What to Do This Cinco de Derby Weekend

What to Do This Cinco de Derby Weekend

Derby party at Julep on Washington Ave.

SIP, STROLL, SHOP — and fiesta, Derby-style! Here's a handful of fun events happening around H-Town this weekend. Here's to hoping the rain holds off.

SHOP FOR MOM! Even if Mom isn't a big bling fan, there are plenty of other reasons to shop at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Highland Village, where a special trunk show from Armenta will be on display from 10:30am-6pm on Friday. The socially conscious line is designed by Houstonian Emily Armenta, with pieces handcrafted by female artisans who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

PERUSE A HIP HEIGHTS MARKET Other options for a Mother's Day gift can probably be found at the Heights' First Saturday Arts Market on 19th Street, where vendorsand artists will post up with their wares — jewelry, taffy, soap, ceramics, cider, wine and more! — from 11am-6pm. And for those that like to plan ahead: June's event will be at night.

CELEBRATE JULEP'S DEBUT ON DERBY DAY Alba Huerta's Wash Ave bar Julep is back and better than ever! Celebrate its reopening at a Derby Day party from noon until 6pm.The al fresco party will also include bites by Feges BBQ, like pimento cheese with spiced cracklins, Benedictine tea sandwiches, bourbon balls and more! Also expect boozy popsicles, hot dogs from Good Dog Houston, desserts by Jane Wild, lawn games, a live DJ and a Vinyl Ranch pop-up shop. Pre-order tickets for $10 (or pay $15 at the door).

COMPETE FOR BEST-DRESSED DERBY-GOER Throw back craft cocktails to the sounds of live music by Remy Reilly, all while dressed to impress in Derby attire at the Rustic on Saturday. The race-day fun includes prizes for best-dressed male, female and couple, as well as mint juleps made with Woodford Reserve bourbon. Pregame with the venue's popular Jam & Toast brunch, which begins at 10am!

MINGLE AT MILLER OUTDOOR —FINALLY Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is back, with in-person programming resuming on Saturday at 8pm. Fiesta with the Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, a Grammy-winning all-female mariachi ensemble. Seated tickets aren't available, but none are needed for the hill! Arrive early and bring a picnic — with queso, of course — to make the most of the evening.

GEEK OUT AT KARBACH! Geekery loves company, and there's no better place to find it than at the HTX Geek Fest at Karbach Brewing on Sunday from 11am-6pm. Wear your cosplay, your nerdiest t-shirt — or just come to revel in the fun. If you're a sci-fi geek (or even just a Karbach geek), there's limited-edition glassware at the event, plus a prize for the best cosplayer.

People + Places
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Summer with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Alejandra and Edgar Rincon. Patty and Karl Schmidt

ONE OF THE most feel-good fetes of the year, the 2025 Make-A-Wish Gala once again broke records, raising a whopping $1.8 million for the Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of the organization.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston organization BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary at a beautiful River Oaks home. BRASS president Elsie Eckert and a former BRASS scholar Sharon Bright were among those who welcomed everyone to the event.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties