Features Kentucky Derby Events Holiday Cocktails Guide To Kentucky Derby Events & Parties in Connecticut (2023 Edition) Carly Terzigni April 27, 2023 What is considered by many to be the most exciting two minutes in sports is right around the corner. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will once again take place at Churchill Downs, and fans across the country will don sportscoats and larger-than-life hats while sipping on mint juleps with the hopes of winning big. But even for the casual observer, the first Saturday in May is a great opportunity to gather with friends and family to enjoy a bite to eat and a sip of something refreshing.Restaurants across Connecticut are preparing for Derby Day, May 6th, with exciting lineups featuring menu specials, limited-time cocktails, live entertainment, and more. And yes, many will host contests to see who the best-dressed attendee will be. If you want to watch the big race on the biggest screen you can find, consider one of the restaurants listed below. They are sure to be filled with fellow spectators eager to watch the Run for the Roses. Washington Prime-Norwalk https://www.washingtonprimect.com/Washington Prime is hosting its 8th annual Kentucky Derby party from 5 pm - 7 pm. The TVs and sound system will be playing throughout the restaurant, so there will not be a bad seat in the house! There will be mint juleps as one of the featured drinks of the evening as well as hat contests with prizes – so be sure to dress to impress. Reservations are required for table, bar, sidewalk, and patio seating. And it is always a packed house, so do not wait until the last minute to book your reservation. There is a two-hour limit per table, so plan accordingly. And, of course, you can enjoy their menu featuring classic American dishes with a new playful twist: Prime steaks, seafood, raw bar, soups/salads, and more.Sally’s Apizza-Stamford https://sallysapizza.com/For this year’s Derby, Sally’s Apizza is throwing a party at its Stamford location, partnering with HooDoo Brown Barbeque from Ridgefield, CT for Sally’s first-ever pizza collaboration in its 85-year history! The event in Stamford is headlined by two special collaborative pizzas – the “Brisket Pie,” featuring HooDoo Brown’s brisket, mozzarella, oven-charred onions, cheese curds, and scallions, and the “Pickled Pig,” topped with HooDoo Brown pulled pork, mozzarella, Sally’s tomato sauce, pickled eggplant, charred fennel, and cheese curds. The event will also feature a raffle benefitting Hogs for the Cause charity, which supports children and families battling pediatric brain cancer, with prizes including free Sally’s pizza for one year, HooDoo Brown barbeque classes, and private dining experiences, a private Two Roads Brewing brewery tour and tasting, Litchfield Distillery spirits and more. If that wasn’t enough, Sally’s will also debut their new “Sally’s Apilz” beer by Two Roads Brewing, Mint Juleps by Litchfield Distillery, and a special Derby Day shirt and hat available at the event. The party starts at 3 PM. Walk-ins only. No reservations required. Palmer’s Market-Darien https://www.palmersdarien.com/Planning a Kentucky Derby party? Let Palmer's help make your event a winner! Enjoy classic favorites like Kentucky hot brown sliders with roasted turkey, crispy bacon, tomato, and cheese sauce on sweet yeast rolls, and Southern-style deviled eggs with pimiento and pickles. Don't miss the Nashville spicy fried chicken! For something sweet to top things off, choose a banana cream pie with a graham cracker crust, toffee filling, sliced bananas, coffee whipped cream, and chocolate curls. Place your order by May 3 at 5 pm.Aquila's Nest Vineyards-Sandy Hookhttps://www.aquilasnestvineyards.com/Join Aquila’s for their Derby Day Hats & Croissant Wine Brunch on May 6th at 12 PM. Come dressed in your best Derby Day hats and enjoy freshly baked croissants by Uncle Matt's Bakery and some of Aquila's Nest delicious wine, along with delicious food from one of our food trucks! More info: https://www.aquilasnestvineyards.com/service-page/derby-day-hats-croissant-wine-brunchBJ Ryan’s BanC House and BJ Ryan’s-Norwalkhttps://www.bjryansbanchouse.com/https://www.bjryans.com/Hit the BJ Ryan’s “Trifecta”. Visit all three BJ Ryan’s locations on Derby Day for drink specials and enter to win a $50 gift card to each