They don’t call it the most exciting two minutes in sports for nothin’. Head to area bars and restaurants this Saturday for Kentucky Derby celebrations featuring drink specials, hat contests and, because the Derby falls on the fourth this year, some Star Wars fun thrown in the mix, too. Have fun out there, y’all.
Did we miss your bar or restaurant’s Derby party? Send all the deets to food@charlestoncitypaper.com.
Islander 71
Isle of Palms. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Islander 71 Fish House and Deck Bar hosts its second annual, self-proclaimed “Charleston’s Biggest Derby Party” this Saturday. The event features a 14-foot TV, vendors, drink specials, contests and more.
Thoroughbred Club at The Charleston Place
Downtown. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Thoroughbred Club hosts an official watch party of the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. Guests can sip on the classic race cocktail, mint juleps, and check out bourbon and whiskey tastings from Woodford Reserve. Compete in the hat contest for a chance at a price from Woodfoord.
Cleats
Downtown. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cleats hosts its May The Horse Be With You! Derby party this Saturday. If the name didn’t give it away, this event is both Star Wars and Derby themed. Come for the drink specials, stay for the contests.
Bay Street Biergarten
Downtown. 4 p.m.
Bay Street Biergarten’s Kentucky Derby bash features live music from Ben Somerville and High Water Honky. Guests are encouraged to wear their “Derby best” and can order specialty cocktails like Old Soul Bourbon mint juleps.
Tavern & Table
Mount Pleasant. 5 p.m.
Head to Shem Creek for what T&T calls the “swankiest” Derby party in town. Participate in a hat contest for a chance to win $150 and a gift basket from Woodford Reserve.
Rooftop Bar at the Vendue
Downtown. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Rooftop Bar at the Vendue hosts its annual Kentucky Derby party with the usual fanfare: mint juleps and hot brown sliders on the menu. There will be contests for both Best Hat and Best Dressed, so come ready to rock it.
Charleston Sports Pub
West Ashley. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Charleston Sports Pub holds a Kentucky Derby watch party with $7 mint, strawberry and Champagne juleps.
Bourbon N’ Bubbles
Downtown. 4 p.m.
Sip on featured cocktails at Bourbon N’ Bubbles watch party including a Derby Day Julep, Woodford Spire, Oaks Lily and Pimms Cup.
Striped Pig Distillery
North Charleston. 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. $20+
Striped Pig hosts a ticketed Derby day party with a Lowcountry shrimp boil, a DJ and a cigar lounge. There will be prizes for best-dressed guest.
Eleve
Downtown. All day.
Sip on Maker’s Mark specials all Saturday long at Eleve.
The Shelter Kitchen + Bar
Mount Pleasant. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Shelter screens the big race this Saturday with plenty of mint juleps and champagne to go around.
Top Dawg Tavern
Summerville. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Summerville’s Top Dawg Tavern is serving up $8 Woodford Reserve mint juleps this Saturday and they’re keeping the party going even after the race is over with live music from David Gunstra from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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