It’s derby day, baby. my second favorite holiday (to Beaujolais day, of course) and such a beautiful culture of celebration. bourbon, hats, dancing, pastels, betting, horses, short men finally having their moment; all of the best things in life. I’ve outlined everything you need to know, from a tried-and-true julep recipe AND all the words to my Old Kentucky Home, a few of my theories about betting, and of course, all of the best events in the borough.
Let me talk derby to you.
This is how you julep.
My Old Kentucky Home
Where to Celebrate
A Party for the Bourbon Enthusiast
The Moonlight Mile in Greenpoint
It’s rather fitting that Brooklyn’s best bourbon bar would be throwing one hell of a Derby Day party. The race will be on the big screen and if you don’t win your bets, there’s still a chance that you can win some great raffle prizes or take home the award for best hat. Or you know, just take a few shots of bourbon and feel like a winner. The bar opens at 2pm. Info here. 200 Franklin St.
For those who take this very, very seriously.
The Brooklyn Derby in Greenwood Park, Park Slope
These guys love the Derby even more than me, and they’ve dedicated so much time, energy, joy and love into creating Brooklyn Derby, a culture and brand that arguably is only relevant for 2 minutes every year. But they don’t care. You know why? They understand that that Derby feeling doesn’t have to stay in the first Saturday in May. This Saturday they turn Greenwood Park into Churchill Downs for a day full of live music, dancing, hat parades, juleps, and all of the joy and magic of the Derby. Tickets, $95 are available here. 555 7th ave.
Your Best Bet
Parklife’s Annual Derby Party, in Gowanus
It might be the 145th annual Kentucky Derby, but it’s only the second time the race has ever been broadcasted, celebrated, and inebriated at Parklife. Good traditions are made even better when you can say, “I was there way back when…” so go so you can be smug about it, say, 10 years down the road. They’re going to have all the screens, all the contests, all the mintiness, and all of the reasons to place your bets here. Oh yeah and a photo booth, in case you forget you were ever there. Which, you know, happens. RSVP here now. 2-7pm, 636 Degraw St.
The Classic
Derby Party at Threes Brewing in Gowanus
These guys do it the biggest, the longest, and the hardest every year. Live music, southern food, southern charm, hat contests, lawn games, square dancing, and a massive bar for you to spend your winnings at freely, and all of the syrupy juleps your heart desires. Trust me, go here. Entry is free so arrive early. Infohere. The bar opens at 1pm. 333 Douglass St.
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