Events Features Kentucky Derby Guide To Kentucky Derby Events & Parties in Connecticut (2026 Edition) Carly Terzigni April 28, 2026 The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday, May 2, and the most exciting two minutes in sports will be `` on at restaurants across the state. Whether you’re looking to just watch the race with friends or you want a day-long extravaganza where you can sport your favorite fascinator, there’s a Derby event for you! Check out the restaurants and businesses around Connecticut that are hosting special events for the Derby. Keep in mind that the post time is just after 6:50 PM – don’t miss it!BJ Ryan’s BanC House and Greer Southern Table-Norwalk https://www.bjryansbanchouse.com/https://www.greersoutherntable.com/Rockin' River Street presents THE ULTIMATE DERBY BLOCK PARTY! River Street will be closed to make room for the best Derby party in town! Featured locations include BanC House and Greer Southern Table for food and specialty drinks, including classic Mint Juleps, of course! The party starts at 3 pm and goes until 10:00 pm with live music and entertainment on their Wall Street Stage and a view of the races from a large screen prompter. Contests for Best Dressed and Best Hat, so be sure to dress to impress! All ages & pups welcome, no admission!Entertainment Line Up: Live DJ All Day; 3pm-7pm Local Vendors; 4pm: Best Dressed Pup Contest ; 4-6pm: Cherry Pie Band; 6-7pm: Live Race Coverage ; 6:30pm: Best Dressed & Best Hat; 7-9pm: Otis & The HurricanesThe Blind Rhino-South Norwalk, Black Rock, Milford https://www.theblindrhino.com/Kentucky Derby Party at The Blind Rhino! On Saturday, May 2nd, all three locations of The Blind Rhino will host a Kentucky Derby celebration with Woodford Reserve. Guests can enjoy classic mint juleps, Derby-inspired food specials, and the thrill of the race broadcast on every TV with full sound. Throughout the event, scratch tickets will be available for a chance to win prizes. The celebration will also feature Best Dressed and Best Hat contests, with winners receiving an engraved bottle of Woodford Reserve. It’s set to be a lively and stylish Derby day experience—perfect for those looking to celebrate in true racing fashion.The Clubhouse-Westport https://www.theclubhousewestport.com/The Kentucky Derby is off to the races at The Clubhouse Westport on their big screen this Saturday, May 2nd starting at 6:15 PM. Sip a classic Mint Julep while you watch the most exciting two minutes in sports (race starts at 6:57 PM). Wear your best Derby outfits for a chance to win a $200 Clubhouse gift card + one hour of activity time! Reservations encouraged, walk ins welcome. Click here to grab a table: https://bit.ly/41PE1RTBobby V’s Restaurant-Stamfordhttps://www.bobbyvsrestaurant.com/The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports is Saturday, May 2. Bobby V's is the Ultimate Destination for all things Kentucky Derby, offering a free $10 Bet on the MyWinners App for new customers, a Kentucky Derby Watch Party with over 200 TVs, and a Mint Julep Drink Special. Place advanced wagers on Friday, May 1.The Estate-New Havenhttps://theestatenewhaven.com/Experience the grandeur of the Kentucky Derby at The Estate with an unforgettable evening of elegance, excitement, and celebration featuring delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, race wagering, and the live broadcast on the big screen. Come dressed to impress for a chance to win Best Dressed, or Best Fascinator, then gather your friends, place your bets, and raise a glass to the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-estates-kentucky-derby-soiree-tickets-1984642384798FanDuel Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun-Uncasvillehttps://mohegansun.com/Experience the thrill of the Derby like never before. Presented by Woodford Reserve, the Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook event features an open bar with Derby day drink specials, including the classic Mint Julep and their signature Run for the Roses cocktail, a Kentucky Derby-style themed buffet, an official t-shirt, a mint julep glass, a Woodford Reserve infused cigar, and more. Reservations are required; make yours here.Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Winner’s Circle: Kentucky Derby Party + Whiskey Tasting-Ledyardhttps://foxwoods.com/event/winners-circle-kentucky-derby-event-whiskey-tastingWatch the final races at Churchill Downs while sampling bourbon & whiskey cocktails and a curated menu in their exclusive Kentucky Derby tasting starting at 5:00 PM. Snap insta-worthy pics in their photo areas, dance to a live DJ and roving entertainers, enter to win a trip to Bourbon & Beyond 2026 in Kentucky and join their hat contest! Tickets include unlimited tasting from vendors, 1 dessert item, and access to space/photo op areas. Designated Driver tickets are available as well and includes 1 dessert item and access to space/photo op areas (excluding alcohol samples from vendors).Little Treasures Farm-Chaplinhttps://www.littletreasures.farm/Join Little Treasures Farm for their 4th Annual Derby Day Fundraiser! Meet the rescues, touch-a-truck, drill team demonstrations, food, raffles, and more are available. Fun for all ages! The event starts on Derby Day at 3:00 pm.Milestone Restaurant-Reddinghttps://www.milestonect.com/Mint juleps in hand, best hat wins. Join Milestone Restaurant for Derby Day done right. $12 Mint Juleps flowing and a Derby Hat Contest. Winner takes home a $100 gift card. Post time is 6:57. Settle in, grab a drink, and make your case for best dressed.Pequot Library-Southporthttps://live-pequot.pantheonsite.io/event/derby-day-celebration-1454Don’t miss your chance to participate in the Derby Day Celebration and experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby on the Great Lawn with festive hats, attire, and decorated tailgates. Prizes will be awarded for Best Hat, Best Dressed, and Best Tailgates as well. Watch the “Run for the Roses” on the big screen in the historic auditorium, and enjoy Kentucky fare in the main tent. Keep the party going with DJ Rob and delicious nibbles during the rockin’ good time after-party.Ron Foley Foundation-West Hartfordhttps://www.ronsrun.org/Guests don their finest attire and fabulous hats. Enjoy gourmet Southern fare, signature mint juleps, silent and live auctions, live music, and spirited games. They hope you can join! For more information, visit their website.Six One Nine-WallingfordIG @ sixoneninewlfdThe most stylish day of the year is almost here! Join Six One Nine for their Kentucky Derby Party on May 2. Two Roads Brewing-Stratfordhttps://tworoadsbrewing.com/Watch the Derby at Two Roads Brewing’s Area Two Tap Room. Enjoy the release of Two Roads Distilling Bourbon, a best hat competition, and more!
