Hold your hats! Your guide to the best Kentucky Derby parties in the Twin Cities

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