Get ready to don your show-stopping hat while hoisting a refreshing mint julep. It’s the first weekend in May, which means drinks and hat contests as we watch 20 horses compete in what some call the “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Which thoroughbred will take home the $2 million prize for winning the first leg of the Triple Crown?
Here’s where you can celebrate the 2019 Kentucky Derby in Orlando and Central Florida:
Derby Day 4 Autism: Each general admission ticket (prices vary) includes all the food and drink you can handle, plus a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby. There will be a live auction, raffle prizes, music, games and dancing. Prizes will be awarded for the best hat, best-dressed couple and best-dressed male and female. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. DETAILS: 3:30-7 p.m. May 4 at Ember, 42 W. Central Blvd. in Orlando
Kentucky Derby Day Party: Enjoy drink specials, live music, prizes and giveaways throughout the night at M Bar. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in their best Derby attire. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. There’s no entry fee. DETAILS: 4-8 p.m. May 4 at M Bar, 2000 N. Orange Ave., Suite 100, in Orlando
Kentucky Derby Day at Sanford Orlando Kennel Club: Enjoy off-track betting on horse races throughout the day along with trivia, food and drink specials, a hat contest and more. DETAILS: 9:30 a.m. May 4 at Sanford Orlando Kennel Club, 301 Dog Track Road in Longwood; sanfordorlandokc.com
Derby on Park: Four hours of fun await at the ultimate Kentucky Derby viewing experience with TVs, unlimited food, open bars, music, dancing, hat contest and more. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com and cost $85 in advance or $100 at the door. DETAILS: 3:30-7:30 p.m. May 4 at University Club of Winter Park, 841-N. Park Ave. in Winter Park
Kentucky Derby Dinner Party & Dance: The German American Society of Central Florida hosts its annual Kentucky Derby Gala. Watch live coverage of the 145th Kentucky Derby. A six-piece orchestra will play big-band era standards as well as ballroom dance music, including swing, waltzes, foxtrots, Latin and more. Derby attire or semi-formal attire is required. Admission including dinner is $20 for adult members, $25 for adult guests and $10 per youth member or guest. Admission excluding dinner is $10 per adult member or guest. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. DETAILS: 4:30-10:30 p.m. May 4 at the German Entertainment Venue, 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry
A Taste of the 145th Kentucky Derby: Hosted by the Pearlie Mae Ford Community Service Club of Sanford. Watch the race, cheer for your favorite horse, indulge in Kentucky Derby-style cuisine, sip on wine or enjoy a signature Derby cocktail. Wear your Derby attire and participate in a hat competition. Enjoy appetizers and smooth jazz before dinner and dance to R&B after dinner. Tickets are $55 and available at eventbrite.com. DETAILS: 5-10 p.m. May 4 at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 East Seminole Blvd. in Sanford
Derby Day at Dexters Thornton Park: Wear your finest Derby attire and participate in a hat and fashion competition. A $100 cash prize will go to the best dressed male and female, $100 for most popular hat. Watch live coverage of the 145th Kentucky Derby and enjoy $3 mint juleps during the race. Free admission. DETAILS: 4-9 p.m. May 4, 808 E Washington St. in Orlando; instagram.com/dexters.thorntonpark/
If you have a Derby Day listing to add, please email me at caarmstrong@orlandosentinel.com.
