Enjoy the “the most exciting two minutes in sports” on May 4 with a side of mint juleps and eye-catching hats at these Kentucky Derby parties in California–including the West Coast’s largest official celebration for the 150th Run for the Roses.
Derby Party at Rustic Root
Located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Rustic Root’s lively rooftop hosts a unique Derby Party, perfect for celebrating “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Sip on keep-the-cup cocktail specials and indulge in Kentucky favorites including biscuits and pimento cheese, a Kentucky Hot Brown flatbread, fried chicken wings and Woodford Reserve Bourbon balls. Join Rustic Root at 2 p.m. for Derby games, photo ops, giveaways and much more.
For more information: www.rusticrootsd.com.
Kentucky Derby Day Brunch at Baltaire
Los Angeles
Dress to impress in your Derby attire, sip on refreshing mint juleps and indulge in Baltaire’s DJ Brunch experience, all while watching the Kentucky Derby on the restaurant’s big screens. There will also be a photobooth and exciting contests with prizes from Baltaire, Woodinville Whiskey Co. and Veuve Clicquot. Reservations start at 11 a.m.
Cost: $85 per person.
Reservations: OpenTable.com.
Kentucky Derby Showing at Fifth & Rose at Pendry San Diego
San Diego
Pendry San Diego’s chic cocktail bar Fifth & Rose offers elegance and sophistication for celebrating Derby Day in a stylish setting. Saddle up for a special showing of the Kentucky Derby on May 4 while sipping Taste of the Derby specials like bourbon cocktails and fresh mint juleps and savoring a signature menu of small bites. Fifth & Rose opens at noon on Saturdays.
For more information: www.pendry.com.
Derby Day Watch Party at Nate’s On Marsh
San Luis Obispo
On May 4, SLO’s Nate’s On Marsh hosts its Derby Day Watch Party to celebrate 150 years of the Kentucky Derby. Guests can expect an open bar with specialty Derby Day cocktails and heavy passed hors d’oeuvres from the American-Italian inspired menu. There will be a Winner Circle for Best Dressed, as guests are encouraged to show up with their best fascinators and sports coats. The event kicks off at noon.
Cost: $95 per person.
Tickets: www.exploretock.com.
150th Kentucky Derby Party at Kendall-Jackson
Santa Rosa
As the “Preferred Wine of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs,” Kendall-Jackson is bringing the excitement of the Derby to Sonoma County. Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens hosts the West Coast’s largest official celebration of the 150th Run for the Roses. The four-acre culinary garden, expansive lawn and patio provide a picturesque setting for a day of wine, Southern cuisine, fashion contests and entertainment. Derby Day festivities at Kendall-Jackson will include a large-screen viewing of races. The party will keep going post-race with a performance by the ultimate party cover band, Wonder Bread 5. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets includes full access to Saturday’s event, complimentary food, a welcome drink and three complimentary drink tickets.
Cost: $175 per person. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County’s Farm to Pantry.
Tickets: www.exploretock.com.
Monarch Derby Party
Del Mar
It’s time to run for the roses at Monarch Del Mar’s Kentucky Derby Party from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 4. With a general admission tickets, guests enjoy entry to the Kentucky Derby Party at Monarch Ocean Pub, hosted food and drink, live music, fashion contests (and prizes) and photo ops. This is a 21-and-over event.
Cost: $100 per person.
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.