Dark Horse Derby Party — Grab your fascinator and head to The Transept for the Junior League of Cincinnati’s Derby party. Party features cocktails and dancing to benefit GrinUp! and RefugeeConnect, music by DJ Self Diploma, light bites and emcee Sheila Gray. Cocktail attire and fascinators encouraged. 7-11 p.m. May 6. $55 general admission; $96 includes open bar; $150 host/hostess. The Transept, 1205 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, jlcincinnati.org.
Braxton Brewing Company Derby Party — Braxton brewed some mint julep-style beer, which they will be serving in a keepsake Derby glass. Watch the race on TV and enjoy Derby-themed food. Noon. Free admission. Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, Ky., facebook.com/braxtonbrewingcompany.
Cincinnati Sports League Derby Day Party — Derby day contests for best male and female Derby outfit, a bouncy-horse race and happy hour deals with mint juleps for $4. 3-6 p.m. $10 for 10 happy hour. Next Chapter, 940 Pavilion, Mount Adams, gocsl.com.
Derby Day Party at Historic Laurel Court — The College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation hosts its sixth-annual Derby party and fundraiser. The party takes place at Historic Laurel Courtwith live entrainment, mint juleps, a silent auction, a Derby hat contest and a cash bar. Attire is dressy casual. Proceeds benefit CHCURC’s efforts to revitalize College Hill’s business district. 5 p.m. May 7. $75 advance; $85 at the door. Laurel Court, 5870 Belmont, College Hill, dd2016.eventbrite.com.
Derby Day Soireé at Neons — Neons' third-annual Derby Day Soireé features top-shelf Woodford Reserve juleps, Old Forester juleps and Julep-Ritas (aka julep margaritas), all served in the official 142 Kentucky Derby commemorative glass. Includes a Derby hat contest and a Dapper Dude contest. Dress your best, decorate your hat; winners get a prize package from Woodford Reserve. Derby will be streaming live on the big screen. Also features Kentucky-themed food from Melt on the patio. 3-7 p.m. May 7. Free admission. Neons, 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/neonsunplugged.
Japp’s Derby Day Party — Japp’s will be broadcasting the Derby live. The bar’s julep menu features classic and craft mint juleps with Maker’s Mark. Also serving light bites inspired by the traditional cuisine of Kentucky. 4-7 p.m. Free admission. Japp’s Since 1879, 1136 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, wellmannsbrands.com/japps1879.
Kentucky Derby Party — Classic Kentucky Derby dishes paired with mint juleps, served in a commemorative Derby glass. Includes prizes, raffles and drawings to benefit Winton Woods’ Riding Center Special Olympics training program. 3:30-7 p.m. $10. Parkers Blue Ash Tavern, 4200 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, parkersblueash.com.
Kentucky Derby at Igby’s — Sip on $5 barrel-aged Manhattan’s made with Woodford Reserve an hour before and an hour after the race. Other cocktail specials include mint juleps, black-eyed Susans and Belmont jewels. The Derby will be streaming live on Igby’s TVs. Pick your winning horse and win prizes. Awards for best hat and best seersucker suit. Also hosting parties for The Preakness Stakes on May 21 and The Belmont Parks on June 11. 4 p.m. May 7. Free admission. Igby’s, 122 E. Sixth St., Downtown, igbys.com.
Kentucky Derby Party at Turfway Park — Kentucky Derby simulcast with a Party in the Paddock, featuring a free concert from the Naked Karate Girls, mint juleps and a buffet. Noon-8 p.m. May 7. Free admission. Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Ky., turfway.com.
