The month of May will kick off with a festive start as the 152nd annual Kentucky Derby takes place this weekend, and with Cinco De Mayo right around the corner. With the renowned Louisville horse race on Saturday, May 2, restaurants and bars all over Chicago are putting on epic parties to celebrate. Whether you’re a diehard Derby fan or just looking to horse around, here are the best places around the city to hit up this weekend.
The Annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at I|O Godfrey
Dress to the nines for this upscale watch party at I|O Godfrey that includes contests for Best Dressed, Best Hat, and Best Couple. Reserve tickets to partake in one of their bourbon-tasting classes, eat from a special Derby Day menu, and take pictures in the photo booth, all while watching the big race.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 12-8 p.m.
Location: 127 West Huron St., Chicago IL 60654
Cody’s Annual Derby Dog Party and Contest
Furry friends can also join in on the race day fun at West Lakeview's Cody's, which will host its annual Beer Garden Infield Derby Day Party, featuring a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest. Enjoy giveaways and prizes during the event, and drink specials that include a $10 Garrison Brothers Mint Julep.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: 1658 W. Barry Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
aliveOne Kentucky Derby Drink Special, Happy Hour and Late-Night DJ
Don't miss aliveOne's pre-race half-price happy hour, and an all-night drink special featuring the $12 Spicy Gold Rush, made with bourbon and honey. Starting at 10 p.m., DJ Boathouse will provide entertainment for guests to party all night long after the big race.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 4 p.m.-3 a.m.
Location: 2683 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
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Don your best hats and grab a White Claw at a Green Curtain Events Derby Watch Party. | Courtesy of @gceventschi
Kentucky Derby Watch Parties across Chicago Presented by Green Curtain Events
Watch the race in style and choose from premium packages for your group before tickets sell out at one of six locations. Admission includes a complimentary White Claw Hard Seltzer.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Locations: ROOF on theWit (The Loop), Utopian Tailgate (Old Town), Joy District Rooftop (River North), Parlay (Lincoln Park), Paradise Park (Wicker Park), and The J. Parker (Lincoln Park)
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Special at Central Park Bar
Depending on good weather, watch the Kentucky Derby at Central Park Bar's outdoor Backyard Bar, featuring porch swings and a fire pit. $13 Mint Juleps will be available for guests to sip on during the race.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 12 p.m.-3 a.m.
Location: 2924 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
The Getaway's Derby Day Bash with Best Dressed Contest
Lincoln Square's The Getaway will host a "Best Derby Look" contest while offering $12 Cucumber Crush cocktail.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: 2530 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
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