24 May 1st-May 7th, 2025 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Hold Onto Your Hats 8 places to watch the Kentucky Derby in Phoenix. BY TIMOTHY RAWLES I t’s time to run for the roses again: The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place in Louisville on Saturday, May 3. They call it “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but you can have fun all day long if you know where to look. If Churchill Downs isn’t in your travel plans this year, there are plenty of Derby- related events happening in the Phoenix area, so put on your favorite hat and a fabu- lous outfit, and head to one of the following parties. Derby Day Party Scottsdale Living Hub, 4254 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale Scottsdale Living Hub in the center of Old Town Scottsdale is also getting in on the Kentucky Derby action. They will have a Best dressed and best hat contest, and you can make $5 cash-only bets. Early bird tickets are $45.50, general admission is $60, and VIPs are $300. Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and appe- tizers. The event starts at 2 p.m. For infor- mation and tickets, visit evenbrite.com. Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell Road Immerse yourself in the Kentucky Derby experience at the Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub on race day. Thoroughbred racing, betting and refreshing cocktails are the order of the day in the largest tent the event has ever had. General admission tickets are available for $50 in advance or $55 at the door. Reserved seats start at $115. Turf Paradise gates open at 7:15 a.m. For more information, visit thepoloparty.com/ derby-dayclub. Phoenix 2030 Club Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Party 917 E. Sheridan St. Here’s a Kentucky Derby event that gives back: The Phoenix 2030 Club’s Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Party donates all its proceeds to the Children in Need Foundation. This event will contain live music, as-it-happens coverage of all the racing action, a hat contest, raffles, horse betting and more. Tickets start at $159. Visit phoenix2030.com. Sixth Annual Derby Day Porch Party Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale Get ready to get into the races with some Southern-style cocktails on the dining room porch at Mowry & Cotton. Wear your finest duds and take a cool photo with the 360-degree camera. There are prizes for the best outfits, and the race will be broadcast on big-screen TVs to make you feel like you’re there in person. The party goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $180 and include all food, two signature cock- tails, bourbon samples, contest prizes, a take-home bag and activities. To get tickets and information, visit thephoenician.com. Kentucky Derby Event The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale It’s heels down at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa for the Kentucky Derby this year. The resort is planning a great event that includes a Skywatch 26-ft. TV and multiple TVs throughout Dreamweaver’s Canyon and in the Antidote Bar; a gift bag; an Old Forester mint julep in a copper cup, a 360-degree photo booth and more. Tickets start at $135. You can get on the bit starting at 1 p.m. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and information. Kentucky Derby Party Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. If it’s an upscale race day you want, it’s an elegant race day you will get at this classic Arizona resort. On race day, ticketholders get one complimentary mint julep and appetizers. There’ll also be contests, complimentary valet parking and more. Tickets are $80 and the fun starts at the Spire Bar at 1 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, visit arizonabiltmore.com. Kentucky Derby Event Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale Saddle up in elegant style at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Kentucky Derby Event at the Bourbon Steak. This sophisticated affair includes red carpet valet service, luxurious prizes, free spirit tasting and a complimentary wager. Winners will get a “a delightful prize to savor.” The event starts at 1 p.m. Tickets are $189. For more information and tickets, visit scotts- daleprincess.com. Kentucky Derby Party Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail For its inaugural Kentucky Derby Day event, The Wrigley Mansion is throwing a special party. Each guest will get two beverage tickets to enjoy some refreshing Maker’s 46 Mint Juleps, along with a personalized complimentary bottle of Maker’s 46 to take home with them. Guests can also win some great prizes in the Dress Your Derby Best contest. It all starts at 2:30 p.m. and tickets start at $125 per person. Visit wrigleymansion.com. Looking stylish at a previous Arizona Biltmore Kentucky Derby party. (Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts) Watch the Derby from the top of a hill at the Wrigley Mansion party. (Jennifer Goldberg) A belle and her beau on Derby Day at Mowry & Cotton. (The Phoenician) Don your Derby best for the Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub party. (Rose+Allyn Public & Online Relations) ▼ Arts & Culture
