Annual Events

Derby Community Foundation: Experience Brazil
February 24, 2024
Proceeds benefit the Derby Community Foundation's Community Enrichment Grant Program.

Third Thursday

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. 

Learn more at DerbyKS.com/thirdthursday. 

Horses, Hats & Roses: A Kentucky Derby Fundraiser
May 2024, date TBA

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
2024 dates TBA
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.

13th Annual Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest
June 7 & 8, 2024
High Park, 2801 E. James St. / Live music, food trucks and BBQ competition
Join us for the 13th Annual Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ & Music Fest.
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 TBA
• 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 2024
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 2024 (Date TBA), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
High Park, 2801 E. James St.
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

4th Annual Holiday Lights Contest
Dec. 2-23, 2023
Fill out the online registration form.

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
Nov. 16, 2023, 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:

• Hot cocoa with toppings provided by Lange Real Estate
• Free cookies provided by PEC
• Free kettle corn by Blacksheep
• Food trucks: Shawarma UR’s Mediterranean Fusion Food, ENJ’s Eatery, Face Stuffers, Busy B’s Food Truck 
• Holiday music as you walk around the park and enjoy the lights.
• Photos with Santa in the Pavilion
• Kid's crafts in the Venue with entertainment by the Derby High School jazz ensemble playing Christmas tunes. They will be accepting donations.
• New this year: Military Christmas Card signing table. Guests will have an opportunity to sign a greeting card and provide well wishes for our troops at a table in the Venue lobby.
• Derby Operation Holiday will be accepting non perishable food items and new toys in The Venue for families who live in the Derby Public School District.

Questions? Call Public Works at 788-0301 or email Shana. Sponsored by the City of Derby. 

6th Annual Christmas Tree Gala Week & Bake Sale
Nov. 27 - 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Dec. 1 5-8 p.m.| Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hubbard Arts Center, 309 N. Woodlawn

Guests can view the trees and gift baskets up for grabs, as well as enter raffle tickets. There will also be a bake sale offering cookies, breads, candies, pies and more. Proceeds go toward operation of the Derby Historical Museum.

Questions? Contact Susan Swaney at 316-258-0577. 

St. Mary's Cookie Extravaganza 
Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
St Mary Catholic Church, Knights Hall
2300 E. Meadowlark Rd.
Fill a Christmas tin with delicious homemade Christmas cookies (price range is $6 to $12). Benefits the Derby Neighbor Ministry. 

Mistletoe Market Craft Show 
Dec. 2, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Swaney Elementary School, 501 E. English St.

Shop, eat, and find a place to rest your feet at your 2023 Swaney PTS Mistletoe Market! They will open the school doors to local vendors and small businesses to create a fun holiday shopping event for the entire community. There is a $1 donation for admission. The proceeds benefit the teachers and students of Swaney Elementary.

Questions? Contact Tasha McKeever at 316.204.0173 or swaneymistletoemarket@gmail.com. Parents and Teachers of Swaney appreciate your support! 

Holiday Extravaganza
Saturday, Dec. 2, 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  Indoor Winter Market
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd.
Free admission.
The 25th Annual WUMC Winterfest is one of the largest winter craft fairs in Derby! Over 90 vendors offer a wide variety of hand-crafted items, art, food, clothing, home decor and more. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, visit the bake sale, bid on items at the silent auction and enjoy lunch at the Snowflake Cafe (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays at the annual Christmas Parade, this year's theme is Christmas at the Movies. Register to participate here. 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
Dec, 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
Come enjoy the holiday season at Madison Avenue Central Park. Get your photo taken with Santa, make a kids craft, ride the carousel, listen to local musical talent, take a horse drawn carriage ride and much more.
Presented by Olmsted Insurance and Financial Services Agency, Derby Recreation Commission, and Derby Public Library.

Santa Paws
December 16, 2023, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
High Park Zimmerman Shelter, 2801 E. James St.
Get your pup's photo taken with Santa for $5.
Sponsored by the Derby Recreation Commission.