{"id":252245,"date":"2026-04-30T09:39:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/252245\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T09:39:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:39:09","slug":"cinco-de-mayo-kentucky-derby-star-wars-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/252245\/","title":{"rendered":"Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby, Star Wars Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for an excuse to eat, drink and be merry this weekend? There are at least three good excuses to do just that.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

From a hobby horse racing tournament and a \u201cBig Cat Derby Day\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Kentucky Derby<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Hobby Horse Derby Tournament\u00a0lands at \u00c0 La Cart City in downtown Orlando with food and drinks, plus a \u201chigh-stakes\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Derby Day Orlando\u00a0gathers 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\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Around<\/p>\n

Lola Gomez, Orlando Sentinel<\/p>\n

Around Orlando, a number of Kentucky Derby parties will host local fans to celebrate while wearing fancy hats. (Orlando Sentinel file)<\/p>\n

Big Cat Derby Day\u00a0hosts 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 \u201cbest cat hats\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n

UCP of Central Florida\u00a0hosts a Kentucky Derby watch party at the Caribe Royale Orlando\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Kings Orlando\u00a0has drink specials, including the \u201cpink pony margarita\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Charles King \/ ORLANDO SENTINEL<\/p>\n

Central Florida hosts a number of local Kentucky Derby events. (Orlando Sentinel file)<\/p>\n

Boxi Derby Weekend\u00a0at 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<\/a><\/p>\n

An Orlando Derby Soir\u00e9e at Serenity Ranch\u00a0brings 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<\/a><\/p>\n

The St. Johns Rivership Company\u00a0in 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Derby Daze at Great Southern Box Company\u00a0hosts 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<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ChewbaccaChewbacca 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)
\nStar Wars Day<\/p>\n

\u201cMay the Fourth be with you<\/a>\u201d has become a common way\u00a0to greet fellow\u00a0Star Wars<\/a> fans during the annual celebration of the spacey franchise on\u00a0May 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\u00a0George Lucas<\/a>\u00a0started with the Star Wars franchise.<\/p>\n

Dance to Star Wars Swing\u00a0with 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<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00c0 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Visit Star Wars: Galaxy\u2019s Edge\u00a0in Disney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"KavasKavas Tacos + Tequila celebrates Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials on May 5. (Courtesy Kavas Tacos + Tequila)
\nCinco de Mayo<\/p>\n

Many in the U.S. see Cinco de Mayo<\/a> as an opportunity to drink margaritas, eat tacos and celebrate Mexican culture.<\/p>\n

What the holiday actually celebrates is the victory of\u00a0Mexican troops over French forces in an 1862 battle<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Pointe Orlando\u00a0hosts 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><\/p>\n

A Cinco de Mayo Weekend Bar Crawl\u00a0takes 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Sanford\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SeaWorldSeaWorld Orlando has Cinco de Mayo entertainment and special offerings through May 5, coinciding with the Seven Seas Food Festival. (Courtesy SeaWorld Orlando)<\/p>\n

SeaWorld Orlando\u00a0hosts 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Avocados Mexican Grill\u00a0in 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Mango\u2019s Tropical Cafe\u00a0throws 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Rocco\u2019s Tacos\u00a0guests 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Kavas Tacos + Tequila\u00a0celebrates Cinco de Mayo with $10 house margaritas, $8 tequila shots, 50 percent off high-end tequilas and a mini pi\u00f1ata 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<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

Orlando Pub Crawl\u00a0gives 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Don Julio Mexican Kitchen\u2019s Eagle Creek\u00a0location 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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