Stay in Rosemary Beach on 30A with Royal Destinations

Every first Saturday in May, the most exciting two minutes in sports brings the country together for the Kentucky Derby — and on Florida's Scenic Highway 30A, one of the best places to celebrate is The Courtyard at Pescado in Rosemary Beach. This beloved annual event combines the spirit and pageantry of Derby Day with the coastal charm and craft cocktail culture that makes 30A such a distinctive destination.

The Courtyard at Pescado is one of the most atmospheric venues in all of Rosemary Beach, evoking the vibrant energy and musical heritage of New Orleans with tropical foliage, handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment. Each year on Kentucky Derby Day the venue transforms into a full Derby celebration — complete with a sponsored Maker's Mark Cocktail Class, live music, Derby-inspired dishes and the race broadcast live for guests to enjoy together.

Whether you are a devoted Derby fan, a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and festive way to spend a May afternoon in one of 30A's most iconic communities, this event delivers a genuinely memorable experience. And with Royal Destinations' collection of vacation rentals in and around Rosemary Beach, you can be just steps from The Courtyard when the gates open

Kentucky Derby Party and Cocktail Class Event Details:

• Date: Annually on Kentucky Derby Day — the first Saturday in May (Saturday, May 2, 2026 for the 152nd Kentucky Derby)
• Time: Event runs approximately 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Cocktail Class begins at the start of the event
• Location: The Courtyard at Pescado, 74 Town Hall Road Suite 4B, Rosemary Beach, FL — located on the ground floor of the Orleans building in Rosemary Beach
• Makers Mark Cocktail Class: Led by one of Pescado's highly trained bartenders; guests are guided step-by-step through crafting two Maker's Mark cocktails; session concludes with a bartender's choice cocktail timed for the main race; class lasts 60 to 90 minutes depending on group size
• Included with Cocktail Class: Cheese and charcuterie board plus three total cocktails per guest
• Cocktail Class Pricing: $139 per person plus 7% state tax and 23% service charge; advance reservations required via SevenRooms
• Live Music: Live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening; past performers have included Nathan Fife
• Race Broadcast: The Kentucky Derby aired live on a big screen for guests to watch together
• Derby Attire: Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire — hats, fascinators and pastels welcome
• Derby Day Dishes: Seasonal Derby-inspired food and cocktail menu available throughout the event
• Party Entry: The Derby Day party portion of the event is free and open to the public; the Cocktail Class requires paid advance reservation
• Reservations: Contact Pescado directly at 850-213-4600 or reserve online via SevenRooms at rooftop30a.com

Reserve Your Rosemary Beach Stay for Kentucky Derby Weekend with Royal Destinations

Kentucky Derby weekend on 30A is one of the most festive and spirited weekends of the spring season — and The Courtyard at Pescado makes it truly unforgettable. Reserve one of our Rosemary Beach or 30A vacation rentals and put yourself right in the heart of the celebration. Browse our available properties and reserve your stay with Royal Destinations today.