How To Do Derby Day in Brooklyn

So you like seersucker, festive hats and horses, you say? No need to hop on a plane to Kentucky. Get your Derby Day fix this Saturday at one of the many Brooklyn fetes being hosted around the borough.

Go Big The Bell House in Gowanus will hold its 16th annual Colonel Boyd’s Derby Party, featuring Mint Juleps, square dancing, fabulous hats for sale, traditional sing-a-longs, costume contests, and carnivalesque “your face here” cutouts for photos. The races will be broadcast on the large screen in the main entertainment room beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets $10.  


Go Small Brooklyn BabyFEST in Williamsburg will feature its first ever “Diaper Derby” inspired by crawling races in Asia. Five babies will line up and race for glory at 12:30 p.m. The first to finish receives a $40 gift certificate to Story Nook. Tickets for BabyFEST are $25 for families, $15 for individuals.    

Go Traditional Char No. 4 in Carroll Gardens will be holding a Derby Day listening party for purists to follow the races over the radio and some barrel-aged Mint Juleps ($8). Each julep purchased entitles you to a ticket with the name of a horse—those who hold the winner’s name will receive a bottle of bourbon to take home.  

Go Free Union Hall in Park Slope is joining in on the celebrations with a cookout, corn hole toss and race screening on the main floor. Entry is free. Food and drink are additional.  

Go Cheesy Floyd in Brooklyn Heights will be screening the races and serving up their signature brand of beer cheese—a staple of Kentucky cuisine. You can purchase your own for an at-home shindig at www.floydeats.com.  

Go Ironic Pete’s Candy Store in Greenpoint will do their best to put a hipster spin on the holiday with derby pie, betting games and an indie soundtrack.