(CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.) — Donkey Derby Days will officially get underway in Cripple Creek as the annual three-day festival is set to begin on Friday afternoon, June 27 taking over Bennett Avenue as people from near and far visit the small Southern Colorado city to see the world-famous Cripple Creek donkeys.

The festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Two Mile High Club (TMHC), and money raised through the various events goes toward supporting the care of the 14 Cripple Creek donkeys. This year, the TMHC is hoping to use event proceeds to build “…a much-needed new barn for our donkey, tentatively scheduled for 2026.”

Over Memorial Day Weekend, the community celebrated the annual donkey release, and in case you missed it, you can watch a recap in the video player below.

“The donkeys absolutely represent the history of Gold Camp,” Annie Valades, a member of the TMHC, previously told FOX21. “They used to work down in the mines, bringing ore carts up… legend has it, President Teddy Roosevelt came here in the 30s, and said release them [the work donkeys] from the mines.”

Fast-forward to today, and the donkeys roam free all summer long in Cripple Creek. “In 1931, local business owners formed the nonprofit, Two Mile High Club, to care for these precious animals, and in 94 years, that care has never stopped.”

This year, Donkey Derby Days takes place Friday through Sunday, June 29.

“After an incredibly successful celebration in 2024, with estimates of around 30,000 people in attendance, we will once again feature Donkey Races on both Saturday and Sunday,” said Brandon Westhoff, president of the Two Mile High Club.

Over the three days, visitors can expect live music, vendors, food trucks, craft booths, family attractions, beer gardens, and more. For a full schedule of events, click here.

FOX21 News anchors Austin Sack and Rachel Saurer will take part in this year’s Donkey Derby Media Race on Saturday afternoon and hope to score first place!