Saturday, May 4 is Kentucky Derby Day! Kick off the first race of the American Triple Crown dressed in your best fascinator and spring dress while sipping on a mint julep. Mark your calendars and head to one of these parties and don’t forget to bring your derby spirit.
May 2
LSC After Dark: Kentucky Derby Party
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Grab your (big) party hats and mint juleps and get ready to celebrate the popular horse race event with laser shows and activities for partygoers 21+, including a Queen laser show, Billy Joel laser Show, XYZZY psychedelic musical odyssey show, Wonders of the Night Sky planetarium show, vegan horse racing, and the final weekend of the Pixar exhibit.
May 4
Kentucky Derby Day Party
1776 by Chef David Burke, Morristown
Eric LeGrand Bourbon is the star of the show, which will include a best-dressed contest for people wearing their biggest hats and prettiest dresses. There will be passed hor d’oeuvres and a live auction.
Down & Derby Wine Festival
Cooper River Park, Westmont
Sample wines from South Jersey’s leading wine producers while listening to live music, playing games, ordering from the food trucks and showing off your best Derby attire.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Watch and wager on the Kentucky Derby from one of the only horseracing tracks in NJ. Several areas will be open for food and drinks.
The Red Mill Kentucky Derby Party
Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
Saddle up for Derby-themed food, drinks, music, games and auctions.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party
The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station
Show off your Southern hospitality while watching the race on TV. There will be food stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, and signature mint juleps. Derby wear is encouraged.
Derby Celebration
Autumn Lake Winery, Williamstown
Don your most festive attire and watch the race live. Tickets include food trucks, live music by the TJ Fry Band, a commemorative Derby glass; and a private wine bar and more samples if you’re a VIP.
Derby Watch Party
The Highwood, Weehawken
The waterfront restaurant recently reopened and is kicking off its new menu and new interior with a Derby watch party at its high-end sports bar. Chef Orlando Clemente features seasonal and elevated classics with a global twist, including the Slider Sampler Tower, Seafood Tower and Derby-inspired bites such as the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. Derby attire is encouraged.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
As part of the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival, you can sit down to watch the Derby while being served mint juleps.
May 5
Downtown Derby: Race For a Cause
Palmer Square, Princeton
Wear your finest Kentucky Derby dresses and hats and saddle up for a day of wooden horse races, Derby-inspired food and drinks, live music, pet adoptions and giveaways.
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