by TM Petaccia

The starting gates for the 150th Kentucky Derby will spring open at 6:45 p.m. this Saturday, May 4. A number of Charlotte area restaurants and bars will host special events and specials leading up to the fastest two minutes in sports. Here’s a quick list. Don’t forget your hat.

The Ballantyne Hotel, Ballantyne
Kentucky Derby on the South Lawn is an open-to-the-public event featuring Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark specialty cocktails, mint juleps, food options, and exclusive cigars—all à la carte. Family-friendly festivities include photo opportunities with horses, pony rides, and the best hat competition.

Dram & Draught, Uptown
This watch party includes mint julep and other specials, best hat/best-dressed competitions, and raffles. 3-8 p.m. No admission fee, but reservations highly suggested.

Búho Bar, Grand Bohemian Hotel, Uptown
Jockeys & Juleps. Búho’s rooftop is the stage for a late afternoon of whiskey and hors d’oeuvres. Your $50 ticket ($60 if purchased the day of) includes a welcome mint julep, a commemorative cup, Woodford Bourbon tasting, chef-selected hors d’oeuvres, and door prizes (including prizes for best hat and best bowtie). Tickets online.

The Mint Museum/Randolph, Eastover
The Young Affiliates of the Mint hosts its 33rd Annual Derby Day, 3-7 p.m. The fundraiser funds tours of The Mint Museum for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students to inspire a new generation of artists, art enthusiasts, and leaders. $70 gives you access to live music, lawn games, mint juleps, open wine and beer, food trucks, photo backdrops, raffles, a best hat/best-dress contest, and a large-screen viewing of the race. 21+ only. Tickets online (registration required).

RSVP, South End
The Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity hosts its 7th annual Derby party from 3 to 8 p.m. This public event features a selection of food, cocktails, cigars, and hookahs—plus area DJs before and after the race. $30-$300. Tickets online.

Sophia’s Lounge, Uptown
Special viewing party event, 4-7 p.m. $95 gets you red carpet entrance, one glass of Champagne upon arrival, two drink vouchers, passed and stationed hors d’oeuvres, a separate whiskey tasting, Kentucky Derby-themed dinner buffet, party favors, and eligibility for the best hat/best-dressed contest. Tickets online.

Woman’s Club of Rock Hill, Rock Hill
Hosting their first Kentucky Derby event, $65 gets you heavy hors d’oeuvres, mint juleps, and oak lilies. Festivities include raffles, garden games, and best hat/best bowtie contests. Tickets online.

The following, while not doing special events will be having Derby-related food and drink specials:

Billy Sunday, Optimist Park
Bin 110, Cornelius
Clutch Kitchen & Pour House, Third Ward
The Crunkleton, Elizabeth
Jackalope Jacks, Plaza Midwood
Lore Brewing Company, Ft. Mill
Streetcar Bar + Bites, Wesley Heights
The Bar @ Supperland, Plaza Midwood
Sycamore Brewing/South End
The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar, South End/Gastonia