PHILADELPHIA - Grab your biggest hats and prepare for the most exciting two minutes in sports! The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, and Philadelphia area bars and venues are rolling out the floral carpets for festive watch parties. Whether you're looking for family fun, brewery vibes, a swanky affair, or a massive street festival backdrop, there's a perfect spot to sip a Mint Julep and cheer on your favorite horse.
Here's Where To Celebrate Derby Day In And Around Philly
Yards Brewing Company (Spring Garden, Philadelphia)
- The Vibe: A brewery bash with prizes and unique specials.
- Details: Catch the race with sound on the TVs at Yards Brewing (500 Spring Garden St). They're hosting a Derby Day Viewing Party with prizes for best hat/best dressed. Each table will be assigned a horse, with winners getting discounts (40% off for 1st, 25% for 2nd, 10% for 3rd). Enjoy drink specials like $5 select drafts, $6 Pynk beers, $10 Kentucky Mules, and a "Buck Around and Find Out" cocktail. Fuel with Derby-themed food specials like a Kentucky Derby Original Fried Chicken Sandwich ($13) or a Bourbon Smash Burger ($13).
Parx Casino & Racing (Bensalem, PA)
- The Vibe: A full day of live racing action, family fun, and Derby viewing.
- Details: Experience the thrill trackside at Parx East (2999 Street Rd, Bensalem). Gates open at 10:00 AM, with live thoroughbred racing starting at 12:40 PM. Watch the Kentucky Derby on the giant infield screen. From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, enjoy free family fun in the Picnic Grove with pony rides, moon bounces, and face painting. There's also live music by Ear Candy (1-5 PM), food and drink specials, and merchandise. Advance Derby wagering is available starting Friday, May 2nd (18+ to wager, 21+ to gamble).
PJ Clarke's Philadelphia (Old City, Philadelphia)
- The Vibe: A swanky, sophisticated viewing party in a classic setting.
- Details: Head to PJ Clarke's at The Curtis Building (601 Walnut St) for their Kentucky Derby Viewing Party from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. They're offering a special menu with $8 Derby Day dishes (Pimento Cheese Toast, Pecan Pie Empanada, Ribs & Fries, Hushpuppies) and $10 cocktails (Kentucky Mule, Mint Juleps). Watch the race on the giant TV walls behind the handsome bar. It's the perfect excuse to wear your finest fascinator or Derby hat, though coming as you are is fine, too!
Brauhaus Schmitz / Maifest (South Street, Philadelphia)
- The Vibe: Catch the race amidst Philly's largest German spring festival!
- Details: While the massive Maifest Street festival takes over the 700 block of South Street outside, Brauhaus Schmitz (inside the restaurant and in the VIP Brauer Bund area) will have the Kentucky Derby playing on their TVs. Experience the unique energy of cheering for the winner alongside thousands of Maifest attendees enjoying German beer, food, music, and the city's largest Maypole.
Whether you prefer the excitement of live racing at Parx, the brewery fun at Yards, the sophisticated charm of PJ Clarke's, or the unique festival backdrop at Brauhaus Schmitz, the Philadelphia area has fantastic options for celebrating Kentucky Derby Day 2025. Pick your spot, place your bets (responsibly!), sip a Mint Julep, and enjoy the Run for the Roses this Saturday!
