Admission

$75

Tickets to Ride

Claim your seat at the starting gate and
purchase tickets today.

All-Access
VIP

Reserved seating in the Pavilion at The Historic Early Inn, a tour of the Early Inn, three drink tickets, heavy hors d'oeuvres, live music, dancing, a commemorative glass, and more. 

$100

SunBine Music Foundation

Rocky Mount Derby Day proudly supports the Sunbine Music Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Southwest Virginia through music and the arts. Sunbine believes music brings people together. It builds connection. It inspires growth. Through performances, festivals, and educational initiatives, the foundation works year round to enrich the cultural life of our region.
 

Proceeds from Sunbine events fund scholarships for local and regional high school students pursuing higher education in music and the arts. Each dollar raised invests in a young artist with talent, drive, and a vision for the future. By partnering with Sunbine, Derby Day guests do more than enjoy an elegant afternoon on the lawn. They help create opportunity for the next generation of musicians and creatives across Southwest Virginia.

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Our Sponsoring Partners

Rocky Mount Derby Day would not be possible without the generous support of these organizations.

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