Looking for an excuse to eat, drink, and have fun this weekend? We’ve got at least three good excuses to do so.
With the Kentucky Derby, Star Wars Day, and Cinco de Mayo all happening within a few days, there’s plenty going on in Orlando.
From hobby horse racing tournaments to “Big Cat Derby Day” to pub hopping to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, there’s plenty to do in Central Florida this weekend to kick off May.
kentucky derby
The 152nd Kentucky Derby will feature a full week of events at Churchill Downs, culminating with the highly anticipated Derby Day on May 2nd. Racing takes place throughout the day, with the main race starting just before 7pm.
The Hobby Horse Derby Tournament will be held at Ala Kart City in downtown Orlando and will feature food and drinks, as well as a “high-stakes” hobby horse racing event. A $15 admission fee secures your spot at the starting gate and includes a complimentary beverage. Derby Fashion is recommended for those who wish to participate in fashion contests. The event begins May 2 at 4 p.m. at 274 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: instagram.com/alacartcity
Derby Day in Orlando brings the community together for a party at Acrizier UCF Football Stadium to benefit Central Florida charities. The afternoon includes food and drinks, a DJ, dancing, games, contests, a photo booth, music, and more, all included in your ticket price. Five different charities will receive proceeds from this year’s event. Tickets are $125 for general admission and $175 for VIP admission. The event will be held at 4465 Knights Victory Way in Orlando on May 2 from 3 to 8 p.m. More information: derbydayorlando.com
Laura Gomez, Orlando Sentinel
There are many Kentucky Derby parties around Orlando where local fans celebrate by wearing fancy hats. (Orlando Sentinel File)
Big Cat Derby Day features a day of fundraising and refreshments to benefit the lions, leopards and cougars of the Central Florida Animal Sanctuary in St. Cloud. Participants are encouraged to wear their “best cat hat” to enter the competition while sipping on classic mint juleps, vodka cocktails and wine. Tickets are available in advance only for $65 per person ($55 for members). The event will be held at 500 Broussard Road in St. Cloud on May 2 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. More information: cflar.org
UCP of Central Florida will host a Kentucky Derby viewing party at Caribe Royale Orlando’s Stadium Club. Attendees will enjoy snacks and drinks, contests, raffles, best dressed contests and more. General admission is $81.88. VIP tickets are $108.55. The event will be held on May 2 from 5-8 p.m. at 8101 World Center Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Kings Orlando will feature drink specials like the Pink Pony Margarita and watch parties to coincide with the big race. Starting May 2 at 4 p.m., guests can select a racehorse card for a chance to win a free bowling ticket if they land a winner. Get in the festive spirit at 8255 International Drive in Orlando. More information: playatkings.com
Charles King / Orlando Sentinel
Central Florida is home to many local Kentucky Derby events. (Orlando Sentinel File)
Boxi Derby Weekend at Boxi Park Lake Nona will feature a petting zoo at 4pm and a watch party at 7pm on May 2nd, as well as a photo booth and live music. Enjoy live music, bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, and themed crafts on May 3. The event will be held at 6877 Lake Nona Blvd. In Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
The Orlando Derby Soiree at Serenity Ranch will feature a special live performance by KEM and 803 Fresh, hosted by R&B radio station STAR 94.5. The event will feature a horse show, food and drinks available for purchase, derby viewing, and a best-dressed contest. Ticket prices for the event, held at 8001 Clarcona Ocoee Road in Orlando, range from $37.89 to $525.53 on May 2 from noon to 8 p.m. More information: orlandoderbysoiree.com
Sanford’s St. John’s Rivership Company hosts the Kentucky Derby Dinner Cruise on the Barbara Lee. Embark on a paddle steamer river cruise complete with food, river views, and live streaming of the Derby race. Participants are encouraged to wear fluffy hats, bow ties, and bright spring clothing. Ticket prices are $116.15 per adult and $59.06 per child ages 4-13. The cruise will take place on May 2 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. More information: eventbrite.com
For the third year in a row, Great Southern Box Company’s Derby Days will be a Derby-inspired party with elegant attire, food vendors, themed festivities, and more. A dress code applies, with no denim, sportswear, T-shirts or tank tops allowed. Tickets are $47.41 general admission. The event will be held at 2105 N. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando on May 2 from 5-9:30 p.m. More information: eventbrite.com
star wars day
“May the fourth generation be with you” became a common method To greet fellow Star Wars fans at the annual Spacey Series Celebration May 4th. What started as a grassroots celebration and a clever pun has now turned into a global holiday celebrating the Jedi, the Force, and everything George Lucas started with the Star Wars franchise.
