Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2026

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In celebration of the Kentucky Derby, on Saturday May 2 guests can kick off the festivities with a pre-race half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., along with a featured $12 Spicy Gold Rush (bourbon, lemon juice, and hot honey), available all evening. After the race, DJ Boathouse takes over from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Central Park Bar

Chicagoans are invited to celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports as Central Park Bar features a Kentucky Derby-themed special on Saturday, May 2. While guests watch all the race coverage on TVs throughout the bar, they can sip on $13 Mint Juleps. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy the afternoon and evening in Central Park Bar’s 3,500-square-foot Backyard Bar, outfitted with a covered outdoor bar, bumper pool table, picnic tables, porch swings, a photo booth, claw machine, and fire pit. 

Cody's Public House

Chicagoans are invited to celebrate the Kentucky Derby at Cody’s in West Lakeview with an afternoon of horse racing, bourbon, and dog-friendly fun. On Saturday, May 2, Cody’s will host its annual Beer Garden Infield Derby Day Party at 2 p.m. The event will feature a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest, where pups sporting their finest hats or outfits can compete for prizes including a $100 gift card, an Old Fashioned kit and more. Guests will enjoy a tasting with Garrison Brothers Bourbon, plus giveaways throughout the party. Drink specials will include $5 Blue Moon, $6 Garrison Brothers Small Batch and HoneyDew shots, $10 Garrison Brothers Mint Juleps, and a $10 Triple Crown cocktail menu.

Easy Bar

Easy Bar invites guests to celebrate the Kentucky Derby as they air the race on Saturday, May 2. Easy Bar will offer a $14 featured cocktail named after one of the horses, “Talk to Me Jimmy,” crafted with premium ingredients including Jefferson's Reserve bourbon, passionfruit purée, mint lime syrup, fresh lime, ginger bitters, and soda. 

Estelle's

Guests are invited to celebrate Derby Day at Estelle’s in Wicker Park with a night of cocktails and music on Saturday, May 2. Guests can enjoy a $10 Kentucky Mule all night long and DJ Papa G will hit the decks from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Remedy

Chicagoans are invited to raise a glass to the Kentucky Derby at Remedy on Saturday, May 2, with a viewing party and lineup of drink specials. Specials include a $6 Pony Pilsner and a classic $10 Mint Julep. 

The Getaway

The Getaway in Lincoln Square will host a Derby Day Bash on Saturday, May 2, with race viewing, festive drink specials and a best dressed contest. Guests will enjoy a $12 Cucumber Crush cocktail, crafted with Gunpowder Irish Gin, Thatcher's Organic Cucumber Liqueur, lime juice, and tonic. The Getaway will also feature a “Best Derby Look” contest, where the most stylish guest will win a $50 gift card. The winner will be announced immediately following the race, so guests are encouraged to come dressed to impress in their finest Derby attire.

The Graystone Tavern

The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will host a Kentucky Derby viewing party on Saturday, May 2, featuring themed food and drink specials and a race-day promotion. Guests who correctly pick the winning horse will receive 50% off their tab. Specials for the day include a $10 Kentucky Fried Chicken Wing Basket, $5 Blue Moon drafts, $5 Tequila Rose shots, $10 Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps, $10 Kentucky Mules, and $10 Woodford Old Fashioneds.

The Owl

On Saturday, May 2, The Owl will feature a special Derby-inspired cocktail, The Gold Rush ($14), crafted with bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. After the race airs, The Owl will transform into a dance destination with The Switch Up, a late-night party featuring DJs Esteban La Groue and Danny Dan beginning at 10:30 p.m. and continuing through 5 a.m.

Tune-Up

Tune-Up in Avondale will feature a classic cocktail to pair with race day viewing on Saturday, May 2. Guests can enjoy a $14 Mint Julep special, served all day as part of the festivities. 

The Bellevue

The Bellevue is bringing Derby Day to the Gold Coast with a fashion-forward celebration on Saturday, May 2, starting at 9am. Guests can sip on classic race-day cocktails like Mint Juleps and Oaks Lilies, with Derby attire encouraged. The Oaks Lily, the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks race, is a mix of vodka, sweet and sour, cranberry juice, and triple sec, created as a lighter, fruit-forward alternative to the classic Mint Julep.

City Works Eatery and Pour House 

Head to City Works Eatery to catch the “Run for the Roses”. The race will be shown with the sound on across HDTV’s.