The race is on and the mint juleps are flowing—here is where to celebrate and watch the Kentucky Derby in Philadelphia.
The Twisted Tail
From 2 to 7 p.m. this Saturday, celebrations for Derby Day will be in full swing in The Twisted Tail’s upstairs juke joint. The occasion will be sponsored by Beam Suntory and feature live music, a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep Lounge, a custom glass engraver, flower crown maker, photo booths, raffles, giveaways, and much more.
The celebration will also feature a best-dressed competition in the form of a Best Ladies Hat category and the Most Dapper Gent, a release notes. The event will begin at 2 p.m., with the race coverage starting at 6 p.m. followed by the coronation ceremony. While there, attendees can submit for a raffle for the winning horse draw with a chance to win various prizes as well.
509 S 2nd St.,thetwistedtail.com
PJ Clarkes
For this year’s Derby, PJ Clarke’s in Center City will be throwing a viewing party with themed offerings flowing all day long. Specialty dishes like pimento cheese, Kentucky pecan pie empanadas, ribs and slaw, and jalapeno corn hushpuppies will be $8, plus mint juleps will be priced at $10 for the occasion.
Philadelphians can also opt to try some of the items on PJ’s larger menu while the race plays on the giant television wall behind their bar as well.
601 Walnut St., pjclarkes.com
DBG Philly
To celebrate the big race, locals can post up at DBG Philly to watch the festivities and also indulge in some specialty menu items like the KDB (Kentucky Derby Burger) made with creekstone farm black angus beef, American cheese, pimento cheese sauce, bacon, and bourbon onions on a biscuit bun, or the Kentucky Mint Julep made with bourbon, blueberry, mint, and lavender.
1311 Sansom St., dbgphilly.com
Craftsman Row Saloon
This Jeweler’s Row hotspot is no stranger to going all out for a theme, and that rings true for the Kentucky Derby in Philadelphia this year. The venue will be showing the race on their TVs and also debuting a slew of new custom specials for the occasion.
On Saturday, Philadelphians can find the Prize Ribbon Milkshake (local mint chocolate chip ice cream, a prize ribbon brownie, derby hat cookie and festive sprinkles), bourbon maple glazed wings, spicy chicken tenders with a biscuit, the Blue Grass Mule (bourbon, ginger beer, lime and mint,) and the Run for the Roses Julep (bourbon, strawberry, mint and rosewater.)
112 S 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com
Parx Casino
For 2024’s Derby Day, Parx will be going all out with a giant in-field television broadcasting the race, and access to family fun at the venue’s picnic grove from noon to 5 p.m.
Activities span pony rides, moon bounces, face painters, live music, food and beverage specials, souvenir merchandise, and much more. Advance Wagering for those of age on the Kentucky Derby will also be available beginning Friday, May 3.
2999 Street Road, parxcasino.com
Founding Father’s Philadelphia
Locals can post up to watch the race on big screens and drink $8 mint juleps all day long while at Founding Father’s on Saturday to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Philadelphia.
1612 South St., foundingfathersbar.com
Delaware Park Casino
Park Casino is combining two celebrations—Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo—and offering three days of specials for both. “Cinco de Derby” will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on May 3, 4, and 5, and will feature DJ Joel Stephenson, $11 Cutwater Tequila margaritas, $5 Modelos, and $5 Coronas at the venue.
777 Delaware Park Blvd., delawarepark.com
The Thirsty Dice
To celebrate the occasion, Thirsty Dice will feature a special Mint Julep Boozy Shake for the day with Bassetts mint chocolate ice cream, Bassets vanilla ice cream, bourbon and mint leaves.
1642 Fairmount Ave., thirstydice.com
