In what’s a traditionally festive day for horse racing fans, or just those who enjoy wearing ornate hats and sipping mint juleps, the Kentucky Derby used to deliver big for metro Denver bars and restaurants.

But that, of course, was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gone are the days of the huge viewing parties on the pool terrace of the Four Seasons Denver, whose Denver Derby Days event was getting huge up to 2019. An official there said they’re still under renovation and nothing’s happening.

Still, there’s a few establishments getting into the spirit Saturday for the “greatest two minutes in sports.” While many establishments had to pre-sell tickets to prevent big crowds, there are plenty of places Denverites can get their Derby Days on.

Things to do in and around Denver this weekend

Here’s a roundup (by no means complete) of some notable events:

* The Celitc on Market, 1400 Market St., is many area residents’ favorite Irish pub and Off Track Betting establishment. It’s one of only 12 OTB establishments in the state, and it’s usually known for its Kentucky Derby throw downs. This year’s event is completely sold out. But fear not, you can still place your bets. On Friday, doors open at 11 a.m. for folks to put their bets down on the big race Saturday, or on the Longines Kentucky Oaks Friday. That race is known as “the premier and most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies.” That’s female horses for all you city dwellers. The Celtic is open at 8 a.m. Saturday – plenty of time to drop some coin on the 5 p.m. race time for the Derby.

* Union Station had to scale back what had become a huge gathering for downtown Denver’s hub.

“Derby Days have always been a big event,” said Sam Gentry, marketing manager. “With all the space we have, we’re still going to have plenty of places to watch it – as long as you stay seated with your party.”

There are three separate events, but two are sold out. The free event includes watching the big race on a huge screen on the Terminal Bar patio, as well as the Great Hall. It will be first-come, first served starting at noon. Plans call for live music from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“There’s just a massive projection set up in the Great Hall,” Gentry said.

The sold-out events were at the Cooper Lounge, which sits above the hall. We won’t even mention the bottomless drinks for $100, or the picnic lunches in a private ½ dome on the lounge’s deck.

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“We’re all eager to get out of the house and go to events as safely as possible, but still fun,” he said.

There will be a “COVID-friendly” photo booth setup and folks are encouraged to wear those fancy hats, he said.

* Kentucky Inn, 890 S. Pearl St., is a smaller watering hole in Wash Park, but they’re getting their Derby spirit on Saturday. General Manager Becky Reitz – who’s been to a couple of derbies – said they’re taking reservations, but people just tend to show up. They’ll also have a photo booth to go with the mint julep and Woodford Reserve (Derby sponsor) bourbon specials.

“We’re also doing lilly’s, which is a vodka-based drink typically served the day before for the Longines Kentucky Oaks race,” Reitz said. “That’s an insider not many know about unless they’ve been to Churchill Downs.”

* Monkey Barrel, 4401 Tejon St., is a craft brewery, but they’re getting into the spirit with a Crawfish and Derby party. They’ve having 20 craft brews available, including some from Kentucky. Races will be on 20 screens. Though the reserved tables are sold out, there will be plenty of “first-come, first-served” seating. “We have repurposed fire truck on our lot that has televisions on both sides for people to watch the races.”