Tickets are on sale now for the 8th Annual Derby Party.

The Kansas City Museum’s annual fundraiser is back on the Museum’s historic grounds. The Derby Party is a themed fundraiser hosted by the Kansas City Museum Foundation to benefit the Kansas City Museum. All funds raised at the 8th Annual Derby Party directly support the Museum’s educational and public programs and exhibits that build awareness of the City’s rich history and culture. 

This year’s Derby Party coincides with Worlds of Fun’s 50th Anniversary. Worlds of Fun celebrated its grand opening on May 26, 1973. The idea for the amusement park came from Kansas City Chiefs owner and businessman Lamar Hunt and his business partner Jack Steadman. He and Steadman had the concept to create a large resort-entertainment complex in an area north of Kansas City in Clay County. The only part of that grand concept that was built was the amusement park. Construction began in November 1971 on Worlds of Fun, which was themed around Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days. The colorful ascension balloon from the original story served as the park’s identifying logo. 

Worlds of Fun is welcoming back the Zambezi Zinger in 2023 like you’ve never seen before! This beloved coaster is reimagined as a thrilling new ride that delves into the heart of the African Serengeti. Worlds of Fun will also be showcasing, “Worlds of Fun 50: The Exhibit,” an immersive museum experience to honor the park’s rich history. Join Worlds of Fun this season, as they celebrate 50 years of fun, life-long memories, and cherished traditions. 

The 2023 Derby Party festivities on the historic grounds of the Kansas City Museum will include live music by Boogie Nights KC, southern food bites, cocktails, and NA cocktails provided by Kansas City labels such as Union Horse Distilling Co., Lifted Spirits, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Bourgmont Vineyard & Winery, Boulevard Brewing Company, PH Coffee, and Daily Culture. Dessert by Poppy’s Ice Cream & Coffee House, on-the-spot photo booth by Picwood, yard games, fun surprises by Worlds of Fun, and so much more.

Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions with special guest judges give guests a chance to win tickets to Worlds of Fun for the 2023 Season! The event’s attire is 70’s Summer Camp to 70’s Sophisticated Chic, celebrating a decade of individuality and expression!

Located at 3218 Gladstone Boulevard in the Historic Northeast community, the Kansas City Museum includes five original buildings, including the mansion Corinthian Hall, which was built in 1910 by Robert Alexander Long. The estate became a public museum in 1940.

For those interested in becoming a sponsor or those with questions, please email Paul Gutierrez, Director of Visitor Experience & Public Programs, at pgutierrez@kansascitymuseum.org.