Kentucky Derby Parties And Taco Festivals: Atlanta This Weekend

ATLANTA, GA — With both Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby taking place this weekend, there’s no shortage of fun-filled events happening in the city. Southern Gentleman will host a Kentucky Derby Party with plenty of mint juleps and derby-inspired fare. And if margaritas are more your thing, you'll want to check out the Atlanta Margarita Taco Festival.

If you're looking to get active this weekend, you can also choose to bike for a great cause at the second annual VeloCity Atlanta fundraising ride or enjoy some free Vinyasa yoga in Woodruff Park.

Here's what else is happening around the city:

Shaky Knees Music Festival

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward

Expect a weekend filled with live music as the Shaky Knees Music Festival kicks off Friday at Old Fourth Ward’s Central Park. Headliners for the weekend’s massive jam session include Incubus, Beck, Cage The Elephant and Tame Impala. One-day, three-day and VIP passes to the festival are currently still available for purchase online.

Where: Central Park, 400 Merritts Avenue NE

When: Friday, May 3, at 12 noon

VeloCity Atlanta

Neighborhood: Downtown

With Atlanta increasingly becoming a bike-friendly city, VeloCity is ready to kick off its second fundraising ride in the city. While there will be various routes, the rides will all start at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The post-ride fun will take place at The Home Depot Backyard, where there will be a shower trailer, massage tent, free beer and wine and free food.

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive Northwest

When: Saturday, May 4, at 6: 30 a.m.

Free Yoga In Woodruff Park

Neighborhood: Downtown

Before you indulge in margaritas, mint juleps, tacos and other tantalizing bites, get your downward facing dog on during a free yoga session in Woodruff Park. For this Vinyasa flow class, be sure to bring your own mat and water.

Where: Woodruff Park, 91 Peachtree Street NW

When: Saturday, May 4, at 9 a.m.

La Fiesta Del Cinco Hapeville

Neighborhood: Hapeville

For a true Cinco de Mayo experience, head just south of downtown Atlanta for La Fiesta Del Cinco Hapeville. The festival will feature authentic Mexican dishes, live bands, inflatables and a mechanical bull ride. If you need more incentive to join in on the fun, the event is free and also includes free parking.

Where: Jess Lucas Park, 680 South Central Avenue

When: Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m.

Atlanta Margarita Taco Festival

Neighborhood: Grant Park

On Cinco de Mayo weekend, what’s better than indulging in a few margaritas and an ample number of tacos? How about a festival centered around the two? The Atlanta Margarita Taco Festival takes place on the day before Cinco de Mayo and includes bottomless margaritas, tequila tastings and more, depending on the type of ticket your purchase.

Where: Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE

When: Saturday, May 4, at 12 noon

Kentucky Derby Party

Neighborhood: Buckhead

Grab your finest derby gear and head to the Southern Gentleman for their Kentucky Derby Party. Priced at $35, the viewing party will feature small bites and a selection of derby-inspired libations from Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Old Forester Bourbon and Herradura Blanco. Admission includes two cocktails and a branded julep cup.

Where: Southern Gentleman, 3035 Peachtree Street NW

When: Saturday, May. 4, at 3:30 p.m.

May-retta Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival

Neighborhood: Marietta

Given that the May-retta Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival attracts more than 15,000 people annually, the festival is definitely a worthy option for a chill Sunday. The festival is made up of exhibitors and artists showcasing handmade goods, which will include paintings, pottery, woodwork, soaps, candles and more.

Where: Marietta Square, 39-75 East Park Square

When: Sunday, May 5, at 11 a.m.