April 29, 2025

Charleston Hosts Kentucky Derby Parties on May 3

News Summary

On Saturday, May 3, Charleston will embrace the excitement of the Kentucky Derby with various parties taking place across the city. Events will include Charleston’s Biggest Kentucky Derby Party at Islander 71, as well as festivities at locations like Fiat Lux and Prohibition. Attendees can enjoy drinks, contests, and entertainment while supporting local charities. Mint juleps, themed cocktails, and best-dressed competitions will add to the vibrant atmosphere. Mark your calendars for a day filled with fun and camaraderie as the city celebrates this iconic horse racing event.

Charleston will come alive on Saturday, May 3, as residents and visitors gather to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, with a range of exciting parties happening throughout the city. The Derby race itself is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:57 p.m., but events kick-off earlier in the day, giving everyone ample opportunity to join in the festivities.

Islander 71 is set to host what is being billed as Charleston’s Biggest Kentucky Derby Party. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature a massive 20-foot outdoor screen for race viewing, a live MC and DJ, and a variety of Derby-themed cocktails. Attendees can partake in a best-dressed contest, encouraging everyone to don their most stylish Derby attire. Proceeds from this celebratory event will benefit Hope Lodge Charleston, an organization dedicated to assisting cancer patients and their caregivers. Notably, no tickets or reservations are required for this party.

Another popular option is the Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Fiat Lux, hosted on the rooftop of Hotel Bennett. This all-day celebration includes specialty cocktails, a 360-degree photo booth, and a best-dressed contest, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere for guests.

For those looking for a lively vibe, the Kentucky Derby Party at Prohibition runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will feature large screens for watching the race, cocktail specials, and giveaways, catering to guests aged 21 and over. Similarly, the Thoroughbred Club at The Charleston Place is also hosting a watch party from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering mint juleps and whiskey tastings from Woodford Reserve.

Many other bars and restaurants across Charleston are joining in the Derby celebrations. Cleats will host a unique Star Wars-themed Derby party with special drinks and contests from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Bay Street Biergarten will feature live music alongside specialty cocktails from 4 p.m., encouraging guests to wear their best Derby attire.

Tavern & Table is preparing for a chic Derby party complete with a hat contest and prizes, starting at 5 p.m. The Rooftop Bar at the Vendue also promises an exciting atmosphere from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with mint juleps and a best-dressed competition taking center stage. At Charleston Sports Pub, guests can enjoy $7 mint juleps during their Derby watch party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Other establishments also include Bourbon N’ Bubbles, which will be offering featured cocktails from 4 p.m., and Striped Pig Distillery, where a ticketed party will take place from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. featuring a Lowcountry shrimp boil and a DJ for entertainment.

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar will be screening the race with options for mint juleps and champagne available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In Summerville, the Top Dawg Tavern will be serving $8 Woodford Reserve mint juleps, along with live music from 8 p.m. onwards.

In a continued celebration of the Derby, Garden & Gun will host a viewing party at Tradd’s on May 4th, featuring mint juleps, Southern fare, live music, and a “best hat” contest, extending the Derby spirit into the weekend.

As the city prepares for the thrills of the Kentucky Derby, attendees are encouraged to participate in the festivities donning their finest Derby attire while enjoying a festive atmosphere filled with cocktails, contests, and camaraderie.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.