Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or the Kentucky Derby, the first weekend in May promises to be a big event. Break out your margaritas and mint juleps, add some flowers to your sombrero, and get ready to explore these events in Denver.

Kentucky Derby Party 2.0

May 4, 12-5 p.m.
Tickets $65
Julep is hosting their new and improved Kentucky Derby Party, pulling out all the stops. Pair three Julep signature cocktails with their Classic or Nashville Hot Chicken and Biscuits, sample delicious passed appetizers, and watch the race. The best-dressed couple has the chance to win a $100 Julep Gift Card. Now with more room to celebrate, Derby Day 2.0 promises to be a hit.

The Original Denver Derby Party

May 4, 1 p.m.
Tickets start at $150
The 18th Annual Denver Derby Day Party kicks off once again at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, spreading over 4 blocks of Downtown Denver. Enjoy all you can eat food from over 15 local restaurants, watch the races with other excited fans, and participate in the annual Big Hat contest. Proceeds go to benefit the Sean “Ranch” Lough Memorial Scholarship Foundation. 

The Denver Mini Derby

May 4, 1-6 p.m.
Tickets start at $105
It’s a derby with a twist at The North Green, as mini-horses and corgis alike take to the track during the Kentucky Derby to try their hands (hooves?) at racing glory. Take in the big event on large screens scattered throughout the park, sample the open bar, and enjoy the live band and DJ. Ticket proceeds go to Minds Matter of Denver and Next Step Horse Rescue. 

Bourbon and Bubbles Derby Day Party

May 4, 1:30-5 p.m. 
Free Admission
Enjoy delicious new drinks and watch the races with The Source Hotel + Market Hall. Sample their specialty cocktail menu courtesy of Old Forester Bourbon, complete with the classic Mint Julep, taste the new Mint Brewlip courtesy of New Belgium Brewing, or enjoy the champagne feature by Veuve Cliquot. Whatever your taste, you can watch the races on the big screen.

Derby Day

May 4, 2-6 p.m.
Free Admission
We are off to the races with Poka Lola Social Club, and their exciting Derby Day party! Break out your best southern attire and big hats, and enjoy your favorite specialty cocktails for a discounted price. Try your hand at the perfect southern beverage at the Build-Your-Own Mint Julep Bar, and enter the contest for the best hat bowtie and suspenders (prizes to be announced.)

6th Annual Derby Weekend

May 4-5
General Admission $5, VIP Tickets $55
TheBigWonderful is combining their annual Derby weekend with Cinco de Mayo festivities, for the ultimate festival weekend. Shop from 100+ local artisans and makers, enjoy samples from more than 15 breweries and cideries, and enjoy the most delicious food trucks around. Listen to live local music, and enjoy the Kentucky Derby viewing and Cinco de Disco dance parties, hosted and DJ’d by Yeah Baby.

2nd Annual Kentaco Derby

May 4, 12 p.m. 
Free Admission
¿Porque no los dos? Why choose between celebrating the Kentucky Derby or the Cinco de Mayo, when you can do both at Zeppelin Station? Learn to make the best Mint Juleps and Margaritas at Big Trouble, then the festivities begin at 1. Sample bourbon and tequila drink specials and beers from Ratio Beerworks, partake in the coloring and best hat contests, and enjoy live music, a petting zoo, and face painting.

Cabo de Mayo Weekend Party

May 3-5
Free Admission
Keep the Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on even longer with Bar Louie’s Loco Cabo de Mayo Weekend! Sammy Hagar and Louie have planned a rocking event at your favorite gastro-bar, and enjoy specials on food and drinks. Enjoy 2 specialty tacos for just $5, available only during the festivities. Revel in live music, delicious drink specials, exclusive wines, and one of 20 on tap specialty beers.

Denver Celebrate Culture Festival

May 4-5, 10 a.m. 
Free Admission
Head down to Civic Center Park for the Denver Cinco de Mayo festival! Listen to live music at two stages, sample handmade goods from several vendors, and watch the parade on Saturday morning. Participate in the annual chihuahua races or taco eating contest, and help judge the low-rider car show. Even the kids can enjoy the weekend at the children’s carnival, with face painting and a petting zoo.

Cinco de Tamayo

May 4-5
Free Admission
Head over to Tamayo to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style! Take in the tunes of their live DJ, enjoy the warm weather on the terrace, and treat you and your friends to a $22 Corona bucket! Then, on May 5, enjoy a bottomless fiesta brunch with all your favorite Mexican dishes including tacos, donuts, and breakfast enchiladas. Plus, pour yourself a delicious Bloody Mary or Margarita to wash your meal down with. 

bRUNch Destination Dairy Block

May 5 8:45a 
Free Admission, RSVP Required
Take in the miles and margs for Cinco de Mayo, at Kachina Cantina on the Dairy Block. This event includes complimentary KEEL cocktail for participants 21+, free swag, and exciting giveaways. First is the 5k fun-run, where you can take the open course at your own pace (strollers and pets welcome.) Then, carry on the adventure for a delicious BYOB (buy your own brunch) at Kachina Cantina.

Miami Vice Cinco Party

May 5 10a
Free Admission
Dos Santos is celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Miami Vice style. In fact, the best Miami Vice style could win a $200 Dos Santos and White Pie gift card, so come in your best themed attire! Contest participants also receive a free shot of Dos Santos basil lime liquor throughout the month of May. Enjoy food and drink specials, including a delicious new take on the classic ChocoTaco.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Para La Familia & Garibaldi Plaza Celebration

Garibaldi Celebration: May 5, 12-2 p.m. 
Free Admission
Concert: May 5, 2:30 p.m. 
Tickets $10-25
The Colorado Symphony is celebrating culture with the whole family this Cinco de Mayo. First, the Garibaldi Plaza Celebration brings together Mariachi and Folklorico talent, and delicious local food trucks. Enjoy activities for all ages, then, at 2:30, head to Boettcher Concert Hall for the symphony concert. Music samplings feature Jarabe Taptio, Son de la Negra, La Lorona, and Cietlo Lindo, among many others.

Denver Tacos and Margs Crawl

May 5, 12 p.m. 
Tickets $23
Bar Crawl Nation is hosting another legendary bar crawl for Cinco de Mayo! Starting at Brother’s Bar and Grill with 8+ venues participating, enjoy a free cover at all locations and exclusive food and drink specials with wristband. Giveaways will include free tacos, drinks, and other prizes at each location with app check-in. Dress up, and join the crawl – just don’t forget your salt!