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It’s the start of spring and Denverites know what that means: the onset of patio parties — or in this case, pony parties. Derby Day on May 4 unofficially starts the city’s transition into warmer weather and outdoor events. This year, 10 Denver-area bars and restaurants are offering plenty of Woodford Reserve mint juleps and prizes for Derby goers that dress to impress.
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Where To Celebrate Derby Day in Denver
Don your biggest hat: It’s Derby Day
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St Julien Hotel & Spa
Those closer to Boulder can stop by the hotel’s terrace in their best eerby attire for the annual party. The first 100 guests can expect a free mint julep to welcome them to the free event and everyone can enjoy an appearance from Medicine Horse Program’s own Little Sebastian, Sadie.
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Denver Mini Derby
After visitors watch the Kentucky Derby, mini horses will compete in their very own pint-sized derby in Denver. Tickets include access to a mini horse AND corgi race, an open bar, and potential prizes for snazzy dressers.
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Blue Moon Brewing Co.
The “Churchill on Chestnut” party start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, featuring new brews such as the bourbon barrel-aged mint julep beer, live music, a DJ, and pulled pork sandwich bar courtesy of a Tenderbelly pig roast. The 21-plus event is free but interested parties are encouraged to register ahead of time and check out food and drink packages.
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Mythology Distillery
The distillery bases its $11 special cocktail on the $1,000 mint julep recipe featured each year at Churchill Downs racetrack on Derby Day.
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Julep
Would a restaurant by any other name throw a Derby party? Well, yes, but the Southern-style spot is ready for a second year of Derby debauchery with more drinks, bites, and prizes. From noon to 5 p.m. on May 4, Julep will offer three specialty cocktails, derby-inspired snacks, and a $100 gift card to the best dressed couple. Tickets start at $69 per person.
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Avanti Food & Beverage
The food hall offers $10 Woodford Reserve juleps, served in special cups that customers can take home, on race day.
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Poka Lola Social Club
The free celebration invites customers to dress in their race track best and explore a mint julep bar at the Dairy Block bar.
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Union Station
From 1 to 5 p.m., travelers can stop by the Terminal Bar patio in dapper Derby attire to drink the Royal Street Ramblers, or upgrade to the VIP experience, which includes free booze.
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54thirty
The event on May 4 from 1 to 6 p.m. includes a welcome mint julep, automatic entrance in a best-dressed contest, and the chance to party on the 54thirty rooftop.
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The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection
From 2:30 to 8 p.m. on May 4, the established downtown hotel hosts race day festivities complete with live bluegrass, mint juleps, wine, Odell brews, and food.
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Denver Derby Party
The original Derby day party, which claims to be the largest celbration outside of Kentucky, returns to Sculpture Park for an eighteenth year. Festivities range across four blocks of debauchery, both indoors and outdoors.
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