151st Kentucky Derby | Lakes Style
- Camp Nisswa
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Updated: May 3
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 3, 2025 | 151st Kentucky Derby
Derby Day at Jack Pine Brewery
Brainerd, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starts at 12 PM
Details: Jack Pine is turning into a little slice of Churchill Downs with their Derby Day celebration. Come dressed in your finest race-day fashion (you’ll even get $1 off drinks for dressing up), grab a Mint Julep Seltzer or Pecan Porter, and hang around for prize drawings and a live stream of the race between 6–7 PM. Caribbean Fusion food truck will be serving up the eats.
Kentucky Derby Party at Patrick’s Cedar Chest
Crosslake, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starting at 2:00 PM
Details: Patrick’s Cedar Chest is hosting a Derby Party starting at 2 PM with happy hour at 6 PM. The event features themed drinks like Mint Juleps and Kentucky Mules, along with fun contests for best outfit, hat, and stick horse—each with a $50 gift card prize. Guests can also win prizes by guessing the winning horse. It’s a festive afternoon full of drinks, games, and derby-themed fun.
Kentucky Derby Party at Cragun’s Legacy Grill
Brainerd, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 3 PM–7 PM
Details: Southern food. Derby cocktails. Hat contests. Stick horse races. Cragun’s Legacy Grill is doing it up right, with a ticketed party that includes fried chicken, burnt ends, sliders, Mint Juleps, and Kentucky Mules. You can even build your own Derby hat with The Traveling Art Pub from 1–3 PM. Tickets are $65 per person (or $60 for the hat workshop).
Kentucky Derby Party at The Woods
Brainerd, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starts at 3 PM
Details: Expect virtual racing, live horse games, a hat contest, and plenty of drink specials. The Woods is throwing a fun and festive Derby party leading right up to race time at 5:57 PM. If you're looking for a crowd and a good time, this one should be on your radar.
Dark Horse Brew Grand Opening & Derby Day Celebration
Crosslake, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starts at 3 PM
Details: Dark Horse Brew is hosting its grand opening on Saturday, May 3, 2025, starting with coffee specials and a warm welcome. From 3–7 PM, guests can enjoy a Kentucky Derby-themed menu, live race viewing, giveaways, and photo ops, with Derby attire encouraged. The celebration continues with a dance party featuring DJ C&J Productions from 7–10 PM or later. The event takes place in Crosslake Town Square and promises coffee, cocktails, and plenty of fun.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at Bar Harbor Supper Club
Lake Shore, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starts at 4 PM
Details: Bar Harbor Supper Club is hosting a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party on May 3, with doors opening at 4 PM. Guests can enjoy Derby-themed food and drinks like Mint Juleps, Hot Brown Sandwiches, and loaded cheese curds. A full dinner and cocktail menu will also be available.
2nd Annual Lake’s Tavern Kentucky Derby Party
Pequot Lakes, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Details: Lakes Tavern in Pequot Lakes is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 3rd starting at 2 PM, with the race post time at 5:57 PM. Highlights include a Best Hat and Outfit Contest with a $100 gift card prize, $7 Kentucky Browns with Bread Pudding, and themed cocktail specials. Attendees can enjoy betting games for prizes and watch the race inside or on the patio.
Kentucky Derby Party at Ox Lake Tavern
Crosslake, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Details: Ox Lake Tavern is celebrating the Kentucky Derby on May 3 with a lively party featuring a Best Derby Hat contest, drink specials like Mint Juleps and Pimm’s Cups, and food specials including the classic Hot Brown. Guests are encouraged to dress up, participate in the Horse Board and Hat Contest, and tag the tavern in their derby hat photos. It's set to be a fun-filled day of Southern charm and racing excitement!
Kentucky Derby Party at Big Axe Brewing Company
Nisswa, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Details: Swing by Big Axe Brewing for Derby Day fun—enjoy in-house made cocktails, great food, brews, and don’t miss the hat contest! The race will be on, the drinks will be flowing, and the vibes will be strong.
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.
© 2025 Camp Nisswa LLC. All Rights Reserved
Comments