Get out your best hat and prepare for a day of mint juleps, Southern charm and of course, horse racing… it’s the Kentucky Derby! We’ve rounded up our favorite Derby Day events happening around Saratoga that are the perfect way to celebrate the “fastest two minutes in sports” and to start getting excited about our racing season, too, of course!
Prime on the Rail
Join Prime at Saratoga National for their official kick-off to summer party on Derby Day! There will be a cash bar, live music, a jumbo-tron TV to watch the race, a boutique display by Frivolous, a hand rolled cigar station and last but not least, helicopter tours! There is also a VIP option available with even more amenities.
Kentucky Derby at Vapor
Head to Vapor to watch the heart-pounding action on their 16 foot screen! There will be a special race-day menu featuring wings, sliders and more. Also, there will be drink specials going on all day long including $3 Coors Light and $4 Captain Morgan drinks. The best part of this Derby party? Admission is free!
Bacon, Brews and Brims
What could be better than that combination? Swing by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on May 2nd from 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm for their Kentucky Derby Party. There will be local brews and spirits and signature bacon dishes from Saratoga restaurants to sample. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress… there will be an award for the most fashionable Derby attire at the party! There will also be a chance to win dinner in a private box at the Saratoga Race Course on the evening of the Whitney.
Derby Day Party at Brook Tavern
Stop by Brook Tavern’s Kentucky Derby party for mint juleps, bourbon flights and complimentary appetizers from 4:00 until post time including some Kentucky favorites such as baby hot browns and Louisiana deviled eggs.
Harvey’s Derby Day Celebration
Head to Harvey’s for live music on the roof, mint juleps and of course, Kentucky style fried chicken! There will also be live music all day and night by Pat Decker & Matt Mirabile!
Kentucky Derby Celebrity Bartending at Max London’s
From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local celebrities will be bartending at Max London’s to help raise funds for the Backstretch Employee Service Team. All of the tip proceeds and 5% of sales will go directly to B.E.S.T. Mayor Joanne Yepsen, CBS6 sports anchor Doug Sherman and more will be in attendance!
Derby Day at Kings Tavern
Check out silent auctions, raffles, a BBQ and drink specials at Kings Tavern on Derby Day. Proceeds will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation!
Wheatfield’s 8th Annual Kentucky Derby Party
Watch the race at Wheatfield’s! They will have complimentary appetizers and drink specials for guests. This is an event you’ll want to break out your most fashionable hat for as they are having a Best Hat Contest! There will also be a 50/50 raffle during the party.
Derby Day Buffet at Fortune’s
It just makes sense to celebrate the Kentucky Derby at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Kick back at Fortune’s, enjoy their delicious buffet and wager right from your table! Be sure to make a reservation, tables are sure to fill up quickly.
Live Music & Drink Specials at the Horseshoe Inn
Head to the Horseshoe to celebrate horses returning to the track, spring, the tent being up and most importantly, the Kentucky Derby! The bar will be open at 3:00 pm with drink specials and live music all night.
We hope to see you at one of these great Derby Day events… cheers!
