Looking for an excuse to eat, drink and be merry this weekend? There are at least three good excuses to do just that.
The Kentucky Derby, Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo all happen within several days of each other, bringing lots of things to do in Orlando.
From a hobby horse racing tournament and a “Big Cat Derby Day” to pub crawls in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, there are many things to do this weekend in Central Florida to kick off the month of May.
Kentucky Derby
The 152nd Kentucky Derby has a full week of events at Churchill Downs, culminating with the highly anticipated Derby Day on May 2. Races happen throughout the day, but the main race starts just before 7 p.m.
The Hobby Horse Derby Tournament lands at À La Cart City in downtown Orlando with food and drinks, plus a “high-stakes” hobby horse racing competition. A $15 entry fee secures a spot in the starting gate and includes a complimentary beverage. Derby fashion is encouraged for those wishing to participate in the fashion contest. The event starts at 4 p.m. on May 2 at 274 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: instagram.com/alacartcity
Derby Day Orlando gathers the community for a party at Acrisure UCF Football Stadium, benefiting Central Florida charities. The afternoon features food and drinks, a DJ, dancing, games, contests, a photo booth and music included in the cost of tickets. Five different charities will receive proceeds from this year’s event. Tickets are $125 for general admission and $175 for VIP. The event is from 3-8 p.m. May 2 at 4465 Knights Victory Way in Orlando. More information: derbydayorlando.com
Lola Gomez, Orlando Sentinel
Around Orlando, a number of Kentucky Derby parties will host local fans to celebrate while wearing fancy hats. (Orlando Sentinel file)
Big Cat Derby Day hosts people for a day of fundraising and drinks to benefit the lions, leopards and cougars of Central Florida Animal Reserve in St. Cloud. Attendees are encouraged to wear their “best cat hats” for a competition while sipping on classic mint juleps, vodka cocktails and wine. Tickets are only available in advance at $65 per person ($55 for members). The event is from 4-7:30 p.m. May 2 at 500 Broussard Road in St. Cloud. More information: cflar.org
UCP of Central Florida hosts a Kentucky Derby watch party at the Caribe Royale Orlando’s Stadium Club. Attendees can enjoy bites and drinks, contests, a raffle and a best-dressed competition. General admission is $81.88; VIP tickets are $108.55. The event is from 5-8 p.m. May 2 at 8101 World Center Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Kings Orlando has drink specials, including the “pink pony margarita” and a watch party in time for the big race. Starting at 4 p.m. May 2, guests can select a card with a racehorse for a chance to win a free bowling voucher if they hold the winner. Enjoy the festivities at 8255 International Drive in Orlando. More information: playatkings.com
Charles King / ORLANDO SENTINEL
Central Florida hosts a number of local Kentucky Derby events. (Orlando Sentinel file)
Boxi Derby Weekend at Boxi Park Lake Nona hosts a petting zoo at 4 p.m. and a watch party at 7 p.m. on May 2, plus a photo booth and live music. On May 3, enjoy live music, bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists and themed crafts. The events are at 6877 Lake Nona Blvd. in Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
An Orlando Derby Soirée at Serenity Ranch brings special live performances by KEM and 803 Fresh hosted by R&B radio station STAR 94.5. The event features an equestrian show, food and drinks available for purchase, Derby viewing and a best-dressed contest. Tickets range from $37.89-$525.53 for the event from noon-8 p.m. May 2 at 8001 Clarcona Ocoee Road in Orlando. More information: orlandoderbysoiree.com
The St. Johns Rivership Company in Sanford hosts a Kentucky Derby dinner cruise aboard the Barbara Lee. Embark on a paddle-wheeler river cruise complete with a meal, river views and live streaming of Derby races. Attendees are encouraged to wear floppy hats, bow ties and bright spring attire. Tickets are $116.15 per adult and $59.06 per child age 4-13. The cruise is from 4:30-8 p.m. May 2 at 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. More information: eventbrite.com
Derby Daze at Great Southern Box Company hosts a Derby-inspired party for the third year with elegant attire, food vendors and themed festivities. A dress code is enforced with no denim, sports attire, T-shirts, tank tops or similar. Tickets are $47.41 for general admission. The event is from 5-9:30 p.m. May 2 at 2105 N. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Chewbacca in front of the Millennium Falcon at Black Spire Outpost at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Star Wars Day
“May the Fourth be with you” has become a common way to greet fellow Star Wars fans during the annual celebration of the spacey franchise on May 4. What started as a grassroots celebration and a clever pun has now been transformed into a global holiday to celebrate Jedis, the force and all that 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 2. The band will perform Star Wars music, with a dance lesson from 6-7 p.m. and dancing from 7-10 p.m. The event has free parking and a full bar at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry. More information: greatamericanbigband.com
À La Cart hosts a Jedi Training Academy in partnership with the Takodana Temple Saber Guild. Children ages 4-13 can hone their lightsaber skills and sip on non-alcoholic teal lemonade. Advance registration is recommended. The event is from noon-5 p.m. May 3 at 274 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: instagram.com
Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to become immersed in a galaxy far, far away. Walk around the planet Batuu, build a lightsaber or a droid and then take a ride on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Fans can also try for a spot aboard the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride.
