Polo for Philanthropy's Derby Day Affair

This event promises the biggest bang for your buck. It features a "Derby Through the Ages"-themed fashion show, pop-up shopping, miniature horses (wearing custom Ruby3 fascinators, no less) and horse-jumping demonstrations, a display of vintage and modern Jaguar cars, a hat parade, a Southern-inspired luncheon, a silent auction, bubbly and mint juleps. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. (1-7 p.m. Sat., $100-$1,200, Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Mpls., thepoloclassic.com)

Betty Danger's Country Club Kentucky Derbatante

This country club-inspired bar and restaurant is ideal for those looking for a quirky way to celebrate Derby Day. Its party includes mini-golf, croquet, a pony-petting zoo, inflatable-horse races and polo matches, a best-hat contest, mint julep bar and various cocktail stations, plus DJ Strangelove. Ticket price includes a mint julep. (2:30-10 p.m. Sat., $18.95, 2501 NE. Marshall St., Mpls., 612-315-4997 kentuckyderbatante.brownpapertickets.com)

University Club's Kentucky Derby Party

Experience the Kentucky Derby at the historic University Club with Southern-inspired food and drinks, a live telecast of the Derby, plus an interactive photo booth, best-dressed contests, prizes and a poolside cigar lounge. (3-7 p.m. Sat., $45, 21-plus, 420 Summit Av., St. Paul, 651-222-1751, eventbrite.com)

Brit's Pub

Watch the races on the clubhouse's big screen or outdoor veranda. Also enjoy live music from a bluegrass band, plus food and drink specials including mint juleps. (1-7 p.m. Sat., free, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3908, britspub.com)

Canterbury Park

Watch and wager on the race from Churchill Downs and about two dozen other races around the country. This party also includes a buffet, a red carpet and mint julep specials. (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee, 952-445-7223, canterburypark.com)

Dixie's on Grand

Watch the races live and enjoy Southern fare, mint julep specials and a best-hat competition. (5 p.m. Sat., 695 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-222-7345, dixiesongrand.com)

JAHNA PELOQUIN