The first weekend in May is full of fun from the Kentucky Derby to Cinco De Mayo to Petoskey Restaurant Week. No reason to sit on the couch this weekend!
It’s Kentucky Derby Weekend and there are many places celebrating with Derby parties including:
- Gypsy Distillery starting at 6pm with a Best Dressed Costume contest, specialty cocktails, photo booth and music from the Crosscut Kings.
- Jelly Rolls Blues Band at Lavender Hill Farm for an amazing evening filled with the Kentucky Derby race, live music, 50/50 interactive horse bidding, food, beverages, and a silent/live auction to benefit Northern Michigan Equine Therapy. The evening starts at 5pm with a Red Carpet arrival. Get tickets https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/lavenderhillfarm/items/529706/calendar/2024/04/?full-items=yes
- At Little Fleet in TC, watch the Kentucky Derby on the Big Screen. Special Kentucky inspired cocktails. Derby hats encouraged. Noon until 7pm
- The Pub in TC is Derby ready with mint juleps, southern fare, and the thrill of the races. Don your fanciest hat and bowties and cheer on the contenders in style! Party starts at 2:30 thru race time.
And Sunday is Cinco De Mayo!
- Pond Hill Farm has the M119 band and lots of food and drink. 5-8pm
- Gypsy Distillery with music from Gary Fetters from 1-4pm
- Little Fleet in TC is ready for the warm weather. Cinco De Mayo (and an unofficial kick off to patio season!) Enjoy Food truck eats, Margaritas, Music from Botala from 4pm to 7pm. 10% of sales donated to JPAC (Justice and Peace Advocacy Center)
- Shorts Brewing in Elk Rapids has fun from noon til 8pm with a fiesta packed with music, mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, and plenty of fun. Sing along with a Mariachi singer serenading you, Botala & DJ Clark After Dark spinning tunes from 4-7pm. And don’t miss out on a special speech that’ll shed light on the meaning behind this festive occasion!
Spring foraging at Grass River Natural Area on Saturday from 10-noon. Morels, other fungi, fiddleheads, and tasty spring edibles are cropping up all over. We will search for morels and other spring fungi along with a naturalist from Grass River. Get tickets at https://www.grassriver.org/classes-and-programs.html
As the flowers come out, the Old Mission Peninsula is so beautiful. And Sunday, you can experience the beauty, great wine and jazz from the Jeff Haas Trio… all to benefit the United Way of Northwest Michigan. It’s Jazz in the Vines at Chateau Chantal. The event is Sunday from 2-5 and tickets are available at https://uwnwmi.harnessgiving.org/events/1410
And if you’re a lover of food, Petoskey Restaurant Week kicks off Friday and runs thru May 12th. You find great deals and special menus at some of your favorite dining destinations. Get more info at PetoskeyChamber.com.
