Live race viewing, musical entertainment, signature beverages and more planned for fourth annual Alpharetta celebration

Atlanta’s largest celebration of the fastest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, will return to Avalon in Alpharetta on Saturday, May 5 from 3 to 10 p.m. The fourth annual event will transform The Plaza into a Southern soiree featuring live music, authentic mint juleps, retailer and restaurant offerings, outdoor activities, and of course, a live broadcast of the race on a jumbo viewing screen.

“Our award-winning Kentucky Derby party in The Plaza is one of the largest events held at Avalon each year and we are so excited to welcome thousands of our closest friends back out to enjoy the race in just a few short weeks,” said Carla Cox, director of marketing at Avalon. “This glamorous, all-day affair always brings out the fashionistas of Alpharetta and we can’t wait to see the vibrant wardrobes on display. We’ve also got a few new additions for this year’s celebration that you don’t want to miss.”

Kicking off at 3 p.m., The Plaza will be transformed into the ultimate Southern rendezvous filled with seersucker suits and bowties, oversized hats and spring dresses. In true Derby fashion, guests are invited to grab a mint julep and hit the dance floor to groove to first-time Derby band, Captain Mike and the Rockers. The Plaza will also be the place to be prior to the race with activities like cornhole, a photo booth provided by PopnPixels, and a craft-making experience for partygoers of all ages.

The Kentucky Derby Party event schedule is as follows:

3 to 10:00 p.m.: Bars open in The Plaza

Guests can enjoy the Derby’s signature drink or other selections of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.

3 to 6:00 p.m.: Captain Mike and the Rockers Performance

Known to throw the smoothest dance party east of Lexington, Captain Mike and the Rockers specialize in the smooth sounds of the late '70s and early '80s. With hits from Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, and Van Morrison, it's a party that spans generations.

3 to 7:00 p.m.: Derby Pre-Race Festivities

Enjoy some pre-race fun with a photo booth provided by PopnPixels, cornhole, retailer activities, and more! Plus, stop by to visit the Craft Box Girls for a special Kentucky Derby themed craft the little ones are sure to love.

3 to 6:00 p.m.: Place Your Bets!

Guests can purchase raffle tickets and pick a horse to win, place or show. Partygoers will place “bets” on their favorite horses by placing tickets in each respective raffle jar and 3 lucky winners will be selected from the winning horses’ jars. Prizes will be awarded to the horse(s) that place in each position. Prize packages include a weekend stay for the winning horse bet from The Hotel at Avalon, an overnight night stay at The Hotel at Avalon for the horse that places as well as the horse that shows, and gift cards from participating Avalon retailers. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Iron Horse Therapy.

6:34 p.m.: Live Kentucky Derby Race Viewing

Gather around the jumbo screen to watch the most anticipated horse race of the year and cheer on the winning horses! After the race, winners from the raffle will be announced.

6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: Live DJ

This Kentucky Derby Party doesn’t end after the horses are back in the stables! Guests are invited to stick around for a live DJ featuring dance hits while enjoying another mint julep.

Avalon’s retailers and restaurants will also join in on the celebration, offering specials like:

• J.Crew – 15 percent off purchases
• Sage – 25 percent off regular price apparel except Free People throughout the day
• Soft Surroundings – $10 off $50 purchase from 3 to 7 p.m.

More participants coming soon!

Last year’s Kentucky Derby celebration at Avalon welcomed more than 5,000 partygoers to the mixed-use development. The 2018 event is sponsored by Reformation Brewery and Maker’s Mark. Attendees are encouraged to share Derby experiences on social media with the hashtag #KentuckyDerbyatAvalon.

The Kentucky Derby event is free and open to the public to attend. To stay updated on retailer and restaurant offerings, visit: www.experienceavalon.com/events/eventitems/kentucky-derby-party/

About Avalon

Avalon is a new experience in the timeless art of living well. In the heart of Alpharetta, this sustainably designed, 86-acre development with more than 500,000 square feet of retail, a 12-screen all premium theater, conference center and full-service hotel, Class A office, single-family residences and luxury rental homes infuses resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable, seamlessly connected community of shopping, dining, entertainment, living and working. It’s more than just another place to go, it’s a place to be — a hub of local art and activity that delivers the luxury of the modern South. At 2.4 million square feet and more than $1 billion, Avalon is one of the largest projects currently underway in the United States. You can find more updates on Avalon at its website, Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter profile.