It’s Kentucky Derby week in the Bluegrass – up the road in Louisville, ladies will soon be donning their finest hats and the crowd will be ordering barrels of mint juleps.
If your Derby party invite got lost in the mail, or if you just don’t feel like braving the crowds for a day at the races, there are plenty of places in Lexington to watch all the action:
Keeneland: Keeneland will be open both Derby and Oaks day for picnic-style race viewing in the paddock. Fans can bring a blanket and cooler but may not bring their own alcohol. The grandstand and north terrace will also be open to the public. Admission is $5 on Derby Day, with children 12 and under admitted free. Clubhouse dining is sold out for Derby day but is still available for Oaks day (Friday). Gates open at 9 a.m.
Kentucky Horse Park: The park will have drive-through betting available on-site and will be showing the race on a jumbotron in the courtyard. Derby souvenirs will be available in the gift shop, and the park’s usual activities will continue, including the Hall of Champions show, which lets visitors meet Derby winners Funny Cide and Go For Gin.
The Thoroughbred Center: The Keeneland-owned facility off Paris Pike will also be offering Derby and Oaks betting at drive-through kiosks from 8 a.m. until the end of the feature race each day. Officials wanted to offer the public alternates to sitting in traffic at Keeneland.
DeSha’s: The restaurant will be showing the race and pre-coverage near the bar, and will be offering mint juleps. Don’t forget to grab a slice of Kentucky Derby pie for dessert.
The Julep Cup: Will be showing the race, and their menu will honor Cinco de Mayo. Special dishes are anticipated to include southwestern chicken and vegetable soup, prime rib with oaxacan mole, tamalon and fire-roasted tomato, and sea bass grilled in banana leaf with salsa, beans and rice. As a hat tip to the Derby, lamb fries will also be available.
McCarthy’s Irish Bar: Will be showing the race and offering the seasonal Oaks Lilly drink (Grey Goose vodka, cranberry juice, sweet and sour, and triple sec).
Harvey’s: Special drink menu includes Oak Lillies, Infields, Red Carpets. A usual hangout for the horsey set, the bar really picks up as people come back into town from watching the Derby at Keeneland.
Headley-Whitney Museum: Post-Derby brunch on Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Brunch and Bibelots” will benefit the museum. Tickets available online.
Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:24 p.m. Television coverage begins at 9:30 a.m. on HRTV, and NBC at 11 a.m.