Kavas Tacos + Tequila celebrates Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials on May 5. (Courtesy Kavas Tacos + Tequila)
Cinco de Mayo
Many in the U.S. see Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to drink margaritas, eat tacos and celebrate Mexican culture.
What the holiday actually celebrates is the victory of Mexican troops over French forces in an 1862 battle. Modern-day revelers can visit Orlando-area venues hosting food and drink specials, plus honor Mexican culture. Here are a few ideas for Cinco de Mayo.
Pointe Orlando hosts a pub crawl, scavenger hunt, drink specials and more at multiple venues starting at 8 p.m. May 2. Tickets are $12.65 for general admission, which includes entry to all five participating venues. More information: liveatthepointeorlando.com
A Cinco de Mayo Weekend Bar Crawl takes revelers through the Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village neighborhoods of Orlando with five locations. Tickets are $24.61 each. The event is from 4-11:30 p.m. May 2 with check in at the Hideaway Bar, 523 Virginia Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Sanford’s Food Truck Fiesta brings a family-friendly and pet-friendly Cinco de Mayo block party to the community with more than 40 food trucks during the event in historic downtown Sanford from 1-6 p.m. May 3. Guests can also find craft beer, vendors and live music. More information: facebook.com
The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts a Cinco de Mayo Street Party with live music on two stages, street performers, food and beverage specials. The free-admission and pet-friendly festivities are from 3-11 p.m. May 5 at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee. More information: sunsetwalk.com
SeaWorld Orlando has Cinco de Mayo entertainment and special offerings through May 5, coinciding with the Seven Seas Food Festival. (Courtesy SeaWorld Orlando)
SeaWorld Orlando hosts a fiesta for Cinco de Mayo with special happenings inside the park May 5 during the Seven Seas Food Festival. Find live music throughout the park, a DJ dance party and Mexican flavors to sample. The festivities are included in the price of admission at 7007 SeaWorld Drive in Orlando. More information: seaworld.com
Avocados Mexican Grill in Celebration hosts a street party with authentic Mexican cuisine, margaritas, ice-cold beer, festive vibes and live music. The party is from 4-10 p.m. May 5 at 715 Bloom St. in Celebration. More information: celebrationtowncenter.com
Mango’s Tropical Cafe throws a Cinco de Mayo Block Party on International Drive featuring DJs, mechanical bull riding, dancers, food trucks, LED robot shows, contests and giveaways. The free party is noon-11 p.m. May 5 at 8126 International Drive in Orlando. More information: Call 407-673-4422 or visit eventbrite.com
Rocco’s Tacos guests can enjoy live music from Fat Joe alongside Rocco Mangel, street eats and plenty of margaritas and tequila at the free-admission event. Enjoy the festivities beginning at 11 a.m. May 5 at 7468 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando. More information: roccostacos.com
Kavas Tacos + Tequila celebrates Cinco de Mayo with $10 house margaritas, $8 tequila shots, 50 percent off high-end tequilas and a mini piñata scavenger hunt around Pointe Orlando. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, mariachi, fire shows, party llamas and more beginning at 11:30 a.m. May 5 at 9101 International Drive #1198 in Orlando. More information: kavastacos.com
The Whole Enchilada Fresh Mexican Grill & Bar presents a party with face painting, a DJ, walking tacos and plenty of food and drinks. The celebration is 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. May 5 at 129 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: eventbrite.com
Orlando Pub Crawl gives party-goers the chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo downtown. Enjoy four free drinks included in the $27.70 crawl ticket. Participants can check in from 5:30-8 p.m. May 5 at Say Les, 1 S. Orange Ave. #101, Orlando. More information: orlandopubcrawl.com
Don Julio Mexican Kitchen’s Eagle Creek location celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta, including DJs, live bands and giveaways. The all-ages event also features plenty of Mexican food and drinks. Find the fiesta on May 2 and 5 at 9776 Eagle Creek Center Blvd. in Orlando. More information: instagram.com
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.