Can't make it to Churchill Downs for this year's Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4? No worries. Saratoga County has got you covered. Here are a few of the many ways to view and celebrate the first race of the Triple Crown! Consider it a precursor to The Belmont Stakes in Saratoga!

 

13 North Restaurant

derby day promotional flyer

13 North is Serving up favorite Kentucky Derby dishes and Mint Juleps! 

Burgoo Stew – beef, pork, chicken, okra, corn, white rice, jalapeno cornbread.

Hot Brown - toast points, turkey, tomatoes, parmesan cheese sauce, bourbon pork belly, mashed potatoes, and vegetable.

Garlic Bourbon and Pork - bone in pork chop, honey garlic bourbon glaze, mashed potatoes, vegetable of the day.

 

Artisanal Brew Works

race horses with sombreros

Get ready to saddle up for a unique mashup of the Kentucky Derby and Cinco De Mayo this Saturday at Artisanal Brew Works!

Indulge in mouthwatering Mexican-inspired delights expertly paired with signature brews, all at wallet-friendly prices!

  • Tex-Mex taco meal or Mojo pork taco meal served with a side of chips and salsa AND a draft beer for just $14!

  • Mexican pizza – topped with Tex-Mex chicken, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of crema

  • Tex-Mex chicken salad with Southwest Ranch Dressing

  • Tex-Mex or pulled pork nacho baskets served with salsa and guacamole

  • Chicken Tortilla Soup

Groove to live music by Loren Swear (1-4 PM) with his contemporary alternative tunes, and later sway to the soulful melodies of “Duo” (5-7 PM). Catch the Derby action on the screens, adding to the excitement akin to the track’s picnic grounds. Don’t miss a special draft beer release – the return of the lime lager, perfect for keeping cool in the sun! This event is family-friendly, so bring along the kids and pups for a day of fun for everyone! 

 

Cantina

Front of Cantina restaurant with people dining at tables

Sip on Margaritas while watching the Kentucky Derby at Cantina on the Second Floor! It's also Cinco de Mayo weekend so you'll have all three floors to chose from and celebrate! Stick around for a DJ on the roof from 6pm-9pm, weather permitting. 

 

Carson's Woodside Tavern

promotional flyer for derby party

The tent is up and it's time for the Derby! Carson's is ready for the summer season! Check out the drink and food specials above.

 

Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern

promotional flyer for derby party

Enjoy warm weather and the first Triple Crown Race at Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern! Doors open at 4pm with live music after the race!

 

Franklin Square Market 

derby day menu

A true trifecta: celebrating Derby Day, Franklin Square Market's 1 year anniversary and welcoming Mark and Jullie Delos. Franklin Square Market is closing Railroad Place for a one-of-a-kind block party. Get your tickets here!

 

Kings Tavern

Kentucky derby promotional flyer

Grab a seat at Kings Tavern for the Kentucky Derby! From 4-7pm enjoy Modelo & White Claw specials and enter for a chance to win two tickets to the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga!

 

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

promotional poster for racing museum derby day

Join the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at this Kentucky themed fundraiser featuring delicious samplings of local brews and spirits, as well as signature Kentucky inspired bites from local restaurants. While exploring the Museum and its exhibits, guests will enjoy entertainment and the prestigious Hall of Fame before a live airing of the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

This year the museum is celebrating the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby! Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire. An award for the most fashionable themed attire will be presented before post time. Also, there's always a chance to win with a race-day inspired 50/50 raffle and silent auction!

Get your tickets here!

 

Prime Restaurant/Saratoga National Golf Club

Kentucky Derby Day watch party poster

Dress your best and head to Saratoga National Golf Club for the 2024 Derby Day Party! From 4pm-9pm celebrate the first race of the triple crown while sipping on quality cocktails and great food from Prime Restaurant!

 

Putnam Market

Menu for kentucky derby

In honor of the Kentucky Derby, Putnam Market has created a special menu to celebrate! Watch the race from the comfort of your own home with good eats from Putnam Market!

