152nd Kentucky Derby | Lakes Style
- Camp Nisswa
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
And they're off...
The Kentucky Derby—America’s classiest excuse to wear a big hat and sip on a cocktail before 2 PM. The traditions run deep: the fast horses, the wild bets, the chance that your longshot “Wrong Turn Loony” might actually win. But just because we’re a few miles (okay, a few hundred) from Churchill Downs doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the action. Up here in the Nisswa Lakes Area, we do Derby Day our way—local drinks, great food, outrageous outfits, and community fun.
Here’s where you can saddle up for some Derby Day fun around the lakes:
Saturday May 2, 2026 | 152nd Kentucky Derby
Cinco de Derby at Zorbaz on Gull Lake (Lake Shore, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | All Day
Details: Zorbaz on Gull Lake is celebrating “Cinco de Derby” all day with Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo vibes, featuring Julepz vs. Margz drink specials.
Kentucky Derby Party at The Woods
Date: May 2, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Details: Get Derby at The Woods with Kentucky Derby specials and events throughout the day. The Triple Crown Bloody Bar will be available from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for $15, with Mint Juleps and Elder Fashioneds featured as cocktail specials. A Mega Meat Raffle starts at 4:00 p.m. with horse races to follow, and the Kentucky Derby race airs at 5:57 p.m. with betting boards during the race. The event also includes a Best in Show Contest, with the winner receiving a $100 gift card announced before the live band, Baroque Nerds, takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Manhattan’s (Crosslake, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Details: Manhattan Beach Lodge is hosting a Kentucky Derby celebration as part of Springfest weekend featuring bingo at 12:00 p.m., live music at 2:00 p.m., and the Kentucky Derby race at 5:57 p.m. The event highlights Derby fun, drinks, and live entertainment at Manhattan’s.
Kentucky Derby Party at Patrick’s Cedar Chest (Crosslake, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Details: Patrick’s Cedar Chest is hosting a Kentucky Derby celebration starting at 2:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to grab their hat, pick their style, and dress to impress. The event will feature contests for Best Hat, Best Stick Horse, and Best Outfit, with each winner receiving a $50 gift card. Drink specials include $6 Mint Juleps and $6 Kentucky Mules.
Kentucky Derby Party at Brainerd Elks Lodge 615 (Brainerd, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Details: Brainerd Elks Lodge 615 will host a Kentucky Derby Party with games and prizes starting at 4:00 p.m., Mint Julep and mojito drink specials, and plenty of Derby fun. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire, including hats, for the celebration.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at Bar Harbor Supper Club (Lake Shore, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Details: Bar Harbor Supper Club will host a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party featuring Mint Juleps and Hot Browns. The bar opens at 3:00 p.m., with dinner starting at 4:00 p.m.
Kentucky Derby Party at Lucky’s Tavern (Pequot Lakes, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Details: Lucky’s Tavern will host a Kentucky Derby Day party featuring horse races starting at 4:00 p.m. with up to $500 in cash prizes, a hat contest with winners announced at 6:30 p.m., $5 Mint Juleps, and $5 shrimp cocktail. Hat contest prizes include 50 free drinks for 1st place, a $150 gift card for 2nd place, and a Lucky’s hoodie for 3rd place. Race time is set for 5:57 p.m.
Run for the Roses at Cragun’s Resort (Brainerd, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Details: Run for the Roses will take place at Irma’s Kitchen at Cragun’s Resort for an afternoon of community, connection, and Kentucky Derby flair. Guests can enjoy appetizers, signature drinks, a Best Hat and Costume Contest, raffle prizes, and a fun afternoon with friends and neighbors, all while supporting Lakes Area United Way.
Kentucky Derby Party at Ox Lake Tavern (Crosslake, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Details: Ox Lake Tavern is bringing Kentucky Derby energy to Crosslake with big hats, bold sips, and a little friendly chaos. Guests can bet on their favorite horse, sip something minty, and take part in a hat contest for a fun Derby-style celebration.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at The North Star (Breezy Point, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 4:00 PM - End of Race
Details: The North Star is hosting a Kentucky Derby Watch Party where guests can sip on a Mint Julep and enjoy half-off drinks when wearing a big hat or Derby attire.
Derby Day at Jack Pine Brewery (Brainerd, MN)
Date: May 2, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Details: Jack Pine Brewery will host a Derby Day celebration featuring Mint Julep cocktail seltzer, the main race shown on the big screen, and a Lucky Draw Horse Race for added fun. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire for a chance to receive $1 off their drink.
We’ll be adding more parties as we find them, so check back for updates.
And hey—if you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your own Mint Juleps at home, here’s the real deal:
The Authentic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Old Forester Mint Julep Recipe
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky
Boil sugar and water together for five minutes to make a simple syrup. Cool and add six to eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, fill a julep cup with crushed ice, add one tablespoon of the mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester bourbon. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
It’s Derby time, Lakes Style. Cheers to big hats, big sips, and big wins.
Be Safe, Plan Ahead
Derby Day is a good time, but the best parties end with everyone home safe. If you're enjoying a few cocktails, be sure to plan a safe ride. Grab a designated driver, call a ride service, or set up a carpool ahead of time. A little planning goes a long way—keep the memories great and the roads safe.
© 2026 Camp Nisswa LLC. All Rights Reserved