Dance to Star Wars Swing with the Great American Big Band performing at the German American Society Club in Casselberry on May 2nd. The band will play Star Wars music, and there will be dance lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. and dance performances from 7 to 10 p.m. The event will have free parking and a full bar at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry. More information: greatamericanbigband.com
A La Cart hosts the Jedi Training Academy in partnership with the Takodana Temple Saber Guild. Kids ages 4 to 13 can sip non-alcoholic teal lemonade while honing their lightsaber skills. Pre-registration is recommended. The event will be held at 274 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando on May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. More information: instagram.com
Immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away with a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Roam around the planet Batuu, build lightsabers and droids, then ride the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Fans can also take a ride on the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance vehicle.
cinco de mayo
Many people in the United States think of Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to drink margaritas, eat tacos, and celebrate Mexican culture.
This holiday actually celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in a battle in 1862. Modern-day revelers can visit Orlando-area venues that offer special food and drink offerings and celebrate Mexican culture. Here are some ideas for Cinco de Mayo.
Pointe Orlando will host a pub crawl, scavenger hunt, drink specials and more at multiple venues on May 2nd starting at 8pm. Tickets are $12.65 general admission and include admission to all five participating venues. More information: liveatthepointeorlando.com
The Cinco de Mayo Weekend Bar Crawl brings festivities to five locations in Orlando’s Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village neighborhoods. Tickets are $24.61 each. The event will be held on May 2nd from 4:00pm to 11:30pm with check-in at the Hideaway Bar located at 523 Virginia Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Food Truck Fiesta of Sanford will bring a family- and pet-friendly Cinco de Mayo block party to the community with more than 40 food trucks during the event in historic downtown Sanford on May 3 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Guests can also enjoy craft beer, food stalls, and live music. More information: facebook.com
The Sunset Walk Promenade will host a Cinco de Mayo Street Party with live music on two stages, buskers, and food and drink specials. The free-admission, pet-friendly festival will be held on May 5th from 3pm to 11pm at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. In Kissimmee. More information: sunsetwalk.com
SeaWorld Orlando will host a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta with special events in the park on May 5th during the Seven Seas Food Festival. There will be live music throughout the park, DJ dance parties, and a taste of Mexico. The festival is included in your admission price at 7007 SeaWorld Drive in Orlando. More information: seaworld.com
Avocado Mexican Grill in Celebration will host a street party with authentic Mexican food, margaritas, cold beer, festive atmosphere, and live music. The party will be held at Celebration, 715 Broome Street, on May 5th from 4 to 10 p.m. More information: Celebrationtowncenter.com
Mango’s Tropical Cafe will host a Cinco de Mayo block party on International Drive. There will be a DJ, mechanical bull rides, dancers, food trucks, an LED robot show, contests, giveaways and more. The free party will be held on May 5th from noon to 11pm at 8126 International Drive in Orlando. More information: Call 407-673-4422 or visit eventbrite.com.
Guests of Rocco’s Tacos can enjoy live music from Fat Joe and Rocco Mangel, street food, and a wide selection of margaritas and tequilas at the free-admission event. Enjoy the festivities starting at 11 a.m. May 5 at 7468 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando. More information: roccostacos.com
Cabas Tacos + Tequila is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with $10 house margaritas, $8 tequila shots, 50 percent off premium tequilas, and a mini piñata scavenger hunt around Pointe Orlando. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, mariachi, a fire show, party llama and more at 9101 International Drive #1198 in Orlando starting at 11:30 a.m. May 5th. More information: kavastacos.com
Whole Enchilada Fresh Mexican Grill & Bar will host a party with face painting, a DJ, walking tacos, and plenty of food and drinks. The celebration will be held at 129 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden on May 5th from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. More information: eventbrite.com
The Orlando Pub Crawl gives partygoers a chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo downtown. Enjoy 4 complimentary drinks included with your $27.70 Crawl ticket. Participants can check in at Say Les, 1 S. Orange Ave. #101, Orlando on May 5th from 5:30pm to 8pm. More information: orlandopubcrawl.com
Don Julio Mexican Kitchen’s Eagle Creek location will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta including a DJ, live band, giveaways and more. This all-ages event also features a wide selection of Mexican food and drinks. The fiesta, held May 2 and 5, will be held at 9776 Eagle Creek Center Blvd. In Orlando. More information: instagram.com
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