Where will you be when the 144th Kentucky Derby gets under way? Catch the most exciting two minutes in sports at one of these themed events and watch parties—and be sure to wear your best seersucker outfits and over-the-top hats.

 

The Louisiana-style fish house will be offering specials in honor of the Derby. Expect Kentucky-inspired menu items including Hot Browns, Kentucky Burgoo Stew and Derby Pie in addition to signature Mint Juleps made with Bulleit Bourbon. Guests are encouraged to wear their best hats and bowties for a chance to win prizes. (901 New York Ave, NW; 202-408-8848)

 

The distillery, restaurant and bar located on U Street will serving a layered shot on Derby Day: the Two & Two (referring to the $2 million prize handed out to the winner of the fastest two minutes in sports) combines the distillery’s Creme de Menthe with the Backroom Bourbon layered on top and garnished with a mint leaf for $5. Available all day on May 5. (1414 U St, NW; 202-629-3787)

 

What’s a Kentucky Derby party without Hot Browns and Mint Juleps? Get them both at Barrel on Derby Day in addition to a frozen cocktail, the Grasshopper, and other themed cocktails all day long. Wearing over-the-top hats to the bar are highly encouraged. (613 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; 202-543-3622)

 

The Dupont Circle location will host a Derby Party complete with an open bar (get all of the mint juleps, bourbon mules and frosé your heart desires) in addition to themed bites including Kentuckyaki Wings, Pimento and Ham Biscuits, Bulleit Beer Cheese Spread and, of course, Bourbon Balls for dessert. Tickets are $35; open bar and bites from 4-6 PM. (1250 Connecticut Ave, NW; 202-878-8235)

 

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a happy hour watch party at this Adams Morgan wine bar. From 5-7 PM enjoy 25% off rosé bottles and Distillery Lane Ciderworks Woodberry cider bottles in addition to $7 Kentucky Punch cocktails—don’t forget to sport your best hats, fascinators, and seersucker! (2446 18th St, NW; 202-232-7663)

 

In a nod to the Derby’s more fashionable appeal as a sporting event, the downtown restaurant will be hosting a classy soiree complete with unlimited Old Forrester mint juleps, rosé, champagne and complimentary bites in the main bar and patio. Guests are asked to don their best seersucker bow-ties, and fascinators—the best dressed wil be awarded with a prize. Tickets are $60. (1350 I St, NW; 202-796-1600)

 

What to do when the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo fall on the same day? Celebrate both. At RARE, they’ll be serving up Mint Julep and Margarita specials—enjoy margs made with Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila on special for $5 or go the Derby route and sip on high end Juleps with Eagle Rare Bourbon for $15. (1595 I St, NW; 202-800-9994)

 

Catch the fastest two minutes in sports at the St. Regis Bar while taking part in their Master Cocktail Class Series featuring Kentucky Derby Cocktails. Learn from the best, as the hotel’s bar team leads a class on how to mix up classics like the Mint Julep, Spicy Bloody Mary and Woodford Reserve Spire. Tickets are $55 and include cocktail tastings, passed hors d’oeuvres and a special gift.  4-6 PM. (923 16th St, NW; 202-638-2626)

 

A can’t-miss event, The Willard InterContinental’s popular Bonnets & Bow Ties is back. The annual event includes mint juleps (of course), unlimited beer and wine, southern-inspired bites and prizes for those who are decked out in their Best Derby Bonnet and Fanciest Bow Tie. Attendees will also walk away with the official 2018 Kentucky Derby commemorative glass. TIckets are $99, 4:30 - 7:30 PM. (1401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; 202-628-9100)