Run for the Roses in Marion County
The second annual Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl will race through downtown Ocala on May 2.
Danielle Moore, Melanie Roweton and Betty Stallone showed off some fancy fashions for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl.
The Kentucky Derby website touts “The fashion. The roar. The roses.” The leaderboard contains names familiar to Marion County, such as trainers Mark Casse, Ken McPeek and Todd Pletcher. And some of you may even journey to Churchill Downs for the 152nd Run for the Roses.
But you could just stay right here in the Horse Capital of the World and take part in the second annual Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl on May 2 in downtown Ocala.
If you do, be sure to pay attention to the “fashion” part and plan to show up in splendor and bling, and some kind of flashy headwear. The derby website goes so far as to note: “Treat the HAT as the focal point of your canvas! Let it lead the outfit.”
The local effort is led by Meigan Sardinia and the team at The Black Sheep on Broadway. The other participants are Bank Street Patio Bar, Say Taco, Mutiny, Ivy on the Square, Mellow Mushroom, O’Malley’s Alley and District Bar & Kitchen.
Participants will begin at Bank Street Patio Bar to pick up their Derby koozie and ticket, then make their way through the participating locations, enjoying a featured cocktail at each stop. The crawl finishes at The Black Sheep on Broadway, where guests will gather for Kentucky Derby race viewing and receive a celebratory rose.
“The idea for the Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl came together just three weeks before the derby last year. I had attended the derby years ago — wearing the big hat, the fancy dress — and had such an incredible experience. It got me thinking, ‘Why do you have to go all the way to the Kentucky Derby to dress up and enjoy that atmosphere?’ I wanted to bring a little bit of that magic home,” Sardinia shared.
“At the same time, I was looking for a fun, affordable way to bring our community together while also showcasing all the amazing restaurants and bars we have downtown. Last year, we had six participating bars and sold 100 tickets with only three weeks of promotion. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but seeing everyone show up dressed in their derby hats, bowties and full outfits was incredible. It was one of those moments where you realize how special something really is,” she added.
“This year, we’ve expanded to eight amazing locations. Guests don’t have to visit every stop, but of course we hope they do. Each location will feature its own specialty Kentucky Derby cocktail included with the ticket and guests are welcome to order and enjoy additional food and drinks along the way,” Sardinia continued. “Even better, 20% of the event’s sales will be donated to the Marion County Literacy Council, so while you’re out having fun, you’re also giving back to the community.”
The Black Sheep on Broadway website says the event will offer, “Derby hats, big energy, race‑day spirit, photo ops, prizes and community fun.” “Party Pony” tickets are $50 per person. The event will run from 2 to 6 p.m.
For details and tickets, go to theblacksheeponbroadwayocala.com/kentucky-derby-pub-crawl-2026
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