That’s exactly what folks will be doing Saturday, the 144th edition of the race, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and in cities across the United States.
That, of course, includes Phoenix, which will feature a number of viewing parties and events celebrating the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
We’ve assembled a list of the best and most stylish affairs taking place, all of which you can dress like a dapper Southern dandy or sport your finest hat. You might even win a prize.
On your mark, get set, and go!
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale
Southern charm meets Scottsdale style at the Kentucky Derby Lawn Party being held at this posh resort. Naturally, mint juleps will be served in abundance. They’ll also have Bulleit Bourbon tastings, live music, and numerous HD screens showing the race.
The resort’s in-house restaurant, Bourbon Steak, will serve a Southern-influenced brunch menu curated by Executive Chef Sara Garrant. Expect fried chicken, biscuits, smoked andouille sausage sliders, shrimp and grits, deviled eggs, cornmeal fried oysters, and other delights.
Guests are encouraged to wear dapper or stylish finery suitable for the occasion: hats, elegant spring dresses, seersucker suits, and so on. Those who are dressed the best will win such prizes as a weekend stay at the resort or a dinner for two at Bourbon Steak.
The party runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free but reservations are requested. Call 480-585-2694 or visit the resort's website for more.
Bourbon Jack’s
11 West Boston Street, Chandler
This honky-tonk will offer specials on Kentucky hot brown sandwiches and barbecue pork sliders. You can also whet your whistle with $8 mint juleps and $8 Kentucky mules. A brunch will be served from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Stick around after the race for live music from local country band Arizona Blacktop, starting at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. and there’s no cover. Call 480-664-1738.
DeSoto Central Market
915 North Central Avenue
As
Meanwhile, DeSoto's will offer specials such as $5 angry ball cocktails, $6 traditional mint juleps, and $16 mystery beer buckets. Patrons can also purchase “Cinco Cinco burgers” and $2 tacos. The men and women who rock the best Derby-inspired outfits will win prizes. The party starts at 11 a.m., and the race happens at 3:30 p.m. Call 602-680-7747 for more info.
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
6895 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Harold's bartending staff will be whipping up mint juleps using Woodford Reserve premium bourbon during the joint's
If you'd like to play the ponies, Harold's OTB windows will open for business starting at 9 a.m. and, yes, they'll be taking bets for the Derby. Wagering won't be the only way you can win something, however, as prizes will also be awarded to the ladies with the best hats and gentlemen who are the most stylishly dressed. The celebration goes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Call 480-488-1906.
The Bevvy
4420 North Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
This Scottsdale
The Bevvy's drink menu will also be expanded to include Derby-
Thirsty Lion
2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale
2212 East Williams Field Road, Gilbert
All three Thirsty Lion locations in the Valley will host Kentucky Derby viewing parties. Each will feature mint juleps, as well as selections for the gastropub's spring menu. Hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Southern Rail
300 West Camelback Road
Chef Justin Beckett is planning a unique Derby Day menu for Southern Rail’s annual viewing party. The restaurant’s regular lunch and dinner menu, not to mention mint juleps. Patrons are invited to dress for the occasion and wear their snazziest hats and attire, which might just earn them a prize. The affair runs from 1 to 5 p.m., and reservations are requested. Call 602-200-0085.
Kelly’s at Southbridge
7117 East Sixth Avenue, Scottsdale
Want to celebrate both Cinco de Mayo and catch the Kentucky Derby at the same time? Kelly’s at Southbridge has you covered. Besides the requisite mint juleps ($9 each), they’ll also have $2 tacos and $7 you-call-it drinks made with Casamigos tequila. The best-dressed Derby couple and the patron with the best hat will both receive prizes during the event. If you’re still in the mood to party after the race, a set by the Jake Dean Band starts at 6 p.m., followed by DJ Rolemodel from 9 p.m. until close. Call 480-393-3205.
Turf Paradise
1501 West Bell Road
One of the biggest Kentucky Derby viewing parties in the Valley fittingly takes place each year at this landmark Phoenix horse track. It will feature an enormous spread, including air-conditioned tents, Champagne tastings, wagering stations, a taco bar, and several 65-inch screens showing the big race.
A no-host bar will serve beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and other libations, as well as (you guessed it) mint juleps. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. with racing at Turf Paradise starting at 11:30 a.m. The Derby starts at 3 p.m. Arizona time. General admission is $30, reserved seating is $60 and up, and VIP access is $115-$150. Call 602-942-1101 or visit the event's ticket page.
Padre Murphy's
4338 West Bell Road, Glendale
You can get an early start to Derby Day at Padre Murphy’s in Glendale. They’ll have breakfast service from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a number of drink specials throughout the day (including mint juleps, peach mimosas, and other fittingly themed libations). More than 90 TVs will be showing the race, and off-track betting will be available. Call 602-547-9406 for more info.
