Margaritas and mint juleps are on a lot of menus this week thanks to Cinco de Mayo and the 145th Kentucky Derby. Both land this weekend, and the best ways to celebrate are listed here. But first, step into springtime flavors with dinner amid the blooms at an Arlington greenhouse, then snap into some local beef jerky paired with some Fort Worth beer. There’s also a steak cook-off where the guests are the real winners — the ticket prices comes with a ribeye dinner.

Thursday, May 2

Flora and Fauna at Idlewild Botanical
The Arlington greenhouse is in full spring bloom, and Fort Worth chefs Dena Peterson Shaskan and Hao Tran want to celebrate. The duo will collaborate on a three-course menu, with highlights including herb roasted chicken with butter and mint-braised turnips, borscht with sauerkraut and beets, and lemon-lavender shortbread cookies. The dinner starts at 6 pm and is $60 per person. Wine pairings are included.

Saturday, May 4

Beef Jerky and Beer Pairing at Cowtown Brewing Company
Here’s a new one in the world of beer pairings. The downtown Fort Worth brewery will partner with Dallas-based Vinnie’s Ol’ Time Jerky to offer a beer flight paired with various jerkies. The $15 flight includes four beers and four jerkies, including classic, barbecue, pineapple and one called “project M” made with sweet and spicy mustard. The flights will be available from 11 am to 4 pm.

Kentucky Derby Party at Kent & Co
Don your derby hat and visit the West Magnolia Avenue wine bar for the most exciting two minutes in sports. The $20 ticket includes an event glass, your first pour and a GIF photo of your derby crew. Heim Barbecue will be on site to offer their take on the classic Kentucky hot brown sandwich. The event starts at 2:30 pm with the 145th Kentucky Derby post time set for 5:50 pm.

Roanoke Roundup
Amateur backyard chefs will compete to prepare the best ribeye steak in Roanoke during this family-friendly cook-off. Patrons get to sample steaks then choose their favorite team to prepare their ribeye to their liking. Then take a tour through Roanoke’s restaurant row for side dishes and desserts. Tickets are $25 for the full meal. (There’s a $10 option for simply side dishes.) The cook-off will begin at 10 am with live music and a classic car show all day, but dinner will only be served from 4:30 to 7 pm.

Sunday, May 5

Cinco on South Main
Get a sneak peek of cuisine and drinks from South Main’s upcoming new Tinie’s Mexican Rotisserie (set to open in the coming weeks from the folks behind Taco Heads) at this second annual outdoor festival. This year will feature live music from Tejano legends Gary Hobbs and Rey Reyna, and Fort Worth’s own Squeeze Box Bandits will get the party started. Brix Barbecue will also be on-site. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids. The event will run from noon to 7 pm.

Cinco de ‘Rita at Texas Live
Arlington’s most popular playground will be set for margarita madness come Cinco de Mayo. For a $15 ticket, patrons can visit each Texas Live bar for a sample size margarita. Try them all then go back to your favorite for a full pour in a souvenir glass. The margarita mayhem will run from 5 to 8 pm.