restaurant. *Proof of purchases required to enter.Bobby V’s Restaurant-Stamfordhttps://www.bobbyvsrestaurant.com/Join Bobby V’s for the greatest 2 minutes in sports. Doors open at 10 AM on Derby Day, reservations are recommended. Prizes are awarded to the Best Dressed couple, female, and male.The Blind Rhino-South Norwalk, Black Rockhttps://www.theblindrhino.com/The Blind Rhino will be the SPOT to watch the Kentucky Derby! Every TV with sound will be available, plus juleps & menu specials!BYL Fundraiser: Kentucky Derby-Branfordhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/byl-fundraiser-kentucky-derby-tickets-565906851627?aff=ebdssbdestsearchEnjoy a night out and support Branford Youth Lacrosse at a Kentucky Derby Party! Event takes place at Thimble Island Brewery. The 21+ event includes dinner, a cash bar, a silent auction, and more.Cinco de Derby Bar Crawl-New Havenhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-derby-bar-crawl-new-haven-ct-tickets-600746207077?aff=ebdssbdestsearchTwo of the BEST day-drinking Holidays collide – celebrate Cinco De Mayo & The Kentucky Derby all in one on Saturday, May 6th. Tickets grant access to all exclusive venues with waived cover charges, entry to giveaways, live entertainment, access to the after-party, and more.FanDuel Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun-Uncasvillehttps://mohegansun.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/derby-day.htmlMohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook is hosting a Derby Day celebration on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Festivities include giveaways, free food, and a Derby hat contest!Hidden Acres Farm-Naugatuckhttps://hiddenacrestrc.org/event/kentucky-derby-party-2023Hidden Acres Farm is hosting its 4th annual Kentucky Derby party at the Naugatuck Event Center on Derby Day from 4 pm-8 pm. The event includes a raffle and silent auction, plus live music, food, drink, and dancing. Tickets start at $60 pp.High Point Gardens-Wolcotthttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/kentucky-derby-party-tickets-615806121687?aff=ebdssbdestsearchJoin High Point Gardens on Saturday, May 6th for a Kentucky Derby Party. Complimentary mint juleps are available on the deck, as well as themed food stations, live DJ entertainment, and more! Live stream racing and best attire contest with prizes are included.Hops Company-Derbyhttps://www.thehopscompany.com/It’s the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! The Kentucky Derby returns to The Hops Company! Enjoy a day filled with live music, games, drink specials, and great vibes! Doors open at 12 PM.The IRONS-Mystichttps://www.theironsmystic.com/On Kentucky Derby Day, enjoy Pecan Crusted Fried Chicken, served with braised greens, and spicy cornbread, $28; Beverage Special - Blueberry Mint Julep, $14. Fancy hats are encouraged!Jazzy’s Cabaret-New Havenhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-upn-woodford-reserve-presents-elm-city-derby-ii-at-jazzys-cabaret-tickets-606637126977?aff=ebdssbdestsearchJoin VIP Guests & Tastemakers from across the state of Connecticut at Jazzy’s Cabaret for the Premiere Kentucky Derby Watch Party hosted by Jason V. Watts & Morgan Watts (Owners of Jazzy's Cabaret). Tickets include a Light Brunch Buffet & Open Bar VIP Options.Little Goose Cafe-Fairfieldhttps://www.littlegoosefairfield.com/Join the Little Goose in Fairfield, CT for their annual Derby Day Party Saturday, May 6 from 4-10 PM. littlegoosefairfield.com 397 Commerce Drive FFLD, 203-296-9789Milestone Restaurant-Reddinghttps://www.milestonect.com/Giddy up for Cinco de Derby at Milestone! On May 5th and 6th celebrate with Cervezas, Margaritas, Mint Juleps, and Derby watching. Derby Hat and Race contests will also take place. Reservations are recommended.Pequot Library-Southporthttps://www.pequotlibrary.org/event/derby-day-2/Experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby on Pequot Library’s Great Lawn. Festive tailgates are included with your ticket, as well as an open bar in the Main Tent.The Wharf Restaurant-Madisonhttps://thewharfmadison.com/Food specials include Bourbon Glazed Shrimp and Salmon Cedae Plan, Yukon mashed potatoes, and Hot Brown Sliders. Special beverages include the Belmont Jewel with Woodford Bourbon, Lemonade, and Pomegranate Juice, and of course Mint Juleps.
