Derby Weekend at Permission Whiskey & Service Co.
Friday–Saturday
2920 White Oak
Permission goes full Derby mode with themed cocktails, floral décor and plenty of mint juleps on Friday, then ramps it up Saturday with live bluegrass, trumpet performances, ice sculptures and even a live horse on site. Saturday’s fun kicks off at 1 p.m. ahead of the 5:55 p.m. race, followed by an all-night after party and a Best Dressed Competition for Derby looks and fascinators. Tickets are $25 plus fees.
Kentucky Derby Party at Julep
Saturday, 1 p.m.
1919 Washington
Break out the hats and bowties as Julep hosts its 12th annual Kentucky Derby Party with a fully tented outdoor setup, multiple cocktail bars, curated food from Aiko and Karanchos Mexican Restaurant and live music from Clutch City Band leading up to the 5:57 p.m. race. Tickets are $20 plus taxes and fees.
Pre-Cinco de Mayo Sunday Funday at Arnaldo Richards’ Picos
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3601 Kirby
Picos kicks off the Cinco de Mayo fun on Sunday, May 3 with a street food buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus a lively outdoor Sunday Funday featuring tequila and mezcal booths, complimentary swag, music and mariachi performances from noon to 3 p.m.
Carne Asada Throwdown at J-Bar-M Barbecue
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2201 Leeland
Kick off Cinco de Mayo early with a Carne Asada Throwdown on Sunday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring live-fire grilling, local chef competition, live music, vendors, Lotería, piñatas, family-friendly games and contests, and more.
Jethro’s Two-Year Anniversary at Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge
Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.
95 Tuam
Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge celebrates its two-year anniversary with an afternoon of DJs, raffle prizes and throwback cocktails from the original menu for $14. Expect $20 beer and seltzer buckets plus anniversary smashburgers and a lively Midtown crowd.
For even more Cinco and Derby Day action across Houston (plus a few margs and mint juleps we couldn’t fit here), check out our full Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo guides.
