“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” aka The Kentucky Derby is set to happen this weekend, May 4th 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 150th Kentucky Derby this Saturday!
1. Somewhere Nowhere
The highly anticipated 4th Annual Derby Day Party is back at Somewhere Nowhere this weekend, and you can root for your horse from NYC’s highest lounge! Doors will open at 4 pm, and the evening will feature a live performance from the Hot Toddyâs Jazz Band, a livestream of the race at 6:30 pm, a curated menu of delicious light bites and cocktails, and a Derby Day attire contest with a winner receiving a $500 gift certificate. Learn more about the event and grab tickets here!
Where: 112 W 25th St
2. Elsie Rooftop
Elsie Rooftop’s annual Derby Day party will return in 2024, 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!
đ Buy your tickets to Elsie Rooftop’s party here!
Where: 1412 Broadway
3. Hudson Yards
This weekend is the opening of Backyard at Hudson Yards, where they’ll be playing all sorts of live sports screenings on a massive 30′ inflatable screen! Stop by on May 4 to watch both the Kentucky Derby and the F1 Miami Grand Prix. The best part…it’s free and seating is first-come first-served! Learn more about it here.
Where: Hudson Yards
4. The Seaportâs Pier 17
The Seaport is having a pair of Kentucky Derby events this weekend starting with The Fultonâs Derby Day Party from 5:30 – 8 pm. The fine dining restaurant will offer an exclusive party ($168/person), which includes live music, seafood towers, Basil Hayden bourbon tastings, huge floral photo ops, and some of the best mint juleps in town. RSVP here.
Plus, the Tin Building is hosting a Derby Viewing Party in partnership with Maker’s Mark, which includes Makerâs Mark samplings, photo opps, specialty Julep Cocktails and oyster appetizers, and a hat contest! RSVP here.
Where: The Seaport
5. T-Squared Social
T-Squared Social is one of NYC’s best new sports bars, and they’ll be hosting the “most exclusive Kentucky Derby event in New York City” from 4 – 8 pm on Saturday. For $150, you’ll be able to enjoy 4 hours of unlimited cocktails, champagne and curated cuisine. Plus, there will be a best dressed contest…with the winner taking home 2 VIP tickets to Justin Timberlake’s concert at Madison Square Garden on June 26. Learn more and buy your ticket here.
Where: 7 E 42nd St
6. ART SoHo
ART SoHo is welcoming Kentucky Derby watchers to their 11th floor rooftop on Saturday from 4 – 10 pm, where they can sip on classic mint juleps, watch the race, and take in East River views from the top of the Arlo SoHo! There’s set to be contests and prizes, drink and food specials, live beats and more. RSVP is free and you can do that here.
Where: 231 Hudson St, 11th Floor
7. BalcĂłn Rooftop
Stop by the 2024 season opening of BalcĂłn rooftop atop of The Marmara Park Avenue hotel, where there will be complimentary hors dâoeuvres, âMint Julepsâ, a Prosecco welcome toast, and craft cocktails available at the cash bar! The event will be open to the public with additional entertainment by The Showmance Band.
Where: 114 E 32nd St
8. ALLURE
For our Upper West Side race watchers, stop by ALLURE, who’s throwing an elevated watch party from 4 – 7 pm! At $65 per person, you’ll be treated to a 3-hour open bar, Kentucky Derby inspired cocktails and passed hors dâoeuvres. Not to mention TV personalities and The AV Effect Podcast Hosts Alicia Quarles and Valerie Greenberg will be on hand judging “the best hat” and giving out gift cards. Book your spot here!
Where: 2175 Broadway
9. Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House in FiDi is throwing a party from 4 – 7 pm, which is being hosted by Kendall Jackson Wines celebrating their limited edition Derby 15 Cabernet! Guests can order a limited edition bottle for only $10 during race hours… plus there will be Derby-themed swag giveaways, a best-dressed contest, and $15 signature cocktails!
Where: 150 Nassau St
10. Georgia Room
Georgia Room, in collaboration with Woodford Reserve, will be hosting a party on Saturday for only $25 a ticket! Each entry spot includes a complimentary mint julep, classic southern lite bites, and access to the big race at 6:3o pm! Plus, they’ll also be hosting competitions for Best Dressed, Most Dapper and Best Hat…so come in your finest. Learn more and find tickets here.
Where: 23 Lexington Ave, Floor 2
11. The ROOF at Park South
Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz music, drinks, and good vibes at The ROOF at Park South from 2 – 7:30 pm. They’re offering both GA and VIP ticket options, which include varying amounts of speciality cocktails and access to certain parts of the roof! Learn more about the party and RSVP here.
Where: 125 E 27th St
12. Tanner Smith’s
Tanner Smith’s is hosting an open bar from 3 – 4:30 pm with purchase of a ticket, which will include Woodford Reserve Juleps, Beer, Wine, and House 1 & 1 Mixed Drinks. Not to mention there will be live music and prizes for the best dressed too!
Where: 204 W 55th St
13. Bloom Botanical Bistro
For all of our Queens race watchers, stop by Bloom Botanical Bistro in Forest Hills for a floral-filled watch party! A $65 ticket will include 4 cocktails, light bites, and access to a live jazz band and the race! Grab your tickets to the party here.
Where: 03-19 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
14. Hard Rock Cafe
The TVs of Midtown’s Hard Rock Cafe will be illuminated with the big race on Saturday, which you can stop by and see from 3 – 7 pm. Don’t forget to explore Midtown afterwards! RSVP here.
Where: 1501 Broadway