You do not need to be at Churchill Downs to celebrate the “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” on May 3rd. Experience this year’s Kentucky Derby in style at these events:
Kentucky Derby Pup Races, Park-9 Dog Bar, Everett | 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Why should horses get to have all the fun? Sign your beloved Corgi or Dachshund pup up for a chance at glory at the Park-9 Dog Bar’s very own derby. New this year there will be open heats for mixed small dogs. Derby attire encouraged for dogs and humans alike. Prizes will be awarded to the dogs sporting the best derby hats. Winners will receive prizes from Park-9 and Spyglass Brewing. All dogs and humans are invited to sip on a mint julep or a fresh Spyglass brew & cheer on the racers! Register your racer at park9dogbar.com.
Kentucky Derby By the Sea Party, Emerson Inn, Rockport | 4-9 p.m.
Make sure your hat is tops because this event will offer a “Best Hat” competition along with music by the Deep Blue Band. Tickets include a special sparkling welcome drink, hors d’oeuvres, and event access. 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 | 4-7:30 p.m.
Bring out your inner jockey with a stick horse race and get up close with Ironstone’s herd of 25 horses. This family-friendly event includes food from Sauwce Catering, drinks from Rolling Rose Mobile Bar, sweet treats from F&F Sweet Bar, and farm games culminating with a big-screen viewing of the race. More information and tickets available at ironstonefarm.org.
Kentucky Derby at The Derby, Salem | 4 p.m.
Head 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. There will be promos with Wild Turkey, Surf Side Iced Tea, and Mighty Squirrel Brewing. Music with DJ Smitty from 4-7pm and Francois Simard from 7pm to 10pm. Learn more on Facebook.
Kentucky Derby Event at The Sargent House Museum | 12-2 p.m.
A book club themed event at The Sargent House Museum. Mini tours of the Museum highlighting the connection between Judith Sargent Murray, her daughter, Julia Maria, and the world famous thoroughbred made famous in Geraldine Brooks’ novel, Horse. Mint Juleps, best hat contest with prizes, and a book discussion. Learn more here.
The Kentucky Derby Darty at The Newbury Boston | 4-7 p.m.
Take a drive to Boston to enjoy live music, a selection of Kentucky Derby-inspired hors d’oeuvres, and crafted cocktails. A VIP ticket will provide early entry and a limited-edition Anniversary Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bottle. A portion from every ticket will be donated to Women’s Lunch Place, a daytime shelter and advocacy center in Boston dedicated to empowering women experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. Learn more here.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Sogno I 12 p.m.
Sogno in Woburn is throwing a Kentucky Derby Watch Party on their patio. Enjoy authentic mint juleps added to the cocktail menu, a Best-Dressed Contest (big hats, bold prints, bow ties encouraged) and the chance for one fabulously dressed guest to walk away with a $100 Sogno gift card which will be chosen by the cheers of the crowd. The full menu is available to compliment the fun. For reservations and more information visit: sognoitalian.com