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It’s a duel of fates this weekend, between the niche and well-loved events in town. Celebrate sports of all sorts with "rat races" you’d never have guessed, to costumed smugglers and wookies around town.

150th Kentucky Derby Party at Kentucky Burn

What: For the second year in a row, Kentucky Burn bar on the North End is celebrating over 100 years of sportsmanship with whiskey, bourbon and good company. According to the bar, boatloads of drink specials will be available to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a glass in hand; the mint julep includes a souvenir Derby glass for first purchase. Games and prizes will also be available at the event for best dressed and best hat alongside comforting southern food.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Kentucky Burn at 1104 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield

Need a break?

More: Information about the menu and game-day can be found at .

Second annual Ratucky Derby

What: If betting on horses isn’t your fancy – why not high-velocity vermin? The ‘Ratucky Derby: a Night at the Mouses Races Fundraiser’ is throwing a spoof on the annual Kentucky Derby for a good cause. With actual mouse tracks set up for the inaugural races, tables will be set around the clubhouse with mouse roulette, plinko, silent auction and a raffle. All proceeds benefit , a non-profit assisting parents in finding affordable childcare and education.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Firefighters Lake Club at 940 West Lake Shore Drive

More: in advance and $30 at the door, with each ticket purchase including entry and dinner provided by Razzo's Family Pizzeria, and non-alcoholic beverages.

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May the Fourth be With You Cantina Party

What: Celebrate cantina-style with The Wakery this Star Wars Day by tuning into your inner sci-fi fan. Any fan of the comics, movies, games or TV shows is welcome to the event open to the public to share a Star Wars themed drink and food at this galactic event. After the public cantina closes at 6 p.m., the party does not stop there. A private ticketed Star Wars dinner with multi-course meals will be served by Emerald Eats later into the night, with rounds of drinks by The Wakery.

When: 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Wakery at 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield

More: Tickets can be purchased on The Wakery’s website for $65 per person in this limited space setting. A "Revenge of the Fifth" Star Wars themed Death Star painting event on Sunday will also be available from 2 to 4 p.m. for $35 per person.

Jedi and Padawans improv theater

What: It takes two to duel and with the local improv teams it’s sure to be entertaining. Capital City Improv and the Teen Improv Troupe present "Jedi and Padawans," an improv play set in a galaxy far, far away. Come for the fast-wit and laugh and watch a new tale from outer space fly. The improv event will host a costume contest for the crowd to dress their Star Wars best: Wookies, rebels and imperials can compete for best dressed to win a prize.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: The clubroom at Hoogland Center for the Arts at 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield

More: All ages are welcome – even the younglings – for this ticketed event. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at .

Liturgical Arts Festival 

What: Star Wars and horse races not up that alley? Find art and spoken word with the Liturgical Arts. With this year's theme of "Creation: Revelation of the Divine" crosses into faith and celebration of it, as part of the bi-annual festival hosted by the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. The weeklong event beginning Saturday will continue throughout next week until May 11 and each day will be centered around its own theme and exhibit to attend around the city. The festival is inspired by the beautiful diversity of faith traditions within the community as programs are accessible to those of any faith or none.

When: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 to May 11 with each day having its own schedules. The Sunday event starts at 3 p.m.

Where: Locations differ by day; Saturday events will be held at 700 N. Fourth St. for the juried art gallery.

More: Information for all events can be found online at . All days of the event are free.

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted