The Kentucky Derby takes place May 2 this year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., but you don’t have to make a special trip to the Bluegrass State to enjoy the best two minutes in sports. Many exciting venues host Kentucky Derby parties where you can still enjoy the fashion and fun of the day.
Mad46, a rooftop lounge atop The Roosevelt Hotel (http://www.theroosevelthotel.com) in New York City, is one of those venues. They open their doors at 3:30 p.m. May 2, leaving you just enough time to have a few mint juleps before the race begins at 6:30 p.m.
If you’re in Chicago for the day, head to Chicago Q for their Kentucky Derby Millionaire’s Row. Tickets are $60 each and part of the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House. Ticket prices include a buffet of Derby-worthy choices and five drink tickets for the multiple specialty cocktail bars.
The West Coast definitely knows how to celebrate Derby Day as well. The Kentucky Derby By the Bay event at the General’s Residence in Fort Mason will bring you all the southern food, bourbon and Derby fashion your heart desires. Live music, prizes for best dressed and custom hand-rolled cigars as you overlook the San Francisco Bay compliment the race nicely.
If you’re lucky enough to attend the real deal, Louisville has a wide variety of events to showcase the state’s best the whole weekend. From Taste of Derby to the Derby Eve Gala at the Galt House Hotel, you’ll stay busy during your entire visit.
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