Cinco Ways to Celebrate the Derby

Goodnight Charlie’s

The Montrose honky-tonk partners with Maker’s Mark for an afternoon Derby Day Garden Party (2-6:30pm). Live tunes by the Buffalo Nickel Bluegrass Band and the Lonestar Bluegrass Band will accompany a Best Hat Contest and mint juleps galore, and Hard Luck Revival takes the stage after the big race, at 9pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

Julep

Wash Ave cocktail destination Julep hosts its annual Derby Day party on Saturday, beginning at noon. Crowds of 1,000-plus will enjoy lawn games, live music, live auctions, food truck fare, and more — and this year, Alba Huerta has arranged for 5,000 flowers to be on display to commemorate the popular party’s cinco year anniversary. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

B.B. Lemon

Just down the block from Julep, DJ Ramalama spins the soundtrack to B.B. Lemon’s first-ever Derby patio party (2-6pm). There’s a hat contest and a total of four big screens to watch the race. Reservations are recommended.

Heights Bier Garten

Heights Bier Garten opens its doors at 11am for its second-anniversary bash and Derby watch party, complete with live music and, naturally, plenty of mint juleps. Admission is free — and those who come dressed to impress could walk away with tons of prizes. There’s even a category for Best Dressed Dog.

Keller Williams’ Cinco de Derby

One of the city’s favorite chefs, David Cordua, serves Derby-inspired bites and cocktails at an open house in Bunker Hill Village on May 5 (5-7pm). Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Derby-worthy hat or sombrero while noshing on the raw bar and decadent desserts. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.

AT TOP: The Lemon Mule and Bellini at BB Lemon