Every year, the “most exciting two minutes in sports” attracts thousands of spectators excited to witness one of history’s most storied athletic events. However, you don’t have to make the trip to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky to watch the Kentucky Derby for yourself. In this article, we share some of our best Kentucky Derby party ideas that are sure to make your at-home celebration with family and friends a smash success.
What Do You Need for an Outdoor Kentucky Derby Party?
An outdoor Kentucky Derby party is a great excuse to spend some time enjoying the fresh spring air. If you have a patio space in your backyard where you can entertain guests, you’ll just need a few extra amenities to turn it into a full-fledged outdoor entertainment center worthy of the Triple Crown’s prestigious first leg.
1. A Weatherproof Smart TV
First and foremost, you’re going to need a way to view the big race. Before you break out the extension cords (assuming your TV installment will allow a temporary move at all), consider the benefits of investing in a dedicated smart TV for outdoor entertainment:
● Outdoor smart TVs come equipped with LED screens that are brighter than normal, making them perfect for comfortable outdoor viewing regardless of the natural light level.
● Outdoor smart TVs are more durable than indoor TVs, ensuring they last for years to come, rain or shine.
2. Outdoor Speakers
You’ll also need a quality set of outdoor speakers to ensure neither you nor your guests miss any of the action. There are a few great options available:
Coastal Source Outdoor Audio Products
Coastal Source is a renowned provider of high-performance outdoor audio products. Their speaker systems are designed with durability in mind and are guaranteed to provide dependable audio quality in a range of weather conditions.
Revel Extreme Climate (XC) Loudspeaker
Revel’s XC series is built to deliver high-quality sound while withstanding practically any kind of harsh weather — hot, cold, damp, or dry. All XC models meet International Protection (IP) standards for exposure to dust, solids, and water.
Focal 100 OD8 Outdoor Loudspeaker
The Focal 100 OD8 system houses a high-impedance speaker in a high-density, UV-treated polypropylene damping cabinet, combining superior sound fidelity and extreme weather resistance in a single outdoor audio entertainment solution.
3. Outdoor Lighting
Since the Kentucky Derby happens in the evening, it’s best to plan for the festivities to continue past dark. This means you’ll need to install adequate lighting for your outdoor entertainment area. One of the best ways to illuminate your patio space is with home automation lights. Smart lighting solutions are energy efficient and allow you to control your space’s light level and ambience with just the touch of a button — or even right from your phone screen.
4. Outdoor Patio Shades
On the other hand, before the sun goes down, you’ll need a way to keep the bugs and UV rays at bay. Outdoor patio shades are perfect for transforming your backyard entertainment area into a bastion of comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience. If you want to take your Derby Day hospitality up a notch, consider investing in automated patio shades that you can adjust from anywhere as needed to keep your guests comfortable throughout the day.
Watch the Kentucky Derby in Style with Home Automation
No matter how you plan to enjoy the 2023 Kentucky Derby, you can elevate the occasion with the help of home automation. Whether you need lighting, patio shades, or one of many other types of residential automation solutions, Automated Living can make your transition to “smart home” so seamless that you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
