Mint Juleps & Big Hats: Kentucky Derby Watch Parties in Tucson

Kentucky Derby Watch Party (Photo courtesy of The Cork Tucson)

Mint Juleps & Big Hats: Kentucky Derby Watch Parties in Tucson

Apr 30, 20252 min read

Dust off your biggest hat and get pumped for the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”

The Kentucky Derby is trotting onto the screen here in Tucson on Saturday, May 4. A few local spots are saddling up with themed watch parties, Derby-inspired eats, and plenty of mint juleps.

The Cork

6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

The Cork Tucson’s third annual Kentucky Derby party is this Saturday, May 3. Doors open at 2 p.m., and TVs will be on in the bar and on the patio. Food specials include braised beef sliders for $10, mint juleps will be at the bar, and they’ll be giving out prizes for “Best Hat” and “Best Dressed.”

Learn more.

Arizona Sands Club

565 N. Cherry Ave.

“Dress to impress and wear your finest top hats and gorgeous derby hats!” From 2 – 6 p.m., Gigi & The GLOW is hosting a party at Arizona Sands Club, featuring a cash bar, Kentucky Derby-themed food, and live music. It’s just $20 to get in.

Learn more.

Block Party at Plaza Palomino

2900 N. Swan Rd.
"Run for the Roses" - Vecinos Block Party 2025 (Photo courtesy of El Rio Health)
“Run for the Roses” – Vecinos Block Party 2025 (Photo courtesy of El Rio Health)

From 8 p.m. – 1 a.m., Plaza Palomino is hosting a block party, featuring local culinary tastings, cocktails, music, and more! The event benefits El Rio Health Center’s Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Treatment Program.

Learn more.

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd.

From 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., the resort is serving Kentucky Derby dishes such as the hot brown sandwich and burgoo stew. Pair it with a refreshing mint julep and you’ll feel like you’re right there at the races.

Learn more.

Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

1801 N. Stone Ave.

Beginning at 2 p.m., Brother John’s is hosting live music by Butch Diggs and friends and Soul Essential, along with all of the mint juleps you desire.

Learn more.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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