Every year around the South, folks join in with the Bluegrass State in celebration of the annual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Unfortunately for Atlanta, we’re going to have to push through Derby Day while soaking wet with plenty of rain on Saturday and Sunday. While most of us won’t want to play corn hole in a thunderstorm, there are plenty of opportunities around the city to partake in the hats, horses, and under the table wagers.
Composite image of Churchill Downs on Derby Day, 1902 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Derby Day ITP and OTP
Where to Drink Mint Juleps in Atlanta – While over 120,000 mint juleps will be served at Churchill Downs this weekend, I can assure you that there will be plenty more served around the South as well. Thanks to Eater Atlanta, there is a nice Mint Julep Map for ITP dwellers. Some favorites include Leon’s Full Service and Pinewood Tippling Room in Decatur. Stay dry this weekend and hit one of these watering holes to get your Derby Day fix. Not included on the map is The Family Dog, which deserves a nod for mixing whiskey exceptionally well. They’re pouring $5 mint juleps on Saturday.
Buckhead Cuatro de Mayo Tequila Tour – How inconvenient! Cinco de Mayo falls on a Sunday this year. While I’m sure that many of you will be enjoying a Sunday Funday, I’m betting that just as many of you would rather not smell like tequila and salsa on Monday morning at work. If that sounds like you, then you should celebrate a day early and jump on board with the Buckhead Cuatro de Mayo Tequila Tour. The cost is $20, which includes 5 themed shots/drinks, food and drink specials. Participating bars include: Park Bench, 5 Paces, Poolhall, Stagecoach, East Andrews and Churchill’s. Fiesta up!
Derby Party at Meehan’s Public House Sandy Springs – Ladies, make sure you wear an enormous Derby hat and sundresses, and gentlemen, get your seersucker out. Those who show up in the Derby attire get 5% off their bill, $5 mint juleps and $5 Kentucky Gentleman Bourbon drinks. If you’re looking for some more action, you can participate in their “Bookie Bets”, where you can bet on a horse and score a choice of a free appetizer or drink if that horse wins. Derby Day Event Details
High Gravity Hip Hop Craft Beer Festival on Cinco de Mayo – If you love craft beer, Cinco de Mayo, hip hop, pop culture, or any of the above, then this festival is for you! The High Gravity Hip Hop fest will be held at the Georgia Freight Depot (Underground Atlanta) and will include over 30 beers, wines, and yes, even margaritas. Grab the tickets for half off ($25) with a SweetJack deal.
