Looking to catch the “fastest two minutes in sports” in style? Enjoy the 151st Run for the Roses on May 3 with a side of sweet mint juleps, live music, exciting contests, and big, bold hats at these Kentucky Derby parties in Arizona.
The Phoenician 6th Annual Kentucky Derby Party
Scottsdale
Celebrate the fast pace and exhilaration of Kentucky Derby on the dining room and porch of Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician on May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will be filled with Southern-inspired cocktails, cuisine, and hospitality, and emceed by Arizona’s Family anchor, Sean McLaughlin. Large televisions and projection screens will be set up to catch the race excitement, while a raffle will be held for winner’s circle prizes featuring the names of win, place, and show horses. Guests are encouraged to get gussied up and don their fanciest attires, and prizes will be awarded for several best dressed categories as well. There will also be a 360-degree photo booth, a DJ, and gift bags, as well as samples and bottle engraving courtesy of Woodford Reserve. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit local nonprofit, After the Homestretch-Arizona, which protects the legacy of former racehorses through reconditioning, retraining, and re-homing.
Cost: Tickets start at $150 per person.
For more information: www.thephoenician.com.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby DayClub
Phoenix
Turf Paradise in Phoenix celebrates the 151st Run for the Roses on May 3 during the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby DayClub. The event, which last year hosted more than 1,600 guests, take place all day and boasts a pair of trackside betting options and hundreds of televisions live-streaming the big race as well as live horseracing happening on the track below. Themed cocktails and food will be served, and local bands Whiskey’s Quicker and Honey Girl will perform as well. The Sanderson Lincoln Black Label Lounge and the NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer Pavilion will both offer reserved tables and seating, both with access to the live music as well as DJs, a no-host bar, and food trucks.
Cost: General admission tickets start at $50; tables start at $325.
For more information: www.thepoloparty.com.
Kentucky Derby Lawn Party at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s most luxurious Derby party is back again for the 151st Run for the Roses. On May 3, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will hold its annual Kentucky Derby Lawn Party at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. During the event, guests can expect festive activities both indoors and out, a DJ, lawn games, raffle drawings, and much more. A traditional Southern-inspired menu presented by Executive Chef Sara Garrant will feature classic Derby favorites like shrimp and grits, Kentucky hot brown, Derby pie, and much more, while Chef Mina will be on hand for the first time for meet-and-greets and to judge the fashion contests. Guests are encouraged to wear their fanciest hats and sharpest suits to compete for prizes in the Derby hat and fashion contest. New this year, one guest will win a complimentary trip to Las Vegas to enjoy three Mina-curated meals at Bourbon Steak Las Vegas, Orla Las Vegas, and Bardot, as well as flights and luxury accommodations for two.
Cost: Tickets start at $189 per person, with table packages available.
For more information: www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at Arizona Biltmore
Phoenix
Get ready for a day of high stakes and high style at the Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at Arizona Biltmore’s Spire Bar on May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. The resort encourages guests to come dressed to impress (the bigger and bolder the hats, the better). During the event, Spire Bar will be limited to those 21 and older and will boast live entertainment, a welcome mint julep, best-dressed contests, and Derby-inspired bites. There will be big-screen televisions throughout the party ensuring all seats are the best in the house during the “greatest two minutes in sports.” In addition, Blade and Bow Bourbon will be on hand offering spirited samples to watch-party guests.
Cost: Tickets start at $80 per person, and room packages (for stays May 1 to May 4) featuring a pair of passes, resort credit, and complimentary valet start at $799 per night.
For more information: www.arizonabiltmore.com.