The Kentucky Derby takes place this weekend, Saturday May 3. It might be the most exciting two minutes in sports, but the watch parties are just as lively. Attending a Derby gathering means dressing in elegant spring-wear while sipping on mint Juleps and, of course, wearing an extravagant hat you’d never wear otherwise.
Whether you’re wanting to watch the Kentucky Derby, or just looking to participate in a Best Dressed competition, we’ve rounded up four spots offering watch parties, special Derby Day offerings and more.
Bar Stilwell and Horsefeather Social (1515 Wyandotte St., thestilwellkc.com)
Located inside Loews Kansas City Hotel, Bar Stilwell and Horsefeather Social (the rooftop patio opening May 2), is featuring a new spring cocktail, the Hail Storm Julep, just in time for the Derby.
Stop by May 3 for a viewing of the Kentucky Derby and enjoy the new fangled Julep on the balconies of Bar Stilwell or the 7th floor lawn at Horsefeather Social.
J. Rieger & Co. (2700 Guinotte Ave., jriegerco.com)
J. Rieger & Co. is hosting its fourth annual Kentucky Derby celebration May 3, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.
Chow down on derby-inspired bites like hot browns and pimento cheese sandwiches, sip on signature mint Juleps and Horsefeathers and enjoy live music. One stylish couple will walk away with a $250 Halls gift card after winning the “Best Coordinated Derby Outfits” award.
Three different tickets are available for purchase here. General admission grants you access to Electric Park Garden Bar, the Atrium and tasting room, while all access tickets includes access to the Rieger’s Hey! Hey! Club cocktail lounge. The highest tier of tickets offered include the opportunity to fill your own bottle of a special bourbon.
The House in Westwood (2707 W 47th, Westwood, KS)
Wear your finest Derby hat and enjoy mint Juleps and savory bites from Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop this Saturday at The House’s derby party, from 4 to 9 pm. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales benefit Cultivate KC.
Derby-day inspired bites from Lulu’s include fried vegetarian spring rolls, mushroom laab and backstretch burger and fries. The race starts screening at 5:57 pm. Raffle prizes (awarded after the big race) include a mint Julep kit with bourbon from Union Horse Distilling Co. A Derby pie will be awarded to the “Best Dressed/Hat” (derby-style).
Tickets to this event cost $25 and includes admission and food. The House in Westwood is located right next door to Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop.
Purchase your tickets here.
The Museum of Kansas City (3218 Gladstone Blvd., museumofkansascity.org)
Celebrate the Museum of Kansas City’s 85th anniversary by attending their 10th annual Derby party. The party will take place from 3 to 7 pm Saturday with live music by The Phantastics, cocktails, mocktails, southern bites, plus “Best Hat” and “Best Outfit” competitions.
If you shop your look at Donna’s Dress Shop, the store will donate 50% of anything you buy to wear to the party back to the museum.
The event is for guests 21 years and older. Tickets are $125 each and are all-inclusive of food, drinks and entertainment. Purchase your tickets here.
