This Saturday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby will fall on the same day for the first time in years — and won’t align again for another 11. Celebrate accordingly.
Here are four venues — from a brewery to a bowling alley — that are merging the two occasions into one big margarita-and-mint-julep-soaked event followed by 10 more classic events.
Queen Park Social’s Cinco De Derby
Queen Park Social | 11-2 a.m. | Free | Details
Grab your best hat and celebrate all day and into the night with mint juleps and margaritas.
Hickory Tavern’s Cinco de Derby
Hickory Tavern – Metropolitan | 2 p.m. | Free | Details
They’re celebrating with a nacho and taco bar, plenty of Coronas and margaritas, plus $10 tequila flights to enjoy while you watch the races.
Resident Culture’s Cinco de Derby
Resident Culture Brewing Company | 4-7 p.m. | $35 | Tickets
Resident Culture and Doc Porter’s have teamed up to celebrate. Tickets include 2 drinks, appetizers, a 50/50 raffle, hat contest and more, with proceeds benefitting Claire’s Army. 21+ only.
StrikeCity’s Derby de Mayo
StrikeCity | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Free | Details
This hybrid party includes Mint Juleps, Tecate and the races displayed on HDTVs and huge, 110-foot projectors.
via Facebook
CHARLOTTE CINCO DE MAYO PARTIES
Chic Cinco de Mayo
The Imperial | 4-10 p.m. | $0-$30 | Tickets
Eat Work Play CLT is hosting this Miami-inspired rooftop party, complete with Don Julio cocktails, made-to-order tacos and plenty of music and dancing. Cocktail attire required.
Cinco De Mayo
Que Onda Tacos Uptown | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Free | Details
Doors open at 11 a.m. and the first 150 in will receive sunglasses, but specials on margaritas, tequila and beer are up for grabs for everyone.
Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Sycamore Brewing | 12-10 p.m. | Free | Details
Celebrate with tacos, Sun Grown Fresh Craft Lager with Limes, margarita prosecco and beer pops, plus live music.
Cinco De Mayo Celebration
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill | 4-11:30 p.m. | Free | Register
Stop by for $2 Tecate, $4 tequila and $5 margaritas, plus a pinata filled with prizes, candy and an Amazon gift card.
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
Tin Roof | 12 p.m.-2 a.m. | Free | Details
All day, the popular EpiCentre bar will have live music and plenty of margaritas and tacos.
Cinco de Mayo: FINN Fiesta in the Village
Blackfinn Ameripub – Ballantyne | 12-11 p.m. | $0-$12 | Tickets
Expect live music, food and drink specials and more, like a margarita tasting ($10), Chiuahaha costume contest ($10) and a taco eating contest.
CHARLOTTE KENTUCKY DERBY PARTIES
28th Annual YAM Derby Days
Mint Musem Randolph | 3-7 p.m. | $45-$80 | Tickets
The party, which has been named the best party for young professionals, is back with 400+ guests, Mint Juleps, free wine and beer, lawn games, a 50/50 raffle and large-screen viewing of the Derby.
Foxy Kentucky Derby
Leroy Fox Cotswold and South End | 2-7 p.m. | $10-$15 | Cotswold tickets, South End tickets
Both Leroy Fox locations are celebrating with live music, complimentary appetizers and drink specials. Tickets include 2 drinks and all proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Kentucky Derby Party
The Ballantyne Hotel | 4-7 p.m. | Free | Details
Celebrate the 144th running on the hotel’s South Lawn in your best hat and seersucker at this family-friendly event that includes photo ops with horses, pony rides, a hat competition and more. Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark cocktails, Mint Juleps and food will be available for purchase.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill | 4-11:30 p.m. | Free | Register
Watch the races unfold on the big screen in surround sound while enjoying Old Foresters Mint Juleps on special and a chance to “Bet on the Ponies.” Cinco de Mayo specials like Tecate, tequila and margaritas will be available, too.
Feature photo via Facebook.
