The sun’s been peeking out just enough to give us a taste of summer while whetting our palettes for delectable mint juleps, the staple drink of the Kentucky Derby. For almost a hundred years the fresh-tasting cocktail has been served up at Churchill Downs to thirsty horserace fans. And the two-minute run for the roses isn’t just a vehicle for cocktails, it’s also a runway for southern-style fashions. When the race began TV broadcasts in the 60s, women got the chance to stand out for their moment of fame by donning ever-spectacular millinery. And it seems that the hats just keep getting bigger and bolder—the royal wedding 2011 renewed an interest in the grand hats. If you plan on watching, dressing in your finest and hitting the town, here’s our picks for where to celebrate Derby Day in North Brooklyn this Saturday May 6th!
Mable’s Smokehouse | 44 Berry Street
3pm onward, free
Mable’s is hosting their 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party! They’ll be showing the races all day, while guests can participate in some friendly wagering while Mable serves up Kentucky staples like Derby Pie and $7 Wild Turkey Mint Juleps! Derby hats and attire encouraged. BBQ menu available all day.
Pete’s Candy Store | 709 Lorimer St.
3pm-7pm, free
Pete’s promises to include in their always classy Derby Day festivities: a rare run of the Photo Finish Electric Horse-Race— a 70s electronic horse-racing game for practice wagering, a Ladies Hat Show, where handmade hats compete literally head-to-head for prizes, a Bluegrass Blue-Plate Special which includes a Churchill Downs Taco, as well as The Hooker’s Handicap, Idiot Stakes and Paramutual Distractions.
Northern Territory | 12 Franklin Street
3pm – 7pm; final Kentucky Derby race kicks off at 6:34pm, free
Northern Territory will be serving up Hudson Bourbon Mint Juleps all day and giving away prizes for best derby attire and hat looks. Play games of corn hole on the roof and capture your derby-day looks in a GIF photo booth.
NY Distilling Co. | 79 Richardson St.
4pm, $25
If you feel like gussying up and getting your fancy on, NY Distilling Company is bringing in a James Beard award winning mixologist to sling cocktails (ticket includes four cocktails and snacks). Space is limited, so email allen@nydistilling.com to make a reservation.
Barley | 1025 Manhattan Ave.
4pm – 7pm, free
$6 Mint Juleps, $1 wings, “Games of Chance”, and Best Dressed Wins Dinner for two
Moonlight Mile | 200 Franklin St.
2pm-2am, free
The Derby done right with the race showing on the big screen while they serve up Mint Juleps. Raffles, prizes for the best hat for the ladies and great drink specials. Limited edition Derby at the Mile t-shirts!
