Westin Tampa Bay’s Palmette Brasserie and Bar to Host Derby Day Soiree: Run for the Roses
Live Race Viewing, Chef’s Derby Menu, Best Dressed Contests, Photobooth, Complimentary Valet, Live Music, and Classic Juleps and Bourbons for a Posh Afternoon
TAMPA, Fla. (April 6th, 2026) – Palmette Brasserie and Bar at The Westin Tampa Bay is inviting guests to experience the grandeur of the Kentucky Derby without leaving Tampa Bay. On Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the restaurant will transform into a Derby Day destination for its Derby Day Soiree: Run for the Roses, an afternoon of Southern charm, race-day excitement, elevated cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and festive competition along the Bay.
Guests are invited to dress in their Derby finest and take part in a full afternoon of activations, including live coverage of the Kentucky Derby, a lively Best Hat Contest, a Best Dressed competition, an interactive horse-picking game, a photo booth, and live music from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Tickets are available at two tiers. General Admission is priced at $45 and includes one complimentary cocktail and a curated food experience created by Executive Chef Saravanan Appadurai, featuring Wagyu Sliders, served on a mini brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, shallot aioli, crispy onion, and gruyère cheese. VIP tickets are available for $75 and include reserved seating, two complimentary cocktails or a Bourbon Flight, and an expanded menu that adds a Mini Tuna Niçoise Salad; featuring seared tuna, fingerling potatoes, green beans, olives, tomatoes, avocado, and a Dijon and citrus emulsion alongside the full-size Wagyu Slider. Guests who prefer to purchase tickets at the door are welcome to do so for an additional $10 above the pre-purchase price for both tiers.
The bar will be serving a curated Derby cocktail menu throughout the event, including the timeless Mint Julep, a festive Derby Spritz, and a Bourbon Flight for those who prefer to sip and savor the spirit of Kentucky.
The afternoon’s entertainment is designed to capture the full spectacle of Derby Day. Guests will cheer on the horses during live race viewing, compete for prizes in the Best Hat Contest, and vie for the Best Dressed Award. For those feeling lucky, the Pick the Winning Horse game gives every guest a chance to call the race; and the guest who picks the winner takes home a bottle of champagne. A photo booth will be available throughout the event, and live music will set the mood from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Whether you’re a devoted racing fan or simply looking for an extraordinary way to spend a Saturday afternoon, the Derby Day Soiree at Palmette Brasserie and Bar promises an experience that is equal parts spectacle and sophistication. From the first sip of a Mint Julep to the final call at the finish line, guests can expect an afternoon that captures the magic of Derby Day in true Tampa Bay style. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement, reserve your spot today and let the races begin!
Advance tickets are required and can be purchased through OpenTable. Doors open at 3:00 PM, and the event will run through 8:00 PM. Complimentary valet parking will be provided for all guests.
PALMETTE BRASSERIE AND BAR: Palmette is a modern brasserie and bar with a relaxed, tropical atmosphere inspired by Florida’s breezy waterfront lifestyle. Featuring indoor and outdoor dining, a lively bar that opens seamlessly to the patio, and panoramic water views, Palmette combines thoughtful design, coastal flavors, and approachable classics to create a vibrant dining destination. Located at 7627 W Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa, FL 33607, Palmette is designed to be both a local favorite and a destination for visitors seeking an elevated waterfront dining experience. palmettetampa.com | 813.281.0000 | Instagram: @palmettetampa | Facebook: Palmette Brasserie and Bar
THE WESTIN TAMPA BAY: The Westin Tampa Bay is a premier 4 Star hotel located in the Westshore Business District, offering modern accommodations, wellness-inspired amenities, and scenic waterfront views. The property has recently completed a transformative renovation to enhance guest experiences and elevate its standing as a top destination for travel and events. 7627 W Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa, FL 33607 | (813) 281-0000
PYRAMID GLOBAL HOSPITALITY: Pyramid Global Hospitality was formed by the 2021 merger of three hotel and resort management companies, creating the most owner-focused, experiential company in the industry and establishing a position as a best workplace. The organization’s global portfolio spans more than 240 properties across the U.S., Caribbean and Europe. It maintains offices in Boston; The Woodlands, Texas; Cincinnati; and London. For more information, visit www.PyramidGlobal.com
EVOLVE & CO: Evolve & Co is a full-service advertising agency located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is a collective of brand strategists and creatives, specializing in the lifestyle vertical. The firm is located at 475 Central Avenue Suite M7, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.evolveandco.com
Editors: For details or to schedule an interview, contact Lisa Williams at lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.
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