Kentucky Derby Soiree Returns to Avalon on Saturday, May 4

ALPHARETTA, GA — Get ready to place your bets because on Saturday May 4, the North Fulton community’s favorite social event of the season is back for another year: Avalon’s fifth annual award-winning Kentucky Derby Party. From 3 to 9 p.m., guests are invited to don their fancy hats and bow ties as The Plaza, 400 Avalon Blvd., transforms into an all-day equine-inspired affair featuring a jumbo viewing screen, live musical performances and more.

Throughout the event, attendees can celebrate the race while sipping on the Derby’s signature mint julep cocktail, or choose from a selection of beer, wine and other specialty libations available at The Plaza’s three outdoor bars. In traditional Derby fashion, guests are encouraged to bring cash to “place bets” on the race to enter into a raffle for the chance to win baskets filled goodies from Avalon’s best-in-class retailers. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit The Lionheart School.

Avalon’s Kentucky Derby Party event schedule is as follows:

• 3 to 6:30 p.m.: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie as the Ty Reynolds Band takes the main stage in The Plaza, bringing the smooth sounds of the late 70s to today’s Top 40 hits and more to party-goers.
• 3 to 6:30 p.m.: Guests can purchase raffle tickets and pick a horse to win, place or show. Attendees will place “bets” on their favorite horses by placing tickets in each respective horse’s raffle jar and three lucky equestrian enthusiasts will be selected from the winning jars. Exclusive Avalon prize packages will be awarded to the horses that place in each position.
• 3 to 7 p.m.: Guests can enjoy pre-race fun with a Shutterbooth photo station, cornhole, retailer activities and more. Plus, Craft Box Girls will activate The Plaza with Kentucky Derby-themed crafts for kids.
• 6:30 p.m.: Gather around the jumbo screen for the live viewing of the Kentucky Derby – the greatest two minutes in sports – before the race commences at 6:50 p.m. Raffle winners will be announced immediately following the race.
• 6:45 to 9 p.m.: Even though the horses are back in their stables, Avalon’s Kentucky Derby Party doesn’t stop. Guests are encouraged to stick around for a live DJ and another round of mint juleps as the sun goes down.

Sponsors for Avalon’s Kentucky Derby Party include Topgolf, Bar None, Maker’s Mark and the Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

For more information, visit experienceavalon.com. Guests are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtags #AvalonInsider and #KentuckyDerbyatAvalon

This event is free and open to the public. Cost of additional food and beverage may vary.