The race is on and the mint juleps are flowing—here are the best local spots to celebrate and watch the Kentucky Derby in Philadelphia.
The Twisted Tail
Every year, The Twisted Tail goes big for the Kentucky Derby in Philadelphia, and 2025 will be no different. The venue’s celebration will run all day (from noon to 7 p.m.) and take over Headhouse Square Plaza with a full schedule of activities and surprises. Throughout the day, a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep Tent will serve up the staple drink for $12, but locals can also sip on a variety of Hornitos Margaritas ($10), Spiked Lemonades ($10) and beers on tap ($7.)
The Twisted Tail will also have an outdoor grill tent on site serving up chicken skewers, BBQ glazed meatballs, cheeseburgers, Kobe beef hot dogs with bacon jam, chorizo tacos, pork belly sliders, and more. The party will also feature live music (from noon to 6 p.m.) with different local blues and rock & roll acts, raffles, lawn games (like corn hole and giant Jenga) and more.
Attendees are also encouraged to arrive in their best Derby outfits for the Ladies Hat and Most Dapper Gent competitions. As a release notes, the event will begin at noon, with race coverage starting at 6 p.m. (shown on a large projector) followed by the coronation ceremony. Every Mint Julep purchase comes with a raffle ticket, and attendees can submit for the winning horse draw with a chance to win various prizes.
And for those looking for a more VIP experience, the locale is also hosting a special experience (limited to 100 tickets) in the Club Room on the second floor. VIP includes a DIY flower crown station, a Maker’s Mark tasting (from noon to 5 p.m.), Derby Day swag, a commemorative Julep cup and a complimentary Mint Julep (with the purchase of a raffle ticket).
Inside the restaurant, the full Twisted Tail menu will be available all day. As the sun sets, the party will move indoors, and live music will continue in the Juke Joint upstairs. Seating is first come, first served, and there will be no reservations.
509 S 2nd St., thetwistedtail.com
Harrah’s Philadelphia
Harrah’s is known for throwing one of the most spirited Derby Day celebrations in the Philadelphia/Delaware County area. In 2025, the locale will have live racing, a DJ playing tunes on the grandstand patio, a Derby Hat contest (at 4:30 p.m.) and a variety of food and beverages for purchase. All of the fun starts at noon.
777 Harrah’s Blvd, Chester, caesars.com
Sunset Social
This rooftop park oasis is throwing a decked out celebration for the Kentucky Derby. The event will feature live music, a caricaturist and a balloon artist from 3 to 6 p.m., plus. those dressed in their Derby best can enter into their costume contest, featuring prizes for best dressed, best hat, and best dressed group. The big race will be shown on a 60 foot screen, and general admission is free. There’s also the option to buy tickets ($49-$69 via Eventbrite) to the VIP Rose Circle Tent, featuring passed canapés and your own bar under the tent from 3 to 6 p.m.
129 South 30th St., sunsetsocialphl.com
Andulasia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum
Overlooking the Delaware River and 13 miles from Philadelphia, this picturesque property once belonged to the Biddle Family. The 19th-century Greek Revival home is currently surrounded by stunning, native woodlands and spectacular formal gardens, but the land and what it holds date back to the 18th Century.
Andalusia recently opened up for the season, and this picturesque venue is also offering a prime spot to view the big race. Andulasia’s annual Garden Party is officially set for Saturday, May 3. From 5 to 7:30 p.m., locals can enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, explore the grounds, then gather to watch the main event itself come race time. Tickets start at $52 and can be purchased online.
1237 State Road, Andalusia, andalusiapa.org
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Those looking to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Philadelphia can head to the South Philly locale (to Sports & Social) for Woodford Reserve specialty cocktails and a Copper Cup giveaway while watching the big race.
900 Packer Ave., philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com
