She Said: Where to go to celebrate Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo

Two of spring’s biggest events happen to fall on the same day this year.

The 144th Annual Kentucky Derby and the annual celebration of the Mexican victorious battle of Cinco de Mayo both fall on May 5.

So will you be sipping margaritas or mint julips on that day?

There are many celebrations going on around the Valley. After reviewing them we picked our 2 top picks, one for the Derby and one for Cinco de Mayo.

Mowry and Cotton’s Kentucky Derby Porch Party

Mowry and Cotton at The Phoenician will open this May for an epic derby day porch party, complete with cocktails, giveaways and head-turning hats.

Join revelers and race fans from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday to celebrate the 144th Kentucky Derby on the eatery’s expansive porch at the AAA Five Diamond resort.

In addition to viewing “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” alongside locals and resort visitors, guests at this quintessentially spring affair can enjoy Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps and endless Instagrammable photo ops while taking part in a “Best Hat” or a “Gentleman’s Best Southern Style Attire” contest.

Tickets were $95 per person, plus tax + gratuity.

Included in the price were two mint juleps, a keepsake copper cup and all-you-can-eat Southern-inspired food provided by Mowry and Cotton’s own Chef de Cuisine Tandy Peterson.

Cinco de Mario

The ultimate Cinco de Mayo event will be brought to you by Mario Lopez at the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza.

The event will feature a Rosé Wine Garden, the Kentucky Derby VIP, a craft beer cantina, margaritas, an authentic Mexican mercado with food and crafts, strolling mariachis, a great kids zone, a few celebrity friends and even the Sugar Hill Gang on the main stage.

Get into the festival for just $15 online or $20 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free.

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