Charleston’s 2017 Kentucky Derby Parties

May 2, 2017

3:21 PM

Photo credit: Marie Rodriguez

Looking for some Kentucky Derby plans? Look below for a few options (all events take place on Saturday; check back for updates):

The Alley
- The Alley and Charleston Brown Water Society will host their 4th Bourbon Derby Party from 5 pm – 8 pm
  - Bourbon tastings
  - Live bluegrass music from The Bluestone Ramblers
  - Best Dressed Contests
  - Horse Picking Contest
  - Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps
Bay Street Biergarten
- 5 pm to 8 pm
  - Benefits non-profit organization Charleston Moves
  - Raffle for a custom New Belgium Grizzly cooler
  - Raffle tickets are $1 and proceeds from this will benefit Charleston Moves
    - $1 from each New Belgium sold will also be donated to Charleston Moves
  - New Belgium Slow Ride competition where the person to cross the finish line last, will be first
    - Winner earns a free one-night stay in Asheville + tasting room and New Belgium brewery tour
  - Big Hat Contest for a chance to win a $25 gift card
  - Enjoy live music by Dallas Baker and Friends
  - Drink specials
    - Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps – $7
    - New Belgium Fat Tire – $4
    - New Belgium Dayblazer Can- $4
    - New Belgium Citradelic Tangerine IPA – $4
The Brick
- 5 pm – 2 am
  - Bourbon specials
  - Horse picking contests
  - Live music by Sufferin Moses from 10:30pm – 1 am
Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill
- 4 pm to 7 pm
- Maker’s Mark Derby Party
  - Mint Juleps, Old Fashioned, and Brown Derbys during happy hour
  - Giveaways
  - Dress in your best derby attire
Charitable Society Derby Party
- 4 pm to 7 pm at The Cocktail Club (479 King Street)
  - Light apps and drink specials
    - Mint juleps
    - Cocktail Club’s signature punch bowl
    - Best dressed prizes to one lucky guy and girl
    - Purchase tickets here. Ticket prices go up at the door.
Gentry Bar & Room
- 276 King Street
- “ A Very Gentry Derby ”
  - Derby-inspired brunch menu (11 am to 4 pm) from Chef Marvin Woods
  - Gentry Bourbon Mint Julep ($8 all day)
  - Best Hat Contest for the ladies and Best Derby Outfit Contest for the guys with a $250 gift card for each winner (at 5 pm)
  - Live music from The Secrets at 1 pm
Home Team BBQ (downtown location)
- Home Team BBQ partners with Revelry Brewing and Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey Co. to host “Talk Derby to Me” from 3 pm to 7 pm
- Admission includes:
  - One drink ticket (two tickets if you are dressed up for the Derby)
  - Special cocktails will be offered for the event
    - Virgil Kaine Kentucky Mules
    - Frozen Virgil Kaine Mint Julep
  - Tea sandwiches by Chef Jonathan Banta
  - Live music by Bootless
  - Attendees will also receive tickets to “bet” on the races with. Winners will received swag from all three hosts
  - Cash prize for the best dressed male and female
  - A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Hogs for the Cause
- Click here for more info
James B. Edwards Derby Under The Oaks
- “Derby Under the Oaks” is James B. Edwards spring fundraiser
  - Ticket price includes:
  - Oopen bar from Iacofano’s
  - Heavy hors d’oeuvres by Hamby’s
  - Live music from The Good People
  - Raffles
  - Games
- Click here for more info
Night at The Races
- The Junior League of Charleston’s Kentucky Derby Gala
- Starts at 4 pm at Harborside East in Mount Pleasant
  - Derby-inspired cuisine
  - Auctions
  - Open bar
  - Live music
  - Click here for more info
Prohibition
- “Down & Derby Patio Party ” from 2 pm to 7 pm
  - Dress in your Derby best
  - Prizes
  - Roses for the ladies (and gents)
  - Mint Juleps & Bloody Mary bars
  - Racing Contests
  - Official Kentucky Derby Racing Programs
  - Official Kentucky Derby merch & prizes
The Rooftop at The Vendue
- 3 pm to 7 pm
  - Seersucker Saturday
  - Live Music
  - Derby Cocktails
  - Prizes for Best Hat and Best Dressed
Tavern & Table
- 4 pm to 8 pm
  - Benefits the Rein and Shine Charity
  - Contestants will have a chance to enter two contests
    - A Big Hat Contest
      - Chance to win $25 gift card
    - Horse Picking contest
      - Chance to win $100 gift card (if you pick the correct horse and your name is drawn)
      - Derby contest tickets are $1, which will go to Rein and Shine
  - A portion of the proceeds from the special derby menu will be donated to Rein and Shine
    - Mint Juleps
    - Hot Browns
  - Live music from Dave Landeo

Know of another party? E-mail me at christian@holycitysinner.com