 

Sacred Spa and Wellness

promotional spa poster for derby day

Get ready to channel the spirit of the Kentucky Derby at Sacred Spa's special event on May 4th! Experience a delightful morning of Pilates, refreshments, and fabulous fascinators in celebration of the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Immerse yourself in the elegance and excitement of the Kentucky Derby with a Pilates class set against the picturesque backdrop of the race horse farm. Led by experienced instructor, Jacklynn Angley, this invigorating class will strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don't forget to don your finest fascinator—the quintessential accessory for Derby Day elegance. Show off your style and sophistication as you embrace the spirit of the race. After the class, unwind and socialize with fellow attendees over Mint Julep Mocktails, the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. Sip and savor the flavors of this classic cocktail while basking in the camaraderie of the Saratoga community.

Spaces are limited for this exclusive event, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased here, or call the spa at 518.507.0530 to secure your place in this unforgettable celebration of wellness and style.


Event Details:
🌿 Date: Saturday, May 4th
🏇 Time: Sign-in at 9:00 AM, Class begins at 9:30 AM
👒 Attire: Women are encouraged to wear their finest derby day hats or fascinators, along with athletic attire.
🧘‍♀️ What to Bring: Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.
🍹 Highlights: Enjoy Mint Julep Mocktails after the class

 

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161

derby day promotional flyer

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 will be hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party on May 4, 2024, from 5-8pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Derby finest and come have fun. The event will show the Derby on multiple large screens, racing-themed games and raffles, and a hat-making station for those who wish to be creative.

Admission is $30/pp pre-event, and $40/pp at the door, and includes a Kentucky Derby themed buffet. Among the items on the menu are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, Southern Potato Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, mini cornbread with Hot Honey, Hot Dogs in Bourbon Sauce, Country Ham with Hot pepper Jelly, Hummingbird Cake, and Kentucky Butter Cake with Bourbon Glaze.

 

Shirley's Diner

derby day menu specials

Stop into Shirley's Diner for Triple Crown specials! These specials are available starting the week before the Kentucky Derby and continuing through the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga!

 

Sweet Mimi's Cafe

Kentucky derby menu

Start of the morning of the Derby right at Sweet Mimi's! Known for it's delicious breakfast and brunch items, you're sure to be full and happy watching the Kentucky Derby later on that day.

 

The Bunker

promotional flyer for derby watch party

Take a seat at a newly opened location of The Bunker! Watch the race on the many TV's throughout the venue, enjoy live music, DJs, prizes, and more!

 

The Children's Museum at Saratoga

big truck day promotional poster

Spend the morning of Derby Day with your kids at Big Truck Day! From 9am-1pm celebrate Big Truck Day by getting up close and personal with a variety of vehicles from different businesses of the Capital Region, including vintage cars, a tow truck, street sweeper, bus, dump truck, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and more!

Horse Racing not for you? Spend the afternoon at the Children's Museum making light-up sabers on May4th (be with you). 

Grab your tickets here for big truck day and light saber workshop!

 

The Horsehoe Inn Bar & Grill

derby day promotional flyerpromotional flyer for derby day at Horseshoe Inn

Join The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill under the tents for a Race to the Roast on May 4th @ 3pm! Watch the races and enjoy a delicious meal, cocktails, and of course live music!

Dress to impress and don’t forget to place your bets! Use the link here or stop in to the restaurant to purchase your tickets!

 

The Mill on Round Lake

Patio kick off party promotion flyer

Join The Mill on Round Lake on May 4 to kick off the patio season & Kentucky Derby! DJ Romantics will be on the patio from 4-9PM. Outdoor TV's to watch the race, Mint Julips, Kentucky Derby Hat contest, samplings and more!

 

Universal Preservation Hall

Promotional flyer for Kentucky Derby

Experience all the excitement of the Kentucky Derby in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs at UPH’s Horsin’ Around. UPH's watch party is the perfect place to enjoy all the thrills of the race. Surrounded by fellow horse racing enthusiasts and a 24′ screen showing every moment, you’ll enjoy all the action! At Horsin’ Around you’ll revel in an afternoon of non-stop fun and excitement with outdoor and indoor games, multiple bars, food from Fitzy’s Food Truck and a live performance from local favorite, Erin Harkes!

Saturday, May 4 from 4-8pm at Universal Preservation Hall

Get your tickets here.