Run for the Roses in Downtown Morehead City

As Churchill Downs preps for the most famous two minutes in sports,Downtown Morehead City is preparing for an unforgettable day where sunshine and Southern charm collide. The 4th Annual Downtown Derby Darty is back on May 3rd, 2025, and it’s bigger, bolder, and a little more bedazzled than ever before.

Kicking things off this year is a hat-making workshop hosted by Wine & Design Morehead City. On April 30th, you are invited to design your own Derby masterpiece — think feathers, florals, and as much flair as you can glue onto a sunhat. The perfect pre-party to get your accessories in order.

On May 3rd, The Downtown Derby Darty Garden Party starts the day’s festivities, running from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Held in the gardens of the historic 1100 on Arendell, this event is the perfect way to ease into Derby Day in style. Guests can enjoy bubbly, live music and paintings, while mingling in their finest sundresses, linen suits, and statement hats. Ideal for those not interested in the evening’s pub crawl — or for the die-hards ready to make a full day of it — the Garden Party sets the tone for a day packed with Southern charm. It’s the perfect setting to catch up with friends, pose for a few Derby-worthy photos, and toast to the start of a tradition.

For those ready to continue the celebration, the Downtown Derby Darty Bar Crawl kicks off after the Garden Party. Downtown Morehead City, Inc. is excited to host our 4th annual Kentucky Derby inspired pub crawl - the "Downtown Derby Darty!" Sponsored by Barefoot Coastal, Churchwell's Jewelers, Shortway Brewing Co., and Jack's on the Waterfront.

The crawl will feature 14 stops including: 

Arendell Room | Casa San Carlo | Catch 109 | Floyd’s 1921 | Jack’s on the Waterfront

King Mackerel's | Promise' Land Market | Red Fish Grill | Southern Salt |Sunset Slush

The Club at the Webb | Tight Lines | Tower 7 | Yellowfin Pub

Enjoy Derby-themed drink specials, food, and lots of photo opportunities with a scavenger hunt while walking around beautiful downtown Morehead City. Get dressed up to enter our "Best Dressed Lady," "Most Dapper Gent," and "Best Hat Overall" competitions - judged by local celebrities! Judging will be from 2:00 - 3:30pm at Jack's on the Waterfront, so be sure to get there early for entry. 

Participants will receive a complimentary beer, locally brewed by Shortway Brewing Co. at Jack's on the Waterfront, complimentary raffle ticket, and some unique Derby swag. Additional themed drinks and appetizers are available for purchase at participating locations.

Got a creative side? Love a good excuse to break out the glue gun and sequins? Then you need to join our Derby Hat Decorating Contest! Grab a hat, accessorize it to your heart’s content, and write up a little blurb about your masterpiece. We’ll have all the hats on display at Check-In at Jack’s Waterfront Bar before the Downtown Derby Darty Pub Crawl gets started. From there, the hats will head to one of the crawl stops, where participants can vote for their favorite by dropping $1 per vote. The best part? Every dollar raised goes toward keeping Downtown Morehead City great. We’ll announce the winner at 7 PM back at Jack’s Waterfront Bar, right after the raffle baskets are drawn.

So dust off your linen suits, shine your julep cups, and gather your crew. Whether you’re in it for the race, the cocktails, or the chance to declare your hat a local legend, the 4th Annual Downtown Derby Darty promises a day of fun and celebration.