Unpack your fanciest hat and dust off your mint julep cups: Derby Day, May 4, is almost upon us. Don’t have high-class headwear ready to go? Drop into the make-your-own-fascinator workshop at Engel & Völkers in Newburyport on Friday to prepare for the big day.
When you’re to celebrate, check out these four options:
Kentucky Derby Pup Races, Park-9 Dog Bar, Everett | 3:30-7 p.m.
Why should horses get to have all the fun? Sign your beloved pup up for a chance at glory at the Park-9 Dog Bar’s very own derby. Then sip mint juleps while you cheer on the competitors – canine and equine. Register your racer at park9dogbar.com.
Kentucky Derby Party, Emerson Inn, Rockport | 4-7 p.m.
Don your fascinators and colorful suits and head to Rockport for a view party complete with mint juleps and hors d’oeuvres. Make it a night by adding on a dinner reservation and enjoy options like bourbon-glazed salmon with maple and pecans, Hot Brown Kentucky Dinner, and peach cobbler with maple and bourbon. Reserve your spot online.
Ironstone Derby, Ironstone Farm, Andover | 4-7 p.m.
You don’t have to go to Kentucky to get up close with some real horses. This family-friendly event includes food trucks, live bluegrass music, hay rides, an equine drill team performance, stick horse races, and lots more fun, culminating with a big-screen viewing of the race. More information and tickets available at ironstonefarm.org.
Kentucky Derby at The Derby, Salem | 5-7p.m.
Celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports by getting dressed up and heading to The Derby for giveaways, live music, Kentucky-style drink and food specials, and contests for best hat, best bow tie, and best dressed. Proper dress is not required, but is highly encouraged. Details available on Facebook.