It’s been more than 150 years of wide-brimmed hats and fascinators, and Kentucky Derby fever is returning to Palm Beach County on May 2. Put on your best Derby attire and enjoy drink specials, activities, and other activations to get amped up for the Race for the Roses. The race is estimated to begin at 6:57 p.m.
Throw Social
Watch the races at this Delray Beach bar’s 22-foot jumbotron on May 2 starting at 11 a.m., as well as brunch with bottomless mimosas, drink specials for mint juleps, live music, backyard games, VIP cabanas, and a Best Hat contest. More information here.
The Kennel Club
You don’t need to be at Churchill Downs to be this close to the track. Don your Derby best, then enjoy a day of wagering on the races, BBQ, souvenir stands, buffet, live music, southern cocktails, and other Kentucky Derby fun. More information here.
Worth Avenue
One of the most storied shopping districts in Palm Beach County, Worth Avenue is celebrating the Run for the Roses on May 2 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. (check in at The Esplanade from 2 to 3 p.m.). What to expect: participating boutiques with Derby activations, sips and bites, live entertainment and music, a shopping passport entering guests for giveaways, and the Avenue’s iconic Hat Contest at 5:30 p.m., crowning the winner with the best fascinator. Tickets are $50; for more information, click here.
Kapow
The restaurant’s Boca Raton and Delray Beach locations are gearing up for a watch party on May 2 from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy $7 Maker’s Mark mint juleps, half off all drinks, $500 cash prizes for the best Derby hat and best Derby attire, and prizes for those who correctly pick the Derby winner. Reservations recommended. Click here for more information.
Batch
Batch Delray and West Pam Beach are bringing their Derby party back for the fifth year, offering $1,000 worth of prizes for the best hat, best dressed, and other contests. Pick the winning trifecta and win a $1,000 gift card to Batch! The party starts on May 2 at 3 p.m. with live music at 4 p.m. More information here.
The Twisted Tuna
Strut your Derby stuff in Jupiter on May 2 at 3 p.m., with contests, mint juleps, bourbon peach smashes, chef specials, and cheering on your favorite steed for the most exciting two minutes in sports. More information here.
Covered South Florida
Get into the Derby spirit, and for a good cause! Covered South Florida—which provides diapers, period products, and adult briefs to those in need—benefits from this annual soiree at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. Hosted on May 2 from 4 to 8 p.m., there will be cigar rolling, carving stations and other delicious fare, silent auction, a signature drink, and of course, watching the race. Tickets are $175 and up and can be purchased here.
Did we miss a party? Email magazine@bocamag.com.
