On Saturday, May 5, the South will get gussied up in their best bow ties and gingham shirts, shift dresses and fanciest hats, sip on mint juleps and watch the greatest two minutes in sports.
Bourbon, fashion, hot browns, horses and general, genteel merrymaking are all in the works.
If you're looking to strut your southern stuff on Saturday, we suggest one of these seven Derby soirees around Atlanta.
What time is the Kentucky Derby? Official post time is 6:34 p.m. ET. The race will air on NBC. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m
Alpha Derby Party, 3:30 p.m., Starting at $65
Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta,
The Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. chapters of metro Atlanta welcome ladies to don their most ostentatious hats and sleekest summer getup and gentleman to pull out their best seersucker for their signature Derby party Saturday. The evening will feature and eight-piece band, some of Atlanta’s best DJ’s, specially-priced cocktails, delectable dining options, a silent auction and, of course, a live broadcast of the Kentucky’s Derby. In addition to a great time, the Alpha Derby Party will also offer attendees the opportunity to donate to several local charitable causes, backed by the fraternity.
The Livingston Derby Party, 3 p.m., $20
659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-897-5000, livingstonatlanta.com.
Head to Midtown and The Livingston at the Georgian Terrace Hotel to drink mint juleps and watch a few horses run for the roses while you do some good for local veterans. Guests will enjoy classic Derby cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, live music and a hat contest before settling in for two minutes of horse racing action. All of the proceeds of your ticket price will go toward the Sotherly Foundation which provides aid to veterans living in communities around the hotel.
Derby Day @ the Southeastern Designer Showcase Home, 10 a.m., $30
3740 Paces Valley Atlanta. southeasternshowhouse.com.
Visit the beautiful showcase home for a tour of southern designers on Derby day wearing your fanciest hat. Then, sip a mint julep and watch a spot of horse racing on the terrace level at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Four Roses Bourbon.
Kentucky Derby Party @ Avalon, 3 p.m., free admission
2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-1000, experienceavalon.com.
Get dolled up in your best hat and frilliest frock and head to Avalon's plaza green for an afternoon of Derby shenanigans. The 2018 Kentucky Derby party is sponsored by Maker’s Mark and Reformation Brewing. Expect cocktails, food and raffles and a watch party for the race.
Kentucky Derby Party @ The Southern Gentleman, 3:30 p.m., $35
3035 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-939-9845, thesoutherngentlemanatl.com
Grab your bow ties and fancy hats, because this party is full of southern charm. The Southern Gentleman, located on the second floor of the Shops of Buckhead, will provide its guests a buffet full of traditional Derby dishes like the hot brown and pimento cheese and a bar full of mint juleps and brown derbys to whet those thirsty whistles. Think you've got the best hat? Enter the hat contest to win prizes before placing your bets and watching the running of the roses on multiple screens. Cost includes two cocktails and buffet.
Derby Day Takeover Viewing Party @ PARISH, 4:30 p.m., $30
Parish, 240 North Highland Ave., Atlanta parishatl.com
PARISH, the brasserie and neighborhood café, has dubbed their derby gathering as one of "most authentic Derby Day party" in the city. Guests can place their bets on their favorite stallion as they enjoy live music and sip on the day’s favorite concoction and nibble on Derby-inspired bites. Before watching the horses run for roses, party goers can make a pit stop at the interactive photo booth and enter for the chance to win prizes for the best hat, best dressed and more.
Derby Party at JCT Bar (upstairs), 4 p.m., free admission
1198 Howell Mill Road, #18, Atlanta. 404-355-2252, jctkitchen.com.
Head upstairs to the bar at JCT Kitchen and its patio overlooking the railroad tracks of Westside Provisions District for Derby delights by chef Brian Horn like smoked chicken wings and mortadella sandwiches. Throw back a few cocktails such as an Old Fashioned, Kentucky 75 and the classic mint julep before the racing excitement begins and you lose your shirt with that bet you just placed in Vegas.
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