Scottsdale’s signature blend of luxury dining and race-day revelry returns as Mowry & Cotton hosts its seventh annual Derby Day Party on May 2 from 1 to 4 p.m., celebrating the excitement of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby. Held at The Phoenician, the event transforms the restaurant’s dining room and porch into a festive race-day viewing destination, with multiple screens broadcasting “the fastest two minutes in sports.”
Guests are invited to dress the part in their finest Derby attire, with contests recognizing the best hats, dresses, and suits adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The afternoon brings together Southern-inspired cuisine, cocktails, and interactive entertainment.
Signature offerings include classic mint juleps served in commemorative copper cups, along with a menu of elevated Southern dishes such as deviled eggs with caviar, pimento dip with crudité, fried green tomatoes, hot browns, hanger steak, and shrimp and grits. Sweet selections like peach upside cake, pecan shortbread, and milk chocolate banana tart round out the experience.
The Derby Day Porch Party includes a range of entertainment designed to immerse guests in the spirit of the event. A live DJ sets the tone, while a 360-degree camera captures memories, and photo ops include a special VIP guest racehorse. Attendees can also enjoy bourbon sampling from Woodford Reserve, which will offer limited-edition Kentucky Derby bottles available for purchase, including custom engraving.
Additional activities include winner’s circle prizes for guests who hold winning, placing, or showing horses, along with gift bags and on-site experiences designed to enhance the atmosphere. A portion of the proceeds will benefit After the Homestretch-Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting former racehorses through reconditioning, retraining, and rehoming efforts.
Tickets are priced at $225 per person and include food, two signature cocktails, a commemorative copper cup, bourbon samples, contest entries, a gift bag, activities, and parking. Learn more at thephoenician.com.
