Galloping Good Time: HALL Arts Residences Lifestyle Director Knows How to Throw a Winning Kentucky Derby Party

Rebecca Roberts isn’t your traditional lifestyle director at a Dallas luxury high-rise. (That’s because nothing at HALL Arts Residences is traditional or conventional.) In addition to the white-glove services Roberts provides all year long — think reservations to restaurants and theater performances, assisting residents with private events and transportation, and much more — she curates unique and engaging events weekly that residents and their guests always look forward to. Roberts has luxury in her DNA, having previously worked in event programming at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, and at Fearing’s Restaurant for more than a decade. 

Having only 48 homes in the 28-story tower has allowed Roberts to get to know the residents and learn their interests and preferences, which she then incorporates into her weekly, monthly and annual in-house events. That personal touch — and unique experiences — are part of what sets HALL Arts Residences apart from all other luxury properties. 

Tradition With a Twist

Currently, Roberts is in the thick of planning her annual Kentucky Derby party, a favorite among the residents. The annual event is held on the building’s spacious amenity level and terrace, all with a gorgeous backdrop: the stunning buildings of the arts district and the most unique views of the Dallas skyline. With its full catering kitchen and temperature-controlled wine cellar, the amenity level is the perfect spot for private events anytime, which are welcomed and encouraged. 

PRO PARTY TIP #1

Book the caterer first. Roberts suggests that for any event. And, spring is an especially popular time for weddings and events, which can make it difficult to find a top-tier caterer available for a Saturday party. 

Roberts gave us an exclusive look at this year’s custom menu by Naborly Provisions, which she says are “elevated versions of the classics served at Churchill Downs” – with made-to-order chef stations serving Kentucky Hot Browns, pulled-pork biscuit sandwiches, and shrimp and grits. To go with that fare, Roberts recommends mixing up traditional Kentucky Derby cocktails such as a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep (bourbon whiskey and Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Cocktail Syrup), or a Kentucky Mule (bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer).

PRO PARTY TIP #2

Shop on Etsy to order custom décor. Think menus, signage, betting slips, and horse-themed accessories. This helps elevate the event and provide memorable details.

And They’re Off!

Since the running of the Kentucky Derby famously lasts only two minutes, the lead-up to the race is important. At HALL Arts Residences, the celebration will begin the Tuesday before the big day. 

Tuesday

The festivities officially begin with a Kentucky bourbon tasting for residents, featuring a lineup of six bourbons, all from the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. These small-batch, single-barrel bourbons are hard to get, but Roberts was able to make it happen this year — and the bourbon enthusiasts in the building are thrilled. 

Thursday

Every Thursday Roberts plans resident happy hours with different themes. To create anticipation for the main event, the Kentucky Derby week’s happy hour will be modeled after the Kentucky Oaks, the top race for three-year-old fillies, held the day before the Derby. 

Friday

The official 2023 Kentucky Derby program booklets, along with mock betting slips, will be delivered to each home at HALL Arts Residences. The program has all the details on horses, jockeys, the main event and more. 

PRO PARTY TIP #3

For derby-day attire, Roberts suggests garden chic — and the bigger the hat the better. “Have fun with it!”

Saturday

The day of the main event: The Kentucky Derby!

• Live music will flow, from one of the incredible bands represented by the Jordan Kahn Music Company. As residents arrive, they will place their bets for a chance to win an exclusive Kentucky Derby–illustrated bottle of Woodford Reserve.
• A trumpeter from the band will play the famous bugler tune, “Call to the Post” — just like they do at Churchill Downs in Kentucky — the signal to move inside to watch the race. (Roberts shares this tip: If your party won’t have a live band, find the tune online to play through speakers.) The horses take off to run the Kentucky Derby, called the “greatest two minutes in sports!”
• After the race, the event continues with dinner, dancing and music on the terrace, which overlooks the Winspear Opera House and the Wyly Theatre, the perfect spot to close out the evening. 

PRO PARTY TIP #4

Always have a rain plan ready that works for your setup, Roberts says. “Spring weather is unpredictable anywhere you live!”