5 Ways to Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Philly
We may be hundreds of miles from the rolling, bluegrass hills of Kentucky, but that won’t keep us from kicking it up at a Derby party. Here, we round up five of the best places to drink mint juleps and don your most outlandish Southern garb this Saturday in Philly.
Kentucky Derby at the Twisted Tail: If your ideal Derby Day demands more of a watering-hole than gala environment, the Twisted Tail is a perfect place to watch the race. There’ll be discount drinks (mint juleps and another Southern favorites), a 50/50 raffle to benefit PAWs, prizes, and a hat competition. Proceeds from the Twisted Tail– and Woodford Reserve-hosted event benefit PAWs. Saturday, May 3rd, 2 .p.m., free (pay as you go), The Twisted Tail, 509 South 2nd Street.
West Laurel Hill Kentucky Derby Party: Watch the 140th Derby in style at West Laurel Hill’s party. Make like Tennessee Williams and believe you’re lucky with casino games. Or embrace the Southern comforts of complimentary mint juleps and hors d’ouevres, all in your best Blanche DuBois get-up. Prizes will be awarded for fancy dress and hats (go royal or go home.) New to this year’s event are horse-and-carriage rides around West Laurel Hill’s picaresque grounds. Proceeds benefit Chamounix Equestrian Center. Saturday, May 3rd, 4 – 7 p.m., $25, West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Avenue.
Paramour Third Annual Kentucky Derby Party: Head to Paramour at the iconic Wayne Hotel for an open-air evening at the races. The Derby party also kicks off the al fresco season on the Wayne’s veranda, so wear your Southern best to see and be seen. Nibble on Southern-inspired snacks and sweet treats, as well as the obligatory mint julep or three. Specialty selected wines will also be available for sampling. Remember your hats and finery, and score a chance at winning best-dressed male or female Derby-goer. Proceeds benefit the Radnor Conservancy. Saturday, May 3rd, 4 – 6:30 p.m., $50, Paramour at the Wayne Hotel, 139 East Lancaster Avenue.
Cheers!
PEC’s Race to Make a Difference: Celebrate the South’s biggest event Philly-style at Race to Make a Difference. Watch the race and show off your bespoke best and, of course, your only-in-Kentucky hats. Enjoy charitable-minded games, prizes, hors d’ouevres, drinks (you guessed it, juleps again), and the main event, the most exciting two-minutes in horse racing. There are no losing bets here, as funds benefit PEC’s mission to save Philadelphia’s homeless women and children. Saturday, May 3rd, 5 – 7:30 p.m., $150, Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue.
Xfinity Live Derby Days and Fiesta Nights: Southern charm meets South of the Border at this Derby event that, um, wears two hats. Check out horse racing’s biggest event and celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Watch the race on the bar’s 23-foot screen while sipping on discount mint juleps (I’m drunk just from typing those words!) Then, stay for Cinco de Mayo-themed food and drink specials starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3rd, 2 – 9 p.m., free (pay as you go), Xfinity Live, 1100 Pattison Avenue.
