As a first-timer there is a little you can do to really prepare for the Kentucky Derby except show up. Sure, you can have the perfect dress and hat, tickets, and a great group of friends in tow, but once you’re in, nothing is quite what you’d expect. It’s tailgatin meets an elegant country brunch, with a touch of old-world nostalgia and a whole lot of rowdiness. Here is what a couple days of Derby looked like for two SL editors.

Friday, May 2: The Oaks 8 to 11 a.m.: Suiting up. This isn’t the place to skimp on on style. We partnered up with Gus Mayer for our Derby looks. Thanks Gus! And yes, phones are also a main accessory at Derby. 3:45 p.m.: Scoping style. Out of 200 contestants, Carson Cressley, Simon Baker, and Stephanie awarded best in show to this lovely lady who stood out in her quirky get-up during the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Show.

5:15 p.m.: Drinks, like a local. We found our favorite mint julep at Rye on Market Street—not too sweet with a bushy sprig of fresh mint.

11:18 p.m.: Galas and secret concerts. Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert duet at the Barnstable Gala. Run by Patricia Barnstable-Brown and Cyb Barnstable (former Doublemint Twins), this soiree runs into the wee hours of the morning at their sprawling estate.  Other close encounters of the celeb kind include: Boyz II Men, Richie Sambora, Pete Wentz, and Mary Wilson. The takeaway—musicians love Derby.

Saturday, May 3: Derby Day 
10:42 a.m.: Haggling for parking. Cash is essential. And we’re not talking the $10 or $20 we’re used to paying. If you’re going to be a high roller, you better bring some extra 20s.”

1:10 p.m.: Red carpet interviews. Laura Bell Bundy impresses us with her horse betting knowledge, and Johnny Weir tells us the inspiration behind his pegasus hat.

3:30 p.m.: Up-close with the horses. The saying “the fastest two minutes in sports” is no joke. We got the behind-the-scenes tour to see the horses go from paddock to finish line, and the whole thing flew by quicker than you can say “another mint julep, please.”

8:20 p.m.: Small plate-palooza at Ed Lee’s Milkwood. We can hardly resist ordering a second helping of his spicy chicken and waffles.

11: 14 p.m.: Party at Hotel 21C Museum Hotel. Morph-suited models, glitter-throwing performers, and  a chandelier hanging champagne server by Aerial Artistry —this is how Louisville celebrates the end of Derby Day.

3:30 a.m.: Calling it quits. We make our rounds to some of the local bars where the festivities continue. It’s soon bedtime for these two editors, but Louisville was made for night owls. Bars stay open till 6 a.m. on race day.

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 By Stephanie Granada and Hannah Hayes.