With the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby this Sat. May 4, we’ve got mint juleps on the mind. There’s something about watching horses run around in a circle for two minutes that really compliments the mint and the warmness of the bourbon.
(Don’t forget that a few Charleston bars are still celebrating Mint Julep Month through May 4.)
Here’s where to wear a big hat (or bow tie), sip on a julep, and see the fastest two minutes in sports:
Join The Watch Rooftop Kitchen for a derby-themed party from 4 to 7 p.m. with craft mint juleps and spicy chicken sandwiches.
Put on your biggest hat or your best bowtie and head to Uptown Social for the Talk Derby to me party will feature roper family fried chicken, hushpuppies, $6 frozen mint juleps, and live tunes from David Higgins from 3 to 7 p.m.
Get brunch and yoga in before the festivities during Namaste Derby Day at Folly River Lodge from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. [content-1] Nosh on some pimento cheese sandwiches, fried chicken, and derby pie at the Harbour Club‘s Kentucky Derby Party.
Help raise money for the College of Charleston’s Avery Institute during their second annual Kentucky Derby Party. Enjoy a cigar bar, food, and live entertainment from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McAlister Suite in TD Arena.
The Alley’s Derby Party will have music from The Bluestone Ramblers, a special Derby menu, $8 Woodford mint juleps, and a horse picking contest, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Bay Street Biergarten is bringing back their KenPUPPY Derby Day, all day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with drink specials including souvenir Bulleit glasses. Put on your biggest hat and put on your pup’s best bow tie for a shot at winning house cash.
Charleston Sports Pubs (at all of their locations!) are hosting a Kentucky Derby Day party featuring $5 Bulleit mint juleps from 6 to 9 p.m.
Planet Follywood is hosting a Derby Party from 4 to 7 p.m. with mint juleps, Derby punch, and themed specials, with live music too.
Vintage Lounge will have plenty of juleps flowing and will start streaming coverage when they open at 3 p.m.
Put on your most festive Derby attire and head to the Rooftop Bar at Vendue for Seersucker Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m.
LG’s by the Creek is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
Sip on a specialty cocktail during the the Establishment‘s Kentucky Derby viewing party from 5 to 7 p.m. and are giving away two $100 gift cards for the best dressed attendees.
Garden & Gun is hosting a Charleston Derby Social at Tradd’s from 4:30 to 7 p.m. featuring Maker’s Mark mint juleps, food, live music, a “best hat” contest, and prizes for those who pick the winning horse. Tickets are $125.
Tavern and Table is hosting a swanky Kentucky Derby party from 4 to 8 p.m. with live bluegrass, $8 Woodford mint juleps, a best hat contest, and a pool for the winning horse.