Kentucky Derby Events At Encore Boston Harbor, Suffolk Downs, Plainridge

The Kentucky Derby is almost here.

The first leg of the Triple Crown is scheduled to kick off Saturday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky.

If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs with a fancy hat, don’t worry. There’s a number of festivities planned in the Massachusetts area this year. And yes, derby attire is a plus.

Here’s a look at various Kentucky Derby events offered by casinos and racetracks this year.

Plainridge Park Casino hosting a watch party fundraiser

Plainridge Park Casino plans to make the Kentucky Derby an event to give back. Patrons can get their share of Massachusetts horse racing betting, food and drink, and a chance to donate to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The Derby Day Watch Party Fundraiser runs from 4-8 p.m. ET on Saturday.

General admission to this event costs $50. A general admission ticket includes a complimentary glass of bubbly, a charcuterie board to munch on throughout the event and $25 Free SlotPlay.

For $75, customers can upgrade to VIP admission. That package includes a glass of bubbly and charcuterie board like general admission, but they can enjoy early access starting at 3 p.m.

Of course, regardless of the ticket package you choose, you’ll be able to stream all the Kentucky Derby action Saturday at Plainridge Park’s simulcast center.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will go toward the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Boston. It’s an organization dedicated for support, awareness and research.

There is no strict dress code for this event. However, Plainridge Park encourages Kentucky Derby attire.

You can purchase tickets here.

Encore Boston Harbor hosts derby day benefit

On Saturday, Encore Boston Harbor will host the Sandra K. Russell Derby Day Benefit for Mito.

“Big hats, bow ties, incredible silent and live auction items, signature mint juleps — we’ll have it all!” Mito Action website says.

Sandra Russell died in 2008 after a battle with mitochondrial disease. It’s an event to not only remember Russell, but raise money for a good cause.

According to Mito Action’s website, the Derby Day event has raised more than $1.5 million for those suffering from mitochondrial disease. It’s provided scholarships and sent kids to summer camp, too.

Tickets range anywhere from $175 to $10,000 (if you want to be a presenting sponsor). Tickets can be purchased here.

Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park have simulcast wagering

Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park don’t have any specific Kentuck Derby events listed on their websites, but Massachusetts patrons can still wager on the Run for the Roses.

These two spots both offer simulcast wagering. Plainridge Park is the third and final location within Massachusetts with simulcast wagering, too.

MGM Springfield: Square One watch party

Square One is hosting its annual Kentucky Derby watch party in the Armory Square at MGM Springfield.

Tickets are $75 and the event runs from 5-8 p.m. In addition to watching the race on the big screen, there will be drinks, food, auctions and prizes, and, yes, fancy attire is encouraged.

There are also various sponsorship opportunities ranging from $250 to $10,000.

All proceeds will go to Square One, a charity focused on providing family-friendly education and support services to children and families across Massachusetts. Tickets can be purchased here.

Other Kentucky Derby betting options

Fans can also wager using FanDuel Racing Massachusetts, DK Horse, TwinSpires, 1/st Racing and NYRA Bets.

FanDuel Racing is one of the newer options available to Massachusetts residents. As the name suggests, it’s FanDuel’s horse racing venture. It offers horse racing 101 section, for those looking to brush up on the terminology. Additionally, FanDuel Racing gives a “race of the day,” streams each horse race and offers plenty of specialty bets.

READ MORE: FanDuel Racing Launches In Massachusetts In Time For Kentucky Derby

DK Horse, a product of Massachusetts-based DraftKings, remains a new option for bettors as well. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved DK Horse last month. Aside from Massachusetts, 13 other states approved DK Horse.