If Churchill Downs isn’t in your travel plans this year, there are plenty of Derby-related events happening in the Phoenix area, so put on your favorite hat and a fabulous outfit, and head to one of the following parties.
Derby Day Party
Scottsdale Living Hub, 4254 N. Brown Ave., ScottsdaleScottsdale Living Hub in the center of Old Town Scottsdale is also getting in on the Kentucky Derby action. They will have a best dressed and best hat contest, and you can make $5 cash-only bets. Early bird tickets are $45.50, general admission is $60 and VIPs are $300. Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and appetizers. The event starts at 2 p.m. For information and tickets, visit the Scottsdale Living Hub website.
See live horse racing in addition to the Derby at Turf Paradise.
Rose+Allyn Public & Online Relations
Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub
Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell RoadImmerse yourself in the Kentucky Derby experience at the Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub on race day. Thoroughbred racing, betting and refreshing cocktails are the order of the day in the largest tent the event has ever had. General admission tickets are available for $50 in advance or $55 at the door. Reserved seats start at $115. Turf Paradise gates open at 7:15 a.m. For more information, visit the Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub website.Phoenix 2030 Club Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Party
917 E. Sheridan St.Here's a Kentucky Derby event that gives back: The Phoenix 2030 Club's Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby party donates all its proceeds to the Children in Need Foundation. This event will contain live music, as-it-happens coverage of all the racing action, a hat contest, raffles, horse betting and more. Tickets start at $159 on the party's Eventbrite page.
Sixth Annual Derby Day Porch Party
Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, ScottsdaleGet ready to get into the races with some Southern-style cocktails on the dining room porch at Mowry & Cotton. Wear your finest duds and take a cool photo with the 360-degree camera. There are prizes for the best outfits, and the race will be broadcast on big-screen TVs to make you feel like you’re there in person. The party goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $180 and include all food, two signature cocktails, bourbon samples, contest prizes, a take-home bag and activities. To get tickets and information, visit the Phoenician Scottsdale website.Kentucky Derby Event
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, ScottsdaleIt’s heels down at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa for the Kentucky Derby this year. The resort is planning a great event that includes a Skywatch 26-ft. TV and multiple TVs throughout Dreamweaver’s Canyon and in the Antidote Bar; a gift bag; an Old Forester mint julep in a copper cup, a 360-degree photo booth and more. Tickets start at $135. You can get on the bit starting at 1 p.m. Visit the Eventbrite page for tickets and information.
Looking stylish at a previous Arizona Biltmore Kentucky Derby party.
Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Kentucky Derby Party
Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave.If it’s an upscale race day you want, it’s an elegant race day you will get at this classic Arizona resort. On race day, ticketholders get one complimentary mint julep and appetizers. There'll also be contests, complimentary valet parking and more. Tickets are $80 and the fun starts at the Spire Bar at 1 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Arizona Biltmore website.Kentucky Derby Event
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, ScottsdaleSaddle up in elegant style at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Kentucky Derby Event at the Bourbon Steak. This sophisticated affair includes red carpet valet service, luxurious prizes, free spirit tasting and a complimentary wager. Winners will get a “a delightful prize to savor.” The event starts at 1 p.m. Tickets are $189. For more information and tickets, visit the Kentucky Derby Party webpage.
Kentucky Derby Party
Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa TrailFor its inaugural Kentucky Derby Day event, The Wrigley Mansion is throwing a special party. Each guest will get two beverage tickets to enjoy some refreshing Maker's 46 Mint Juleps, along with a personalized complimentary bottle of Maker's 46 to take home with them. Guests can also win some great prizes in the Dress Your Derby Best contest. It all starts at 2:30 p.m. and tickets start at $125 per person. You can book your tickets on OpenTable.
