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And they\u2019re off \u2026 Cape Cod parties celebrating Kentucky Derby Day 2026 on May 2<\/a>, that is.<\/p>\n If you have a fancy hat but don\u2019t yet have a place to wear it, check out these local events. Most are accepting walk-ins, as space allows.<\/p>\n The Kentucky Derby<\/a> at Bayzo\u2019s Pub<\/a>, at Brewster\u2019s Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, 2907 Main St., Brewster, is from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 2. Expect signature Derby Day cocktails and snacks including fried chicken wings, bourbon-glazed ham and cheese sandwiches, cheese and raw veggie platters, finishing with a Derby Day classic: banana pudding. There will be a hat contest and a chance to cheer on your favorite horse. Cost: $40 ($61.20 with fees). Reservations: oceanedge.com<\/a> or call 508-896-9000.<\/p>\n Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis<\/a> is holding a daylong Derby party from noon to 9 p.m. May 2 in its tasting room at 1336 Phinney\u2019s Lane, Hyannis. Sarah Swain and the Oh Boys provide live music starting at 6 p.m. Red River BBQ starts serving food at 3 p.m., including its Derby Day special Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches. Signature cocktails will be sold, as well as Cape Cod Beer\u2019s 15 brews on tap.<\/p>\n Multiple TVs will be on for pre-race activities, with the sound added at 6 p.m. for the big event. \u201cWe\u2019re bringing Churchill Downs to you with an afternoon full of great food, drinks, and Derby Day excitement,\u201d according to an announcement from Cape Cod Beer.<\/p>\n The event, which includes prizes for best-dressed, is free, but guests are asked to register at eventbrite.com<\/a> for planning purposes.<\/p>\n Woodford Reserve<\/a> bourbon is collaborating with Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in East Harwich for a\u00a0 \u201cDapper Derby Party\u201d at the resort. <\/a>The event begins at 4:30 p.m. May 2 at 2173 Route 28. The $72 ticket ($86.40 with fees) includes a welcome cocktail and Southern-inspired light bites, a curated bourbon tasting, and live entertainment. \u201cDress in your finest, don a statement hat, and celebrate the Run for the Roses \u2014 complete with a best-dressed prize and seaside style,\u201d reads the party announcement. Reserve at opentable.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Got a great hat? Falmouth Raw Bar <\/a>is looking for you. According to its Instagram<\/a>, Falmouth Raw Bar is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party starting at 5 p.m. May 2. \u201cWatch the race, sip mint juleps, and compete in our Best Hat Contest \u2014 $100 Gift Certificate to the winner!\u201d<\/p>\n At the Dunbar House Tea Room & Wine Bar<\/a>\u00a0 in Sandwich, they had us at Peach Bourbon Scone. That\u2019s the kickoff to a special Derby Day afternoon tea \u2015 yes, there are hush puppies \u2015 served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2. Make reservations through resy.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Shipwrecked<\/a> in Falmouth Heights got an early start on its Derby Day celebration with a Facebook video showing four specialty cocktails \u201cracing\u201d across the screen<\/a>, pulled on strips of paper. Shipwrecked\u2019s real-time Derby Party, which involves watching the Kentucky Derby on multiple screens, kicks off at 6 p.m. May 2. (Post time is estimated at 6:55 p.m.)<\/p>\n Gwenn Friss is the editor of CapeWeek and covers entertainment, restaurants and the arts on Cape Cod, Martha\u2019s Vineyard and Nantucket. Contact her at gfriss@capecodonline.com.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. <\/em>Here are our subscription plans.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n