For the first time in 75 years Derby Day is not taking place on the first Saturday in May. It will run this Saturday, September 5, over Labor Day Weekend. While there will be no spectators in attendance at the 146th Kentucky Derby, you can watch the action at one of several Saratoga hotspots we highlight below. And, scroll to the bottom for a bonus horse-related event!
5 Places to Watch the Most Exciting 2 Minutes in Sports
15 Church is charging $250 per guest for their Derby Watch Party, which includes a $100 food and beverage credit.
The Barrelhouse
The Barrelhouse will open at 11am and they’ll be ready with Derby-themed specials. They’re working with Northway Brewing to help raise funds for ACTT Naturally, an equine program that gently transitions thoroughbreds out of their racing careers.
Doors open at noon at The Ice House and they’ll have a full BBQ menu, 12-foot jumbo-tron couch seating, 20+ outside TVs, bottle service, and beer buckets.
Like The Barrelhouse, Taverna Novo is hosting party with a cause. Admission is $75 and benefits the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Belmont Child Care Association. Enjoy food and beverage specials throughout the day.
Whitman Brewing Company is hosting a full-on Derby-themed feast complete with Southern-style fare like fried chicken, braised collard greens, and biscuits with honey butter. Tickets are $125 and include food and two drink tickets.
Please note: Prime at Saratoga National and The Adelphi Hotel are also showing the Derby, but are booked. Please reserve your table, buy your tickets, or otherwise make plans ahead of time, as capacity will be limited due to COVID restrictions.
Watching From Home? Pick Up Drink Supplies at Purdy’s
Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor has a massive selection of wines and spirits for your mint juleps or other Derby-themed cocktails you may be planning. Feel free to ask their knowledgeable staff for recommendations!
See What Else is Happening in the Horse World
Guess what? The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame reopens to the public this Saturday, coinciding with Derby Day. Make sure to add them into your plans by purchasing a ticket ahead of time – it’s $20 per adult and includes a two-hour time slot to visit the museum.
