It’s time to celebrate “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” as fans, riders and horses get set for the 137th Annual Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 7! You don’t need to jet set to Louisville to enjoy the festivities and don your fashionable derby hat, the Valley is chock full of derby parties to get your hearts RACING!
A Derby Affair
May 7, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The Arizona Biltmore – Derby Lawn, Phoenix
A Derby Affair is back for its seventh “Run for the Roses” to champion the cause of Homeward Bound. Guests can sip mint juleps, don fashionable derby hats and wager on the ponies – all while socializing in a “millionaires’ row” setting and feasting on Southern culinary delights. The event culminates in the running of the 137th Kentucky Derby, which will be simulcast on large screens for all to see and enjoy.
www.aderbyaffair.org
Derby Day at Turf Paradise
May 7, Gates open at 7:30 a.m., First live race at 11:30 a.m.
Turf Paradise, Phoenix
You can still spend the big day at the races, right here in Arizona! Turf Paradise is putting on an action-packed day of live races, fashion contests with cash prizes for men and women, live music, mint juleps, and kid-friendly activities (like free pony rides) in the family fun park. Kentucky Derby broadcast will take place at approximately 3:24 p.m. Arizona Time.
turfparadise.com
Mabel on Maine’s Derby Party
May 7, Doors open at 2 p.m.
Mabel on Maine, Scottsdale
Aaron May’s Mabel on Maine in Scottsdale is transforming into a Louisville-style Derby party! Guests can sip tasty cocktails, including the traditional mint juleps served in copper cups, or a Louisville Cooler, which blends bourbon, orange juice, lime juice and powdered sugar, and is served on the rocks. Chef May is also dishing out festive eats for the occasion, including the Hot Brown (an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich topped with bubbly, browned Mornay sauce, invented at Louisville’s Brown Hotel in the 1920’s), fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, and Hoppin’ John (a mixture of black-eyed peas and rice). Guests can also play games, participate in a Best Hat Contest, win door prizes if dressed in theme and listen to Kentucky Bluegrass music!
mabelsonmain.com
Gallagher’s Sports Grill Kentucky Derby Celebration
May 7
Locations Valley-wide
View the Kentucky Derby in high definition at Gallagher’s Sports Grill at any of its five locations across the Valley. Guests can enjoy all-day drink specials, including Maker’s Mark mint juleps served in a commemorative glass, mimosas and Bloody Marys, as well as a full brunch menu. Don your best Derby hat for a chance to win the “Best Hat” contest, and enter a raffle for gift cards or a Maker’s Mark gift basket!
gallaghersaz.com
