Kentucky Derby Run for the Rosé Patio Party

Rooftop: Check. Cocktails: Check. Derby hats: Check. Del Frisco’s Grill’s Run for the Rosé event has it all. The party will feature three of our favorite springtime beverages—rosé, Kentucky mules, and mint juleps—as well as passed appetizers and premium vinos selected by the sommeleier. Your ticket fee also enters you in a raffle to win two custom-made Derby hats—fancy!—and a $250 Southwest Airline gift card. Saturday, 2 p.m.; Del Frisco’s Grille, 100 St. Paul St., Ste. 140; $49

Create Your Own Derby Day Hat

You can’t show up to a Derby Day party wearing any ol’ fascinator. Spruce up your look with a DIY hat-making party at the Molly Brown House Museum. The museum will provide floppy hats and accompanying accoutrements—think ribbons, feathers, and flowers—along with traditional mint juleps to help get you in the Derby Day spirit. Thursday, 6 p.m.; Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St., $49 

Denver Mini Derby

After watching the real Race for the Roses, head over to the Stanley Marketplace to watch adorable mini horses in action. The Denver Mini Derby features live music, an open bar, food, contests, and a Corgi Race (hello cuteness). The Mini Derby benefits Minds Matter of Denver, a program designed to help students from low-income backgrounds succeed in college, as well as Next Step Horse Rescue, a nonprofit that provides a sanctuary for abused and unwanted horses. Saturday, 1–6 p.m.; The Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; $79-$169 

Cinco Tamayo

Looking to celebrate the weekend with a little more flavor? Head to Tamayo in Larimer Square for their day-long Cinco Tamayo party. From a bottomless margarita brunch ($39 a person) to a discounted happy hour and a nighttime dance party on the terrace, you can’t go wrong with this fiesta. Saturday, all day; Tamayo, 1400 Larimer St.

Kachina Cantina Cinco De Mayo Party

Kachina Cantina is teaming up with Casa San Matias Tequila to turn their Cinco De Mayo celebration into a fundraiser for Casa Hogar Algería, an organization that helps young, at-risk women in Guadalajara, Mexico, get a fresh start. The Dairy Block restaurant will offer giveaways, speciality tequila-based cocktails, frozen drinks, live music, and tasty Mexican fare, including elote (grilled corn), tacos, and a nacho bar. Saturday, noon–11:30 p.m.; Kachina Cantina, 1890 Wazee St.; free (reservations recommended)

Cinco de Derby

Can’t choose between the weekend’s events? Recently opened Julep is hosting its first annual Kentucky Derby Party: Cinco de Derby. Serving as its officially “coming out” to the RiNo ‘hood, the restaurant is set to celebrate southern traditions and history with Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day-inspired libations and fare, including three signature drinks, a pig roast with seasonal sides, passed appetizers, and a “Best Dressed Contest.” Saturday, noon–5 p.m.; Julep, 3258 Larimer St.; $55 (reservations recommended)

KenTaco Derby

Denver’s hottest new food hall, Zeppelin Station, is combining the weekend’s parties with its own flair for the KenTaco Derby. Jared Leonard of Au Feu is bringing out his blue barbecue truck to cook up his signature Canadian-style ‘cue. Comal Heritage Food Incubator at No Vacancy will cook up unique tacos on its Argentine-style wood-fire grill. There will be plenty of cocktails sponsored by Espolon Tequila and Wild Turkey. And local bluegrass band, Extra Gold, will play the day’s soundtrack. Saturday, 1 p.m.; Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St.; free

Victoria Carodine
Victoria Carodine
Victoria Carodine is a Denver-based writer and a former editor on 5280's digital team.