It's hard to believe we are on the cusp of May already, but hey, no complaints here. The flowers are blooming, the cicadas will soon be singing, and the horses are on the track. Yes, it's Derby time!
The Kentucky Derby – known affectionately as the "most exciting two minutes in sports" – takes place Saturday, and while social distancing protocols will be limiting attendance at Churchill Downs, there are a number of places where you can still go to enjoy the day with fellow racing fans. Be sure to double check with the venue before you head out; some events may hit capacity early.
Friday, April 30
Belterra Park, 6301 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. Friday and Saturday. No standing room this year. Doors open 45-60 minutes prior to Churchill first post each day. Drive-thru wagering on Saturday starts at 10 a.m. $20-$650. Reservations: 513-354-8418 or 513-354-8210; belterrapark.com.
Newport Racing & Gaming, 1723 Monmouth St., Newport. 10 a.m. daily. Part of the Churchill Downs Incorporated family, you can watch the races on big-screen TVs. Windows open 30 minutes prior to first race of day. Masks required. Ages 21-up. newportrg.com.
Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown. 11 a.m. Longines Kentucky Oaks celebration. Seating assigned upon arrival. Masks required at all times. Ladies-only event. Wear pink. $10. cincyticket.com.
Saturday, May 1
Bob Meyers Party Farm, 8241 Althaus Road, Cleves. 4-8 p.m. Open air seating, pig roast, chicken dinner, mint juleps, live music, prizes for best-dressed couple, best derby hat and funniest derby hat, silent auction packages, split the pot, raffles and watch race on big screen. Benefits Reviv Family Support. $125 per couple, $75 single. reviv.ejoinme.org/DerbyDayRegistration.
Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May Volksmarch is a Derby-themed event. Wear Derby or jockey attire (not required). Non-competitive 5K walk through Smale Riverfront Park and the Theodore Berry International Friendship Park. $5, free for kids.
Zazou Grill, 502 W. 6th St., Covington. 1-8 p.m. Prizes for best hat, best-dressed couple and most dapper man. Benefits Jordan McFaull Memorial Scholarship Fund. Ticket includes admission, 3 drinks and Derby-style food. $25. eventbrite.com.
Bucketheads, 6507 Harrison Ave., Green Township. 2 p.m. Kentucky Derby bourbon tasting. Featuring 6 bourbons, food pairings and giveaways. $35. eventbrite.com.
Upper Deck at the Cove, 4855 Kellogg Ave., East End. 2-7 p.m. Derby party sponsored by White Claw features outdoor fun, tailgating contests, bar games, trivia and race watching. Hosted by Greater Cincinnati Sports Club. $35 per person, $140 per team. gocsl.com.
Shop Bellevue Derby Day Party, 200-700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue. noon-7 p.m. Businesses along the avenue will host festive, socially-distanced and safe event. Businesses will have Derby forms to fill out. Turn in completed form to Le Sorelle Boutique (341 Fairfield Ave.) before 6:20 p.m. for chance to win.
Rich's Proper Food and Drink, 701 Madison Ave., Covington. 4 p.m. Reserve a table and watch the race with other fans. Derby-style drink specials and limited food menu. Reservations: toasttab.com/richsproper.
Flintlocks Bar & Grill, 3125 California Cross Road, California, Ky. 6 p.m. Watch race then enjoy live music.
Lebanon Elks, 29 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon. Bring a dish to share. 2-11 p.m. Auction at 3 p.m., prizes for best hats.
Tin Roof, 160 E. Freedom Way, Downtown. 6 p.m. Watch the race with other fans.
The Fairfield, 700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue. 5-8 p.m. Evening of fun, food, mint juleps, bourbon raffle and watch the big race. Rain or shine.
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