It’s hard to believe we’re already close to May, but hey, no complaints here. The flowers are blooming, the cicadas will soon be singing and the horses are on the way. Yes, it’s derby time!
The Kentucky Derby – affectionately known as the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sport” – takes place on Saturday. While social distancing protocols limit participation in Churchill Downs, there are a number of places you can still enjoy the day with fellow racing fans. Be sure to ask the venue before you set off. Some events can affect capacity prematurely.
Saturday May 1st
Bob Meyer’s Party Farm, 8241 Althaus Road, Cleves. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. open air seating, roast pork, chicken dinner, mint juleps, live music, prizes for the best dressed couple, the best derby hat and funniest derby hat, silent auction packages, splitting the pot, raffles and watching the race on a big screen. Benefits of Reviv Family Support. $ 125 per couple, $ 75 for individuals. reviv.ejoinme.org/DerbyDayRegistration.
Belterra Park, 6301 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. No standing this year. Doors open 45-60 minutes before Churchill’s first post every day. Saturday drive-thru betting starts at 10am, between $ 20 and $ 650. Reservations: 513-354-8418 or 513-354-8210; belterrapark.com.
Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown. 10 am-1pm May Volksmarch is an event on the theme of derby. Wear derby or jockey clothing (not required). Non-competitive 3 mile walk through Smale Riverfront Park and Theodore Berry International Friendship Park. $ 5, free for children.
Zazou Grill, 502 W. 6th St., Covington. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Awards for the best hat, the best-dressed couple and the most elegant man. Benefits of the Jordan McFaull Memorial Scholarship Fund. The ticket includes entry, 3 drinks and Derby-style food. $ 25. eventbrite.com.
Bucketheads, 6507 Harrison Ave., Green Township. 2:00 p.m. Kentucky Derby Bourbon Tasting. With 6 bourbons, food pairings and giveaways. $ 35. eventbrite.com.
Upper deck on the bay, 4855 Kellogg Ave., East End. The White Claw sponsored derby party from 2pm to 7pm features outdoor fun, tailgating competitions, bar games, trivia and race watching. The host is the Greater Cincinnati Sports Club. $ 35 per person, $ 140 per team. gocsl.com.
Shop Bellevue Derby Day Party, 200-700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue. 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Corporations along the avenue host festive, socially distant, and safe events. Companies are required to fill out derby forms. Completed, return to Le Sorelle Boutique (341 Fairfield Ave.) before 6:20 pm for a chance of a win.
Rich’s real food and drink, 701 Madison Ave., Covington. 4 pm Reserve a table and watch the race with other fans. Derby style drink specialties and a limited menu. Reservations: toasttab.com/richsproper.
Flintlocks Bar & Grill, 3125 California Cross Road, California, Ky. 6pm Watch the race and enjoy live music.
Lebanon moose, 29 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon. Make a dish to share. 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Auction at 3 p.m., prices for the best hats.
Newport on the levee, 1 Deichweg, Newport. 5 to 10 p.m. Run to the rose celebration with themed sips, snacks and specials. Outside in the open-air Bridgeview Boxpark. Watch the race on a jumbo screen, then enjoy live music. 859-291-0550; newportonthelevee.com.
Tin roof, 160 E. Freedom Way, downtown. 6 p.m. Watch the race with other fans.
The Fairfield, 700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue. 5 to 8 p.m. evening with fun, food, mint juleps, bourbon raffle and the big race. Rain or shine.
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