Guide To Kentucky Derby Events & Parties in Connecticut (2025 Edition)
Are you ready for the most exciting two minutes in sports? The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 3, and TVs will be tuned in at restaurants across the state. Whether you’re looking for a spot to catch the race with friends or you want an all-out extravaganza where you can sport your favorite fascinator, there’s a Derby event in Connecticut for you! Check out the restaurants and businesses below that are hosting special events for the Derby. Keep in mind that the post time is just after 6:50 PM – don’t miss it!
BJ Ryan’s BanC House and Greer Southern Table-Norwalk
https://www.bjryansbanchouse.com/
https://www.greersoutherntable.com/
Rockin' River Street presents THE ULTIMATE DERBY BLOCK PARTY! River Street will be closed to make room for the best Derby party in town! Featured locations include BanC House and Greer Southern Table for food and specialty drinks, including classic Mint Juleps, of course! The party starts at 2 pm and goes until 10:00 pm with live music and entertainment on their Wall Street Stage and a view of the races from a large screen prompter. Contests for Best Dressed and Best Hat so be sure to dress to impress! All ages & pups welcome, no admission!
Entertainment Line Up:
2pm: Best Dressed Pup Contest
4-6pm: Cherry Pie Band
6-7pm: DJ Temple
7-9pm: Otis & The Hurricanes
9-Close: DJ Temple
Back 9 Social-Wallingford
Join for a Night of Fun, Food and Fellowship as everyone cheers on the horses for this year's Kentucky Derby 2025! Dress to Impress and Enjoy the Craziest 2 Minutes in Sports! Plenty of Derby Style FanFare, Drinks, Desserts, and Dancing! Best Dressed and Crazy Hat Contest with Cash Prizes!
The Benjamin-Ridgefield
https://thebenjaminrestaurant.com/
Get ready for the most exciting Kentucky Derby Party of the year, complete with fancy hats, mint juleps, and thrilling horse races! The party starts at 4 and each ticket includes open bar and bites! Dress to impress and even win a prize for best hat!
The Blind Rhino-South Norwalk, Black Rock
https://www.theblindrhino.com/
The Blind Rhino will be the SPOT to watch the Kentucky Derby! Every one of their 28 TVs with sound will be available, plus juleps & menu specials! Be sure to wear your biggest hat!
Bobby V’s Restaurant-Stamford
https://www.bobbyvsrestaurant.com/
The most exciting two minutes in sports is almost here! Join us at Bobby V's on Saturday, May 3 for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby — your ultimate Derby Day destination! Bet with the Best! *Must be 18 and older.
The Estate-New Haven
https://theestatenewhaven.com/
Come to the Kentucky Derby Soiree at The Estate, complete with live music, wagering, and the chance to win coveted prizes for the “Most Stunning Fascinator.” Indulge in a culinary experience catered by Doro Catering, featuring hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails. Tickets are priced at $150 per person.
FanDuel Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun-Uncasville
Experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby like never before at Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook on Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Be transported to Churchill Downs, with every heart-pounding moment displayed on our 140-foot video wall. Each guest placing a $100 Kentucky Derby wager will receive a Kentucky Derby 151 Official Commemorative Mint Julep Glass & Kentucky Derby 151 Official Logo T-Shirt. More info available here.
Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Winner’s Circle: Kentucky Derby Party + Whiskey Tasting-Mashantucket
https://www.foxwoods.com/entertainment/view-all-shows/kentucky-derby/
Dress to impress and enjoy the excitement of the final races at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Winner’s Circle: Kentucky Derby Party and Whiskey Tasting event. Sample premium bourbon and whiskey cocktails alongside a curated food menu, strike a pose in the Kentucky Derby photo area, dance to the sounds of a live DJ, and enter the hat contest for a chance to win incredible prizes, including a trip to Bourbon & Beyond 2025. The event is from 6pm – 9pm at the Premier Ballroom; tickets and more information available here.
Hidden Acres Farm-Naugatuck
https://www.hiddenacrestrc.org/
Join Hidden Acres for the best party in town featuring great food, live music, mint juleps, a best hat contest, and more. This year’s event will take place from 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm on Derby Day.
Little Treasures Farm-Chaplin
https://www.littletreasures.farm/
Join Little Treasures Farm for their Derby Day Fundraiser! Meet the rescues, touch-a-truck, drill team demonstrations, food, raffles, and more are available. Fun for all ages! The event starts on Derby Day at 3:00 pm.
Milestone Restaurant-Redding
Giddy up for Cinco de Derby at Milestone! They have a Derby Party at their Georgetown (Redding) location, featuring a Big Screen with a Hat Contest and House Made Mint Juleps. Derby Party starts at 5pm on Saturday May 3, post time 6:57. Celebrate with $12 Mint Juleps and Derby watching PLUS a Derby Hat Contest! 1st Place wins a $100 Milestone Giftcard! Reservations are recommended.
Palmer’s Market-Darien
https://www.palmersdarien.com/
Celebrate a delicious Derby Day with Palmer's award-winning Gourmet-to-Go! Choose from fun classics like Southern-style deviled eggs topped with pimento and sweet pickles, Kentucky hot brown sliders, and pimento cheese pretzel poppers! Order online here.
Pequot Library-Southport
https://www.pequotlibrary.org/event/derby-day-celebration/
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 event starts with a Pre-Party for Tailgate Ticket Holders only and continues with an after party at 7 pm.
Revolutions Bowling & Lounge-South Windsor
https://www.revolutionsct.com/
Hold Your Horses... Something BIG Is Coming! Get ready to break out the big hats, bold outfits, and mint juleps — because The Yard at Revolutions is throwing a Kentucky Derby Party you won’t want to miss! The event takes place Saturday, May 3rd and kicks off at 4 PM. Grab your statement hat and get ready for Derby-inspired drinks, best-dressed contests, yard games & more.
Romanacci-Fairfield, Norwalk, Trumbull, Westport
Join Romanacci in celebrating the Kentucky Derby with two special craft cocktails: the Kentucky Martini and the Kentucky Mule, crafted to perfection with a touch of Southern charm only at Romanacci.
Ron Foley Foundation-West Hartford
Guests don their finest attire and fabulous hats. Enjoy gourmet Southern fare, signature mint juleps, silent and live auctions, live music, and spirited games. They hope you can join! For more information, visit their website.
Thomas Hooker Live-Hartford
https://hookerbeer.com/hooker-live/
Prepare for an extraordinary evening of elegance, culture, and high fashion as we celebrate Derby Day in true style! Dress to impress, sip on signature Derby cocktails, and experience an evening of style! Festivities include open bar and food. More info here.
Washington Prime-Norwalk
https://www.washingtonprimect.com/
Join Washington Prime for Mint Juleps and other Bluegrass Favorites for the 151st running of the roses. They will have on all the TVs and a big movie screen in the Main Dining Room with sound for both the Big Races and the races before! There is a prize for Best Hat, so dress to impress! No Cover Charge, just make a reservation!
