It’s known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, and it falls on Cinco de Mayo this year so there is twice the reason to grab your finest hat and celebrate the 2018 Kentucky Derby with a variety of events across the Valley. The race is scheduled to begin around 3:34pm Phoenix time.
2018 Kentucky Derby Dining Guide
Photo Credit | Fairmont Scottsdale
Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480.585.2694
www.fairmont.com/scottsdale
Guests can enjoy mint juleps, Bulleit Bourbon tastings and a decadent brunch featuring Kentucky Derby hot browns, Andouille sausage sliders, shrimp and grits, Derby pie and more. Tickets are $109, and include a commemorative glass, a complimentary mint julep and a champagne toast. Guests who wear derby gear can win prizes including dinner for two at Bourbon Steak and a weekend getaway at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The event will take place from 1pm until 4:30pm.
Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.cincodemario.com
This new festival, hosted by Experience Scottsdale and the City of Scottsdale, features Emmy Award winning TV star Mario Lopez as the host along with food, entertainment and family fun. General admission is $20 at the gate and $15 in advance. For $100, guests can watch the Kentucky Derby in a VIP tent, complete with festive food and drink. The festival will take place from 11am until 6pm.
Photo Credit | Dave & Busters
Dave & Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
480.281.8456
www.daveandbusters.com
In addition to viewing the 2018 Kentucky Derby, guests who wear a Derby hat into Dave & Buster’s will receive unlimited video game play for the whole day.
915 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.680.7747
www.desotocentralmarket.com
Celebrate Kentucky de Mayo at the Founders Brewing Company’s pop-up taproom at Desoto Market. The Michigan-based brewery will feature a special tapping of Kentucky Bourbon Stout and 12 beers on tap. Starting at 11am guests can enjoy Derby inspired food and drinks, and Cinco de Mayo specials.
Photo Credit | The Phoenician
Mowry & Cotton at the Phoenician
6000 E Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480.423.2530
www.mowryandcotton.com
From 1pm until 4pm, guests can enjoy Woodford Reserve mint juleps and participate in a best hat and/or Southern style attire contest for great prizes including a two-night stay at the resort. A portion of the proceeds will go to After the Homestretch racehorse rescue. Tickets are $95 (not including tax or gratuity) and include two mint juleps, a keepsake copper cup and all-you-can-eat Southern-inspired food provided by Mowry & Cotton’s Chef de Cuisine Tandy Peterson.
4338 W Bell Road
Glendale, AZ 85308
602.547.9406
www.padremurphys.com
Padre Murphy’s will host its annual Derby Day event complete with breakfast, drink specials, hat contest, off-track betting and a live telecast of the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Guests can enjoy mint juleps, peach mimosas and Stella Artois drafts. The restaurant will also host a Derby Day hat contest at 2:30pm with prizes that will include a $100 happy hour, one $50 gift card to Gaston Jewelry and a dozen roses. Breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 and running until 11:30am with regular lunch service available directly after.
10050 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480.477.1390
www.sonatasrestaurant.com
Alyssa James Foundation and Networking360 are hosting “Talk Derby to Me” from 12-5pm to benefit Camp Not-A-Wheeze and Opportunity4Kids. Tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door and will include two drinks and food. The event features a silent auction, DJ, best hat and best dressed contests, and more.
Photo Credit | Sorso Wine Room
Sorso Wine Room
15323 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480.951.4344
www.sorsowineroom.com
From 12pm until 4pm, you can enjoy a DJ, giveaways and a best hat/best dressed contest. $50 per person includes unlimited house wine and draft beer or mint juleps and bourbon mules (limit 4) and passed appetizers. Reservations are required.
Photo Credit | Southern Rail
Southern Rail
300 W Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
602.200.0085
www.southernrailaz.com
What would the Kentucky Derby be without horses and big hats? Southern Rail will celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports from 1pm until 5pm. Sip on mint juleps while you cheer on your favorite horse and enjoy a special Derby Day menu crafted by Chef Beckett (in addition to regular lunch & dinner menu). Guests are inspired to wear their best Derby inspired attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best men’s and women’s derby hats, as well as best dressed overall.
1501 W Bell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85023
602.942.1101
www.turfparadise.com
The third annual Stella Artois Derby Day Club at Turf Paradise is the only 2018 Kentucky Derby party in Arizona with live racing and betting, as well as food, drink and music. A variety of ticket packages are available from $30 to $135. The party kicks off at 10:30am with live racing beginning at 11:30am.