Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby in Denver

Sound the trumpets! The fastest two minutes in sports is about to happen. Watch and cheer on your favorites in the Kentucky Derby at these Denver establishments. The pageantry happens all day long, but the race starts at 4 PM Mountain Time.

Denver Derby Party (Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St.)
Guests party Derby-style at this highbrow fundraising event outside in the Sculpture Park of the DPAC. Starting at 1 PM a $110 General Admission ticket provides guests with complimentary beverages including beer, wine, Mint Juleps and Champagne. There are also complimentary buffet and food tents while the pre-race coverage on NBC plays on 25 different HDTVs and two 30x18 LCDs. Ladies can participate in a best hat contest. Jockey Club tickets are $250 per person and include extras like access to the JC Lounge with heating or AC depending on weather and comfy chairs for sitting. The DPAC says this is the largest derby celebration held outside of Churchill Downs and proceeds benefit the Sean “Ranch” Lough Memorial Scholarship.

Central Bistro (1691 Central St.; 303-477-4582)
This Highlands whiskey bar with a fabulous view of downtown isn’t normally open Saturdays until 4:30 PM. However, on race day, the restaurant will open at 1:30 PM with Mint Juleps featuring Woodford Reserve for only $7. Enjoy pulled pork sandwiches and door prizes and giveaways. You’ll probably need to make reservations for this one.

Max Gill & Grill (1052 S. Gaylord St.; 303-722-7456)
The 13th annual Derby Day Party starts when the doors open at 11 AM. Most of the restaurant will be cleared to make room for all the big hats. Cover is $5, however, there will be five bars located around the venue and lively DJ for dancing before and after the race. 

The Corner Office (1401 Curtis St.; 303-825-6500)
Located just a block from the Denver Derby Party, The Corner Office will offer up $6 cocktails such as the Woodford Reserve Mint Julep and the Grey Goose La Poire. The Derby Special is the Cocky Jockey made with Grey Goose, Cedilla Acai Berry Liquor, lime and Prosecco. 

ViewHouse (2015 Market St.; 720-878-2015)
Watch the Derby on the rooftop at the Ballpark Viewhouse and enter to win a trip for two to the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Enter at the Satellite Bar and you must be present to win.

Wazee Super Club (1600 15th St.; 303-623-9518)
Watch the Derby at Wazee while drinking an “untraditional” mint julep with bourbon, mint, sugar and a splash of ginger beer served in a copper mug Moscow Mule style for only $6.

Photo: Flickr user boboroshi