You don’t have to travel to Churchill Downs to get the full Kentucky Derby experience.
On May 3, the Headhouse Square Plaza in South Philly will welcome guests to an all-day street festival, led by the popular Southern-inspired restaurant and bar The Twisted Tail. The Kentucky Derby Party will take place from noon to 7 p.m. in the Headhouse Square Plaza on 2nd Street.
A full live music lineup, a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep Tent, lawn games, best-dressed contests, a jumbotron screen, raffles, giveaways, a VIP section and much more are all part of the free fun event.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive in their best Derby outfits as The Twisted Tail will host Best Ladies Hat and Most Dapper Gent competitions. Every Mint Julep purchase comes with a raffle ticket, and attendees can submit for the winning horse draw with a chance to win various prizes. Race coverage starts at 6 p.m. followed by the coronation ceremony.
“We’re stepping up our Derby Day celebration this year with even more fun and excitement,” said George Reilly, owner of The Twisted Tail. “With the help of Beam Suntory, we’ve got everything in place for an amazing day in Headhouse Square.”
Upstairs at the Twisted Tail, VIP tickets are $50 (limited to 100 tickets) and include a DIY flower crown station, commemorative julep cup, complimentary Mint Julep, Maker’s Mark tasting from noon to 5 p.m., access to a VIP-only area and Derby Day swag (while supplies last).
Outside, a dedicated Maker’s Mark Mint Julep Tent will serve freshly mixed juleps, and a variety of Hornitos Margaritas, Spiked Lemonades and tap beers are all available. Look for BBQ favorites including Chicken Skewers, BBQ Glazed Meatballs, Cheeseburgers, Kobe Beef Hot Dogs with Bacon Jam, Chorizo Tacos and Pork Belly Sliders. Ahead of the race, attendees will enjoy a full afternoon of live music from local blues and rock & roll legends, including The Twisted Tail’s headliner Mikey Jr. The live music will start outside at noon and finish at 6 p.m. just before race time. The Headhouse Square sprawl will also include lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga.
