This is the 93rd year for Donkey Derby Days! It is the largest summer event and tops the list of favorite Cripple Creek attractions.

People from all over the world descend on downtown to be inspired by the town’s resident donkey herd, who roam Cripple Creek in honor of the original Cripple Creek donkeys from the town’s Gold Rush days.

Enjoy our beer gardens, food vendors, retail vendors, kids activities, donkeys, and live music!

Schedule of Events

June 28, 2024

Live music (Wild Blue Country) and Street Dance Friday night 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at District Museum.

Music Schedule:
Friday night music from classic rock and popular favorites to country and folk will fill the air with local Cripple Creek favorite Larry's Garage Band from 4-5:30 p.m. USAFA's Wild Blue Country returns to Donkey Derby Days at 6:30 p.m. after a hugely popular appearance last year. Wild Blue Country, featured many times on national television and at the Grand Ole Opry, will once again energize the streets of Cripple Creek.

June 29, 2024

Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station 7:00-10:00 am. Vendors and Kids Zone open starting at 10:00 - 5:00 pm! Parade at 11:00 am. Beer Gardens open from 11:00 - 10:00 pm. Donkey races at 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, & 3:45 pm (final heat and awards)! History Comes Alive in Pocket Park at 1:00 & 3:00 pm. Live music all day!

Music Schedule:
Saturday's lineup begins with Mimic, playing tunes from the best classic rock hits from the 1960s through the 1990s. Returning favorite, JustUs, follows at 3:30 p.m., with dynamic country and rock that keeps people grooving on the dance floor. Wild Blue Country tops off the biggest day of Donkey Derby Days on Saturday evening from 6:30-9:00.

June 30, 2024

Vendors and Kids Zone open 10:00 - 5:00 pm. Beer Gardens open from 11:00 - 5:00 pm. Live music beginning at 11:30 & 2:00 pm.

Music Schedule:
Start your day on Sunday, with an Irish flair at 11:00 a.m., with The McDeviants, a Colorado-based Celtic Folk Rock band, followed by returning favorites, the Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band, at 1:30 p.m.
At 4:00 p.m., Maddox Ross takes the stage. Hailing from central Oklahoma and the grandson of the Two Mile High Club's own Donkey Wrangler, Dale (and "Gramma Pat") McKenzie.

Date: June 28-30, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Cripple Creek, CO 80813.

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