The 148th Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 7, and while many may not be able to make it down to Louisville, Cincinnatians are still looking to don a big hat and drink some mint juleps.
Watch the “fastest two minutes in sports,” which is scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m., at any of these Queen City celebrations.
Rich's Annual Derby Day Soirée
Head over to Rich’s Proper Saturday starting at 4 p.m. for their annual derby watch party. Reserve a table and enjoy $10 Old Forester mint juleps, Finlandia Frozen Lilys and Old Forester bourbon slushies. There will be Derby-inspired food and a massive 20-foot TV to watch the race at 6:57 p.m. There will also be post-race festivities, like live music, until Rich’s closes. If you can’t get a reservation, there will be tables set up in the parking lot adjacent to Rich's, where you can still join in on the festivities and watch the race. Free entry, 4 p.m.-close, 701 Madison Ave., Covington, richsproper.com.
Derby Day Party at Braxton’s Covington Tap Room
Start your derby day early at Braxton Brewing, which plans to open its doors to party-goers at 11 a.m. Grab a mint julep, or their recently released mint julep beer, “Kentucky Home,” and some food from the kitchen while you’re dressed to impress (you could even win the event's best dressed prize). There will also be a special on Maker’s Mark, a photo booth and a DJ. Free entry, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 27 W 7th St., Covington, braxtonbrewing.com.
Run for the Roses on the Levee
Throw on your big hats and head down to the levee where you can celebrate the derby all afternoon. Newport on the Levee is hosting tons of activities at their Run for the Roses celebration, including live music, charity raffles, games and restaurant deals. This event is free and seating is first-come-first-serve, so get there early to enjoy the race. Free entry, 4-8 p.m., One Levee Way, Newport, newportonthelevee.com.
Esoteric Brewing Derby Garden Party
Head over to Esoteric Brewing in Walnut Hills and enjoy some brews, cocktails, and beer — plus a live DJ. Enjoy the party's signature cocktail, the Summer Sunset — made with sweet tea, lemonade and vodka. While you’re there, grab a bite from Korean fried chicken spot Decibel. Free entry, 5-10 p.m., 918 E McMillan St., Walnut Hills, esotericbrewing.com.
Kentucky Derby at Keystone in Covington
According to Keystone’s website, “Floppy hats & seersucker attire are encouraged” at their party, so go all out. Starting at 4 p.m., guests can stop by Keystone and enjoy $6 mint juleps, place bets on the race and munch on some of the restaurant's signature mac and cheese (or anything else from their kitchen). Free entry, 4 p.m.- close. 313 Greenup St., Covington, keystonebar.com.
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