Get ready! The Kentucky Derby, the fastest two minutes in sports. is about to happen. Before the big race, get out the fancy hats and bow ties and enjoy these pre-race parties at Denver establishments on Saturday, May 2. The pageantry happens all day long, but the race starts at 4 PM Mountain Time.

Argyll Whisky Beer
On Saturday, enjoy a Mint Julep Argyll style featuring Breckenridge Bourbon and house-made lavender simple syrup garnished with mint. It’s a Colorado twist on a southern classic for only $7. (1035 E 17th Ave.; 303-847-0850)  

Cherry Cricket
Over in Cherry Creek, enjoy a Colorado Mint Julep made with Denver’s own Downslope Bourbon for $8. (2641 E 2nd Ave.; 303-322-7666)

Humboldt
Enjoy the race and the afternoon on Humboldt’s patio while sipping a Humboldt Mint Julep featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, house-made simple syrup and fresh mint. The party starts at 11 AM. Check in on Facebook with a photo of you and your friends in your Derby finest at Humboldt and receive a complimentary Derby appetizer. The patio will also feature Buck-a-Shuck Oysters until 3 PM. (1700 Humboldt St.; 303-813-1700)   

Stout Street Social
The folks at Stout Street will have fun all day long on Derby Day. Come dressed in your Derby finest and be entered into a Biggest Hat or Most Dapper Outfit contest with prizes. Watch the race on all the bar TVs, and enjoy $6.95 Mint Juleps. (1400 Stout St.; 720-214-9100)

ViewHouse
Both locations of the ViewHouse will offer Colorado’s largest free Derby gatherings. Wear your best hats and suits for this Derby Viewing Party. The party starts at 2 PM with the first 100 guests receiving a FREE Mint Julep or Stella Artois beer. Live DJs will keep things bouncing all day long. The rest of the day features $7 Juleps and $5 Stellas. Enjoy a hat contest and get your name in for a 2016 Kentucky Derby prize package giveaway valued at $6,000. The grand prize includes two tickets, hotel and flights to the 2016 Derby. Winners must be present to win the grand prize. Derby attire for the party is suggested. (Downtown: 2015 Market St., 720-878-2015; Centennial: 7101 S Clinton St., 303-790-VIEW)

Photo via Flickr user Bill Brine