Sand Ole Opry @ Derby de Mayo at The Bay

The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo are happening back to back in one glorious weekend and The Bay is all in as they host Derby de Mayo Weekend. First, on Saturday, May 4, The Bay will have a "Big Hat Contest" at 5PM - wear your derby best, your biggest, fanciest hat and join in the fun. The winner of "Best Hat" will receive a gift card from The Bay. While you're there, enjoy a Hot Brown sandwich and Mint Julep in true derby fashion. At 5:50 PM everyone will turn their attention to the race for the most exciting two minutes in sports.

On Sunday, May 5, don your sombrero and come grab some tacos and margaritas on the beach. The Bay chefs will roast a whole pig that day and serve up pineapple pork tacos fresh on the spot. Sand Ole Opry Grande featuring Mike Whitty, Fritz, Ken Johnson, and Roberto Padron, will play first from 2-5PM. Next up at 6:00PM, The Owsley Brothers, another local favorite, rock the beach and are sure to get you moving in the sand. 

The custom Derby de Mayo design will be on T-shirts and available for purchase all weekend. 

It's going to be a fun-fueled weekend of great libations, authentic, festive cuisine, the most famous horse race in the world and a Mexican party like no other!

The Bay News

Sunday Funday at The Bay all day starts with Brunch ~ 11AM-2PM with several special brunch options such as chicken and waffles or crab cake benedict. Sunday Pickin' @ The Bay featuring Mike Whitty & Friends from 4-8pm. It's a jam session outdoors overlooking the bay. Happy hour is 4-6pm with half off cocktails and wine by the glass and $1 off beer. Come out to the Sand ol' Opry by car, bike, board, boat or plane! Guest pickers are always welcome!

The Bay also hosts a fun mid week tradition locals love on Wednesday nights with live music and a bonfire on the beach. Each season brings celebration and special events with music to the waterfront restaurant located at the foot of the 331 bridge in SoWal. Some excellent shows coming up for the weekly bonfire/music night and now Sunday afternoons by the bay. Come out for cocktails at the bar or enjoy dinner and local live music too.

The Bay is an award-winning, yet casual waterfront restaurant and bar created by Chef Jim Shirley with a reputation for serving some of the best grub in South Walton. But the hot spot’s namesake is what brought us there in the first place - the majestic Choctawhatchee (chock-tuh-hatch-ee) Bay of South Walton. It’s time to get back to basics and soak up what The Bay does best: beach, beer and buddies. 

Open daily for lunch and dinner! More information, photos and stories at SoWal Dining Guide | The Bay. Follow The Bay on Facebook for updates on specials and events. See the food + drink menus at baysouthwalton.com.