The 2013 Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 4, and while the actual race may last a mere two minutes, you’re free to celebrate the whole day long, busting out your best sundress or spiffiest seersuckers, basking in the spring sun, and sipping on Mint Juleps for a day at the races. You may not be making it all the way to Churchill Downs to cheer on the horse with the best name (Normandy Invasion, Overanalyze, and Java’s War, to name a few for 2013), but here in Boston, there’s no shortage of Kentucky Derby parties happening around town to help you get your Southern Belle on. Because when it comes to flaunting big hats, there’s power in numbers.
Check out our top picks for Kentucky Derby parties in Boston below.
Kentucky Derby Party at The Place — 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Place will be celebrating a day at the races with food and drink specials: they’ll be offering up $2 Coors Light bottles, $5 margs, $8 nachos, and $9 quesadillas all day long. Tickets are $10 and available here.
Good Sports Kentucky Derby Party at Scholar –– 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Feel good about placing bets and day drinking at this Good Sports Derby Party–donations will go toward ensuring that every child has a chance to participate in youth sports. Plus, you can win memorabilia, certificates, and more during the silent auction, while snacking on appetizers provided by Scholar. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at the Good Sports website.
2013 Kentucky Derby Fundraiser Party at Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant — 3 p.m.
For $25, you and your friends can partake in a silent auctions, raffles, derby events, and enjoy appetizers, all the while raising money for Boston Cares, a nonprofit organization that helps mobilize volunteer work around Boston. Tickets are $25 at the door and complete details are available here.
Derby Day 2013 at the Charlesmark Hotel and Lounge — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
With five TV screens, you won’t miss a second of the horse race at the Charlesmark’s Derby party. Even more importantly, they’ll be serving up a complimentary Mint Julep if you arrive between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., right before you enter the King and Queen of the Derby contest. Ladies will be judged on how crazy their big hats are, and the best dressed gentleman will be honored as well. Prizes and Vineyard Vines swag will be handed out after the race, and on top of all that, this event is free. More details here.
3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party at Barney Fannings — 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Barney Fannings will be offering up $3 Mint Juleps and a free buffet, as well as raffling off two Red Sox tickets and awarding the best hat with a $100 prize. Tickets are $11.50, and a portion of the funds will be donated to the Marathon Relief effort. Plus, this party lasts all night, so plan accordingly.
DCBK Derby Day at Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen — 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen is teaming up with Bulleit Bourbon to create a truly Southern party that even us Yankees can get down with. The menu will feature items like cucumber sandwiches and bourbon wings to be washed down by Mint Juelps. And don’t forget to don your biggest Derby hats — you could win up to $200 in prizes.
When it comes to big hats, there’s a fine line between looking chic and looking crazy. Here’s a roundup of the craziest hats from Derbys past.
