Derby parties, Star Wars day, concerts and more on tap this week

By the Thirst Team

Derby parties, Cinco fiestas and more

It’s a big party weekend. Cinco de Mayo is on Sunday, and both the Kentucky Derby and Star Wars day are on Saturday. Check our calendar for plenty of events all over the state to celebrate all three “holidays.”

If you can only make it to one, we pick the derby party Saturday at Axe and the Oak Whiskey House in Colorado Springs. There will be costume and hat contests, commemorative cups, drink specials and DJ Rocky Ross spins tunes from 2 to 6 p.m.

Summer kickoff in Moffat County

The town of Craig and the rest of Moffat County (in the northwest corner of Colorado) hosts a series of summer kickoff events this week, starting with behind the scenes tours at the Museum of Northwest Colorado tomorrow. The Great American Horse Drive travels through Browns Park on Saturday, and runs through the heart of Maybell on Sunday.

Speaking of Maybell, the free 30-mile “Where the Hell’s Maybell” bike ride runs from Craig to Maybell on Saturday. The ride starts at 7 a.m. in Craig, and shuttles from Maybell back to Craig begin running at 10:30.

Mud season party in Steamboat

The Commons Food Hall in Steamboat Springs hosts a free mud season reopening party from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Apple Pie Trio and The Remedy will perform, and there will be a costume contest for everyone in their best river rat and surf bum costumes. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is encouraged.

Destination of the Week: Three Forks Ranch

Award-winning and chart-topping country singer Colin Raye is playing a private concert on Tuesday for guests at Three Forks Ranch in Savery, Wyoming, which is just over the border and about 50 miles north of Craig.

Other upcoming shows include Ricky Skaggs, Mark Chestnutt and Neal McCoy.

Save the date: Brewers Rendezvous

Tickets are now on sale for the Colorado Brewers Rendezvous on July 13 in Salida. More than 65 Colorado craft breweries will pour hundreds of craft beers. The participating breweries can be found here.

As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. And enjoy your Colorado craft libations responsibly.