Axios Denver Weekender

May 01, 2026
Hello! It's John with a rundown on Kentucky Derby events and more.
- Sounds like: "My Old Kentucky Home"
Today's newsletter is 712 words β a 2.5-minute read.
1 big thing: π It's Derby weekend
The Run for the Roses is Saturday, so don your seersucker suits and colorful derby hats.
If you go: A handful of Denver bars are showing the Kentucky Derby β post time is 4:57pm β and offering drink specials and costume contests.
- Rare Bird, atop the Halcyon hotel in Cherry Creek, is hosting an event with a DJ, curated cocktails and contests for best dressed and best hat. Tickets start at $85 and include two drink tickets.
- Forget Me Not in Cherry Creek is having a post-Derby party with contests, giveaways, special cocktails and small bites. Reservations needed.
- The St Julien Hotel & Spa's annual Derby party takes place on its lawn from 1-5pm in Boulder. Guests will enjoy a live band, open bar, hand-rolled cigars, Southern-style buffet and puppy racing with Mile High Canine Rescue. Tickets are $130.
- Sky View Farm's sixth annual Mini Derby takes place 1-5:30pm Saturday in Castle Rock. The event features miniature and hobby horse races, a petting zoo, food trucks and whiskey and wine tastings. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Tickets start at $150 for adults.
- The Ritz-Carlton in Denver is celebrating Derby Day from 1-8pm with large video projections of the race amid live entertainment, two dance floors, best dressed contests and more. Tickets start at $35.
- Bounce Empire is hosting a Kentucky Derby party in the Dome, which offers a 42-foot immersive experience for all ages. Tickets start at $60.
2. π Cinco de Mayo Festival and more
π The annual two-day Denver Cinco de Mayo Festival returns Saturday and Sunday to Civic Center Park.
- The event is a celebration of culture, community, food, music and family fun, organizers say. It's open 10am-8pm both days. Free.
π Denver Fashion Week starts tomorrow with eight runway shows at the Furniture Row Showroom (5445 Bannock St.) ranging from athleisure to eco-conscious outfits.
π Aurora is celebrating its 135th birthday from 10am-1pm Saturday at the Aurora History Museum. Free.
π£ Denver Art Society is hosting its First Friday celebration on Santa Fe Drive from 5-11pm tomorrow.
π₯ Mile High Comics and other comic book shops are celebrating Free Comic Book Day on Saturday by giving away comic books.
3. π±Streaming guide
Your couch time is valuable. Here are a few new streaming picks worth checking out.
"Wuthering Heights" β available tomorrow on HBO Max
- Director Emerald Fennell's Gothic, broody R-rated take on the Emily BrontΓ« classic stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
- State of play: The film was a box-office hit despite mixed reviews. HBO Max is releasing the standard and ASL versions the same day.
"Widow's Bay" β Season 1 available now on Apple TV+
- Matthew Rhys plays Tom Loftis, the mayor of a remote New England island desperate to attract tourists β as warnings about an ancient curse start coming true.
- Zoom in: Created by Katie Dippold ("Parks and Recreation") and directed by Hiro Murai ("Atlanta," "Barry"), the show promises character-driven comedy mixed with genuine horror.
"The House of the Spirits" β available now on Prime Video
- The first Spanish-language TV adaptation of Isabel Allende's acclaimed novel follows three generations of women β their secret loves, politics and conflicts β in a conservative South American country.
- Behind the scenes: The 1993 film adaptation with Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons was not well-received by critics. Allende herself serves as an executive producer on this version.
"Tales From the Crypt" β Season 1 available Friday on Shudder
- Boils and ghouls can stream the cult favorite horror anthology series from the '90s β gore, profanity, macabre puns and all.
- Zoom in: It features the wisecracking Crypt Keeper (John Kassir) and a number of high-profile guest stars (Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, the late Catherine O'Hara and many more).
"My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders" β available now on Paramount+
- A woman accuses her late father of killing dozens of women, including his wives, in this docuseries.
- What's happening: The filmmakers spent three years investigating the claims, revisiting a decades-long mystery tied to "The Monster of Green Hollow."
π€ John is hoping to get cleared for activity after his emergency appendectomy a month ago.
ππ½ββοΈ Esteban is joining the Cinco de Mayo Celebration Run with Latinos Run Denver on Sunday at Denver REI.
Thanks to our editor Hadley Malcolm.
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