The Kentucky Derby gallops back into action this Saturday, and Philadelphia-area venues are gearing up with watch parties, themed food and drink specials, live music, and, of course, mint juleps.
Whether you're donning a fancy fascinator or keeping it casual, the city offers something for every Derby fan.
Here are some of the top places to celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports:
Where: Parx East, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA
When: Gates open 10 a.m., live racing starts 12:40 p.m.
Parx Casino will host one of the region's biggest Derby Day parties with live thoroughbred racing, a giant infield TV for the main event, and free family-friendly festivities from 12–5 p.m. in the Picnic Grove.
Expect pony rides, moon bounces, face painting, and live music by Ear Candy. Guests can enjoy food and beverage specials and browse souvenir merchandise. Advance betting begins today. Must be 18+ to wager, 21+ to gamble.
Where: 601 Walnut St., The Curtis Building
When: 3–7 p.m.
(Credit: P.J. Clarke's website)Step into Old City sophistication at PJ Clarke’s for their Derby Day Viewing Party complete with $8 Southern-inspired food specials and $10 juleps and mules. Menu highlights include Knife and Fork Ribs, Kentucky Pecan Pie Empanadas, and Hushpuppies with Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli. Watch the race on giant TV walls in a stylish bar setting that invites both Derby glam and casual vibes. Fancy hats and fascinators welcome.
Where: 500 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA
When: All day, race with sound on TV
Yards Brewing goes full throttle with a Derby Day Viewing Party where guests can score up to 40% off their tab depending on how their randomly assigned racehorse finishes. The event includes a best-dressed/hat contest, $5 draft specials, $10 cocktails, and $13 Derby-themed sandwiches and burgers like the Kentucky Derby Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Bourbon Smash Burger.
Where: 700 block of South Street and inside the restaurant
When: During Maifest festivities
Maifest takes over South Street with German beer, folk dancing, and the city’s largest Maypole, but inside Brauhaus Schmitz, the focus shifts to Kentucky.
(Credit: Brauhaus Schmitz)The Derby will be on big screens throughout the bar, offering fans a high-energy, festive place to catch the race surrounded by thousands of revelers.
From German brews to Southern ribs, from pony rides to prize giveaways, Philadelphia is all in on the Derby this weekend. Whether you're heading to Parx for live racing or posting up at your favorite neighborhood taproom, there’s no shortage of mint juleps and horse-powered fun.
So polish your boots, press your seersucker, and place your bets — Derby Day is here.
