“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” aka The Kentucky Derby is set to happen this weekend, May 3rd and it’s time to pick out a spot to watch the big race!
NYC bars and restaurants are going all out for the annual horse racing tradition, throwing exhilarating watch parties, outfit competitions, and of course great food and drink.
Here’s all our favorite places hosting viewing parties in NYC for the 151st Kentucky Derby this Saturday!
When is the Kentucky Derby 2025?
The Kentucky Derby is on May 3rd, 2025 and the main race starts at 6:57 pm ET.
Hudson Yards
The Big Screen at Hudson Yards’ Backyard just opened last week, and it’ll be showing the Kentucky Derby this weekend on a massive 30′ inflatable screen!
Stop by on May 3rd to watch the Kentucky Derby, F1 Miami Grand Prix qualifying, New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals, and more throughout the day. The best part…it’s free and seating is first-come first-served!
🐎 See the full schedule for The Big Screen
Where: Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens
Red Rooster
Southern charm comes to life on Derby Day at Harlem’s beloved institution Red Rooster with signature dishes, Mint Juleps, live music, and so much more.
From 4 – 6 pm on Saturday, guests can feast on a buffet of Red Rooster’s signature dishes while sipping on festive cocktails and listening to Atlanta-based jazz/R&B vocalist Michael Cruse.
Red Rooster’s Parlor will also transform into a Derby-inspired marketplace, featuring a curated pop-up shop with celebrated local designers.
Diners can explore handcrafted hats and dapper accessories from local businesses like Harlem’s Heaven Hats, Bow’s Nouveau Bow Ties, Harlem Derby Style, and Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute to complete their outfits.
Tickets start at $55 and a best-dressed contest winner will even be announced with prizes!
🐎 Get the full scoop and buy your tickets
Where: 310 Lenox Avenue
Magic Hour Rooftop
Magic Hour Rooftop in Midtown keeps Derby Day vibes going all day long with specialty cocktails, a live DJ, and more.
Derby-classic Mint Juleps chilled glasses of Rosé will be available to order, all while catching every thrilling moment of the race on one of eight big-screen TVs scattered around the roof.
A live DJ will be spinning throughout the day to keep the energy high, and tickets cost $25 (includes a mint julep or rose)
🐎 Get the full scoop and buy your tickets
Where: 485 7th Ave, Floor 18
Tin Building’s Outdoor Bar
The Tin Building is hosting a Derby Viewing Party in partnership with Maker’s Mark on May 3 from 4 – 7 pm!
This isn’t your average viewing party—expect live music, a Kentucky Derby broadcast on the big screen, special handcrafted cocktails, and signature Tin Building bites. Don’t forget to stop by the Maker’s Mark Screen Press Studio for a one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember the day.
🐎 Admission is free! RSVP here
Where: Tin Building (96 South St)
Monarch Rooftop
Monarch Rooftop’s annual Kentucky Derby party returns for 2025, this time happening on May 3rd starting at 4 pm.
The star of the show? The Crowned in Gold cocktail that includes gold-honey bourbon sour Woodford Reserve whiskey, Amaro Averna, ginger honey infused syrup, lemon, orange bitters with edible gold glitter rim.
Of course there will be plenty of Mint Juleps go to around too and guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire for a chance at the best hat & dressed prizes.
Race viewing starts at 6:45 pm and admission is free!
Everdene
Everdene is getting a Derby Day transformation this Saturday, turning into what they call “the ultimate Southern-inspired soiree.”
Expect vintage flair, festive cocktails, and a live swing band by Charlie Roman’s Hot Six to transport guests straight to Kentucky! Guests are encouraged to wear their finest Derby looks – fascinators, bow ties and all – for a chance to win a Best Dressed contest, with prizes worth betting on.
Tickets start at $28.52, and include a themed cocktail!
Where: 1127 Broadway
Elsie Rooftop
Elsie Rooftop’s annual Derby Day party will return in 2025, with a 2 hour open cocktail bar, one hour of passed hors d’oeuvres, and of course plenty of screens to watch the race!
The Midtown bar will be serving up speciality cocktails like the Mint Julep and Kentucky Mule…all while rooting on your favorite horse and admiring the views of the Empire State Building. Both general admission and VIP options are available, which you can book below!
🐎 Buy your tickets to Elsie Rooftop’s party here!
Where: 1412 Broadway
T-Squared Social
T-Squared Social is one of NYC’s best sports bars, and they’ll be hosting the “most exclusive Kentucky Derby event in New York City” from 4:30– 7:30 pm on Saturday.
For $112, you’ll be able to enjoy 3 hours of unlimited cocktails, champagne and curated cuisine. Plus, there will be a best dressed contest…with a very sweet surprise prize up for grabs.
🐎 Learn more and buy your ticket here!
Where: 7 E 42nd St