Kentucky Derby watch parties in metro Atlanta | 2024
The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, marking the culmination of the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. It's the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Several watch parties for the Kentucky Derby are being held in the metro Atlanta area, including:
The Alpha Derby Weekend is happening May 2-5. It's one of the biggest Kentucky Derby themed events in the Southeast and includes a golf tournament at Chapel Hill Golf Course (sold out), a kickoff party/concert at Omni Hotel Centennial Park, a viewing party at Delta Air Lines Flight Museum, and brunch on Sunday at Omni Hotel Centennial Park. Proceeds benefit multiple organizations. More Info
Avalon is hosting a Kentucky Derby party from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 4 at The Plaza. It's free to attend. Seating is first come, first served. There will be live music, outdoor bars offering Mint Juleps and other libations, a betting station (raffle benefiting Bearfoot Ranch), themed photobooth and special activations, and an outdoor LED screen. More Info
Avenue East Cobb is hosting a Kentucky Derby party from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 4 at The Plaza. It's free to attend. Seating is first come, first served. There will be a live band, themed restaurant specials, complimentary balloon art and decorative photo wall, a betting station benefiting Chastain Horse Park, and an outdoor LED screen. More Info
Awkward Brewing in Fayetteville is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party starting at 1 p.m. There will be a full hobby horse competition and live music by 2 Broke Kings. More Info
Citizens Market ATL on Peachtree Road NE is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party starting at 2 p.m. There will be a big screen, several best dressed contests (Best Overall, Best Derby Look and Most Stylish hat), and special Derby-themed drink and food offerings at the bar throughout the event. More Info
The City of Duluth is hosting a Kentucky Derby viewing party from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Town Green. There will be a petting zoo, Miller's Youth Sports Kid Zone, themed photo booths, a Best Dressed contest, and the pre-show and big race on a jumbo screen. More Info
Firemaker Brewing Company in Midtown Atlanta is hosting Derby De Mayo on May 4 starting at 1 p.m. Experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby combined with Cinco de Mayo festivities until 8 p.m. There will be tacos, refreshing margarita slushies, craft cocktails, and beer. More Info
Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails at Kimpton Shane Hotel is celebrating Derby Day by offering an exclusive limited-time menu special on May 4. The open-faced Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich ($24) features smoked turkey and ham, béchamel sauce, cheddar, bacon, and tomatoes. More Info
Haven Restaurant & Bar on Dresden Drive in Atlanta is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy Mint Juleps and other bourbon cocktails paired with light bites and live music by Parker Smith & In Cahoots. Come dressed in your Derby Day best. No reservations required. More Info
The Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia is hosting a Kentucky Derby party. Doors open at noon. The event starts at 1 p.m. There will be upscale hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and door prizes. Music by DJ Glass. Dress code strictly enforced. $65 per person admission. More Info
The Mill on Etowah is hosting its 21st annual Kentucky Derby Day event on May 4 starting at 4:30 p.m. There will be a variety of activities and experiences, including bourbon tastings, a hat contest, a pony pull, a silent auction, gourmet food, specialty cocktails, and much more! More Info
Phipps Plaza is hosting a Derby Watch party on The Green from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be an outdoor big screen and food specials, including fried green tomatoes ($7), smoked BBQ wings ($1 each) and the pimento burger ($13). Derby-inspired cocktails include the Mint Julep ($12), Kentucky Mule ($13) and High Horse ($14). Feel a part of the action at Churchill Downs by crafting a complimentary fascinator and capturing photos in front of the Derby-themed flower wall. Guests will even have the chance to win Citizens Market Food Hall gift cards by entering the "Best Hat" and "Best Dressed" contests. More info
The Southern Gentleman in Buckhead Village is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party from 5 to 7 p.m. on its covered patio. For $65 per person, enjoy passed bites and two Derby-inspired beverages. The Southern Gentleman is also offering a three-course, pre-set dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. for $150 per person. Menu highlights include seared scallops, garlic-buttered lamb chops, herb-roasted new potatoes, and chocolate cremeux with cherry jubilee and cookies and cream whipped mascarpone. Derby party included. More Info
Stillfire Brewing in Suwanee is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party starting at noon. There will be live music with SkynFolks and a costume contest. More Info
STK Atlanta is offering an exclusive "Talk Derby to Me" menu through May 4 in collaboration with Woodford Reserve and La Crema. Indulge in La Crema's exquisite Pinot Noir or savor a Mint Julep made with Woodford Reserve bourbon. Pair your libations with culinary delights like the decadent Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and the irresistible Bourbon Cake. And for those who love to showcase their Derby style, join STK on Saturday, May 4, wearing your finest Derby hat and share your photos on Instagram tagging @EatSTK for a chance to win a $200 STK Gift Card! More info
Taffer's Tavern in Alpharetta is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be derby themed cocktails, including the Mint Julep, Mint Julep Derby cups (while supplies last), prizes for best dressed couple and best hat, a jumbo wall screen, and multiple screens throughout the restaurant. More Info
Whistle Post Tavern in Conyers is hosting a Kentucky Derby viewing party. Wear the winning Kentucky Derby hat and win a free beer cooler. The party starts at 5 p.m. More Info
Willow Bar at Kimpton Sylvan Hotel will host a Kentucky Derby viewing party from 4 to 9 p.m. on May 4. There will be light bites, drinks, and more. Woodford Reserve will be at the event, serving select drinks, including their signature Woodford Spire. The first 150 guests to order the beverage can take the branded copper mule cup home. Guests are encouraged to come in their best Derby-inspired wear – hats included! More Info
If you would like to submit information for this list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.