7 Ways to Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Rhode Island
Mint juleps, anyone? Visit one of these Kentucky Derby parties and benefits dressed in your fancy hat and Derby best.
Photo via Getty Images/SolStock
Two minutes. That’s it. People across the country dress up and wear big hats for an event that lasts just two minutes. For almost 150 years, visitors have gathered at Churchill Downs in Kentucky to sip mint juleps and cheer for horses and jockeys racing around a dirt track for a total of 120 seconds. It’s arguably the most exciting two minutes in all of sports. If you can’t make it down South for the Derby, there are plenty of local places that are celebrating the big event on Saturday, May 2, with parties and benefits where you can dress up as if you’re witnessing the race first hand.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Party at Track 15
Giddy up! As the site of the official Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby party, Providence’s food hall is promising to be the place to be and be seen for the big race this weekend. Kiddos can partake in a hobby horse race in the plaza while parents can freshen up their Derby looks with hat and fascinator embellishments at the “Derby Finishing Touches Bar.” Then mosey on over to Derby-inspired backdrop complete with a lush rose wall to commemorate the occasion with a live painting by local artist Sydney Darrow. Patrons can also sip on Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps, Herradura Tequila Blackberry Margarita, Old Forester Old Fashioneds, Double Oak Wood Manhattans, and Fords Gin & Tonics. The first 100 guests to order a Mint Julep will receive a Derby rose red canvas boat bag. Plus, dress in your Derby best for the chance to win prizes, including a special engraved collector’s edition bottle of the 152nd Derby Edition Woodford Reserve. Prizes will be awarded for Best Hat, Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Individual and Best Dressed Kid. 3–7 p.m. Free. 1 Union Station, Providence, 401-443-9215, track15ri.com.
Courtesy of The Vanderbilt
A Day at the Races with The Vanderbilt
Head to The Vanderbilt for the iconic mansion’s third annual Kentucky Derby Party and enjoy Gilded Age grandeur, southern-inspired refreshments, festive cocktails, betting games and a colorful dress code. Tickets include access to party, live broadcast of the race, stationed food, a Kentucky Derby lottery with grand prize, and a live bluegrass band. Atendees are encouraged to arrive in their Derby best to fully embrace the occasion. 5–8 p.m. $126 per ticket, purchase here. The Vanderbilt, 41 Mary St., Newport, 401-846-6200, aubergeresorts.com
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at the Ocean House
Let the race begin! Wear an extravagant hat and channel Southern charm at this Kentucky Derby viewing event, where guests will receive a Maker’s Mark mint julep cup and a Kentucky Derby hat, both iconic parts of the derby experience.Cheer for your favorite horse while sipping cocktails and taking in the elegant Ocean House atmosphere. Prizes will go to the best-dressed guests, so bring your A game! $135. 6 p.m. Ocean House,1 Bluff Ave., Westerly, oceanhouseri.com
Project Confidence Kentucky Derby Fundraiser
From horse race raffles and prizes for those deemed best dressed, Project Confidence’s fourth annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser at Brass Monkey invites guests to bid on exclusive sports memorabilia, sip on refreshing mint juleps and support a great cause. Project Confidence provides hygienic and personal care products for underserved youth in the state. Make sure to donate any toiletries for the nonprofit’s Confidence Kits filled with hair products, body wash, oral hygiene supplies and more. 4–8 p.m. Free event, RSVP here. Brass Monkey, 800 Allens Ave., Providence, 401-785-1818, brassmonkeyri.com
Derby Day in the Ballroom
The race might be only two minutes long, but the Ballroom at the Providence G will celebrate the 152nd Run for the Roses for hours. Hosted by Chelsea Delman (@thesocialitefiles) and friends, the party will include southern-inspired hors d’oeuvres, live music by Ken Freeman, a best dressed contest (think big hats and bold bow-ties) and a complimentary tasting of the G’s “Kentucky Bluegrass Julep” featuring Butterfly Vodka by VELO. 5–8 p.m. $30. Purchase tickets here. 100 Dorrance St., 401-585-8005, Providence, providencegevents.com
Derby day fashion at the Fraid Knots Pan Mass Challenge party.
Fraid Knots Pan Mass Challenge Team
The Fraid Knots Pan Mass Challenge Team is hopping off their bikes for a special fundraiser on Derby Day to support their cause of honoring cancer victims and survivors and helping find a cure. Back by popular demand, the annual fundraiser will take place at Bluewater Bar and Grill in Barrington beginning at 4 p.m. The night includes a viewing of the races and getting your money’s worth at the Hot Kentucky-themed three-course buffet for only $80 per person. Learn more here. Bluewater Bar and Grill, 32 Barton Ave., Barrington, 401-247-0017, bluewatergrillri.com
Derby Day at Harbor Lights
One thing Churchill Downs doesn’t have going for it? A waterview. But Harbor Lights does — watch the most exciting two minutes in sports by the waterfront and indulge in a festive evening filled with classic cocktails and themed bites like bourbon meatballs and shrimp jambalaya. Be sure to show off your Derby attire at the flower wall photo lounge and participate in the Best Hat Fashion Show. 5–8 p.m. Free event. Harbor Lights, 150 Gray St., Warwick, 401-737-6353, harborlightsri.com
