Kentucky Derby Parties Abound

2014 Kentucky Derby. Photo by Bill Brine, (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

It’s time to dust off your biggest, whackiest hat — the Kentucky Derby has returned, and a number of businesses are holding parties for the most exciting two minutes in sports. If horse races (or using horse races as an excuse to party) aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other events happening around the city as well. The Milwaukee County Zoo is celebrating its aquatic inhabitants with Zootastic — a fundraiser for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. The Haggerty Museum of Art is filling the sidewalks with chalk art, and the Fifth Annual Cinco de Mayo Family Festival will take place at the UMOS offices.

May 6: Working Class Readings About Chicago at Lion’s Tooth

Two Chicago authors, Martin Billheimer (Mother Chicago) and Theodore Van Alst (Sacred Smokes and Sacred City), will be on site at Lion’s Tooth, the independent bookstore located 2421 S. Kinnickinic Ave. The free event will feature both authors reading selections from their books, discussing how cities become important characters in fiction and non-fiction stories (both authors heavily use the city of Chicago in their writing). The event is moderated by Feral House publisher Christina Ward, and beer and wine will be available for purchase alongside complimentary snacks.

Gathering Place Brewing Company is celebrating local art on the first Friday of each month, dubbing the event series Gallery Night. This month, the brewery will feature artworks by LIV, a Black, femme abstract artist here in Milwaukee. The event will also feature food from Heirloom from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and live music by She’s Right — I’m Left from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m.

May 6: Zootastic at Milwaukee County Zoo

Zootastic, an event sponsored by Wellpoint Care Network, is a fundraiser for the Zoological Society. The event takes place throughout an evening at the zoo, featuring dinner, dessert, a dance party, crafts and talks by zookeepers. This year’s theme is all about water — putting the spotlight on hippos, otters and all of the other critters whose livelihoods depend on it. If you can’t make it to this event but still want to check out the Milwaukee County Zoo, Mothers get free entry to the zoo on May 7 for Mother’s Day.

May 7: Cinco de Mayo Family Festival

El Conquistador Latino Newspaper is throwing its fifth annual Cinco de Mayo Family Festival at the UMOS Offices located at 2701 S. Chase Ave. The event, which is returning after a two-year hiatus, will be filled with live traditional entertainment and music, such as dancing, Mariachi bands and a chili pepper eating contest. Other activities include a chihuahua beauty contest and a car show. This year’s festival is dedicated to the people of Ukraine. Organizers liken the current Russian-Ukraine war to the Battle of Puebla, when an outnumbered Mexican army defeated the French, which the annual celebration commemorates.

Over 70 local artists and business will get together for an evening of live music, food and goodies. The event will feature food from Double B’s BBQ, Pedro’s South American, Tots on the Street and more, as well as live music from Kevin Wypiszynski and Sarah Day. The family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

May 7: Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival at Haggerty Museum 

The Haggerty Museum of Art is celebrating the birthday of pop-artist Keith Haring with a Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival. The event will featuring Haring-inspired chalk art spread around the museum as well as the Marquette University campus. Artists of all ages can sign up to draw on a sidewalk square. Twisted Plants, Africa’s Finest Cuisine and Bebe’s Bistro will be  selling food, and there will be live music by Pay the Devil. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Haggerty Museum of Art located at 1234 W. Tory Hill St.

May 7: Kentucky Derby Events 

There are an abundance of Kentucky Derby celebrations happening throughout the city, but here are a few that are worth checking out:

• NorthSouth Club’s Kentucky Derby Celebration: NorthSouth Club, located at 230 E. Pittsburgh Ave., is encouraging patrons to dress up with their best hats for a chance to win prizes. Shuffelboard decks will be available upon reservation for 90 minutes of playtime, and guests can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a bottle of Kentucky Derby limited edition Woodford Reserve.
• Maxie’s 15th Annual Derby: After a two year hiatus, Maxie’s Kentucky Derby celebration returns, featuring Derby-inspired cuisine and its annual fundraiser for Hunger Relief. The Derby-inspired menu will feature the fan favorite Kentucky Hot Browns, and there will be contests for Best Dressed and Best Hat. Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra will perform outdoors, and a winner’s raffle will be held towards the end of the race.
• Milwaukee Brewing Company Kentucky Derby Watch Party: Milwaukee Brewing Company is hosting a viewing party of the Kentucky Derby, encouraging patrons to dress up for its costume contest. The event will run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.