Three days of racing, music, and mountain-town fun, all for a good cause.
One of Teller County’s most beloved summer traditions is trotting back into town. Donkey Derby Days returns to Cripple Creek from June 27 through June 29, 2025, bringing three days of street festivals, live music, family activities, and the crowd-favorite donkey races.
Now in its 94th year, Donkey Derby Days is the main fundraiser for the Two Mile High Club, the nonprofit that has cared for Cripple Creek’s famous free-roaming donkeys since 1931. The event celebrates the town’s gold rush history and honors the hardworking donkeys that helped build it. Today, those animals are as much a part of Cripple Creek as the casinos and historic storefronts.
The Main Event: Donkey Races
It may sound easy, but it’s anything but. Each race pairs a donkey with two teammates, one handler and one runner, who try their best to guide the donkey to the finish line on Bennett Avenue. Of course, donkeys have minds of their own, which leads to a lot of laughs, a few surprises, and some truly unforgettable moments.
Saturday features a full slate of racing action, including two qualifying heats, a media race, a military race, and the trophy race for the top finishers. Sunday keeps the energy going with themed races like the Businessman’s Race and a pair of fun runs.
Music, Food, and Fun for the Whole Family
Throughout the weekend, the streets of Cripple Creek will be filled with the sounds of live music on multiple stages, food vendors, and craft booths. The Kid’s Zone will be open every day near 2nd and Bennett, and there will be gold panning, beer gardens, and even a silent auction on Saturday at the Double Eagle Hotel.
Bands scheduled to perform include The Flying W Wranglers, Austin Ross Band, McDeviants, and many more. Whether you’re into country, rock, bluegrass, or just good tunes, there will be something for everyone.
Schedule Highlights
Friday, June 27
- Event opens at 2:00 p.m.
- Street Fair, Kids Zone, and Beer Gardens
- Live music by Maddox Ross and Meghan Clarisse
Saturday, June 28
- Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
- Parade down Bennett Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
- Donkey Derby Races begin at 12:30 p.m.
- Live music on three stages until 9:00 p.m.
- Vendors, food, gold panning, and more
Sunday, June 29
- More donkey races starting at 11:00 a.m.
- Live music, vendors, food, and kids activities until 6:00 p.m.
Whether you come for the music, the food, or the four-legged chaos of the donkey races, Donkey Derby Days is one of the best weekends of the year in Cripple Creek. It brings together history, fun, and community spirit in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
See you on Bennett Avenue.
Learn More: https://www.cripplecreekdonkeys.com
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