Minnesota's Best Derby Party 2026 at Canterbury Park

SATURDAY, MAY 2ND

Minnesota's Best Derby Party is back at Canterbury Park!

Presented by Maker's Mark

Celebrate the excitement and tradition of the 152nd Kentucky Derby with an unforgettable day at the racetrack. Watch, wager, and celebrate alongside fellow racing fans while enjoying the electric atmosphere of one of the most iconic sporting events of the year.

Take in the Derby experience with indoor and outdoor party spaces, classic Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps, rose arrangements throughout the venue, selfie stations, contests, and vendor experiences. When post time arrives, gather with the crowd to watch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” on the giant jumbotron.

Put on your best Derby attire, bring your friends, and get ready for a celebration and timeless Derby tradition.
Derby attire is encouraged, but not required!

Buy Tickets

For the Gambler

8:00AM: Doors Open
TBA: Kentucky Derby Race
Walk-Up Wagering Available
Reserve Clubhouse indoor restaurant tables in advance online
First Come, First Serve General Admission Seating available on Track and Mezzanine level

Free Admission: Gold, Silver and Bronze MVP Members

For the Derby Party Fan

12:00PM: Doors Open
12:00PM: Derby Party Kick-Off and Festivities
12:30PM-3:30PM: Kim Crawford Sampling
1:00PM: Social Experience Begins
1:00PM-5:00PM: Maker's Mark Sampling
1:30PM: DJRayMills Begins
4:00PM: Contests take place at the stage
5:15PM: Ken-Ducky Derby: Chuck-a-Duck Contest
TBA: Kentucky Derby Race

Contests

Derby Style Contests
Show off your Derby style, creativity, and flair for a chance to win fun prizes! Dress to impress and join in the excitement by competing in one of our fan-favorite contests:

Best Dressed
Best Dressed Couple
Most Extravagant Hat

To participate, simply head to the outdoor stage on the track level when it’s time for the contest and show off your Derby look.

Ken-Ducky Derby Chuck-a-Duck Contest
Think you’ve got a good throwing arm? Take part in our Chuck-a-Duck contest! Toss your rubber duck from the Track Apron toward the Apple Autos truck on the track for a chance to land it in the target and win prizes. It’s a fun, lighthearted challenge that everyone can cheer on!

Party Activities

Enjoy a full day of Derby-themed entertainment and experiences throughout the venue, including:

Selfie Stations to capture the fun with friends
Live Music by DJ Ray Mills bringing energy to the celebration
Specialty Mint Julep Cocktails inspired by Derby tradition
Interactive Contests with chances to win prizes
A dedicated Maker’s Mark Bar serving classic favorites
Kim Crawford Sample Stations offering complimentary tastings

…and even more surprises throughout the day!

Live Performance by DJ Ray Mills!

DJ Ray Mills is a Minneapolis based open format, club, NFL, MLB, radio, wedding, and corporate DJ. Ray Mills has been working as an official DJ of the Minnesota Vikings going on 9 years and as a Minnesota Twins DJ for the last 5 years. Ray Mills is no stranger to traveling the country to entertain, having performed at 10AK in Las Vegas, private events in Miami, playing clubs and corporate events all around the country, traveling internationally to perform in Cabo, Mexico at Riu Sante Fe and Tulum at Taboo Day Club in Mexico.

Ray Mills also has an extensive corporate clientele list working with multiple Fortune 500 companies on a regular basis.

Additionally, Ray Mills is highly sought after for the largest touring acts in the country when they come to Minneapolis. Everyone from MIGOS, French Montana, Cardi B, 50 Cent, Future, Nelly, & T.I. and more.

Derby Social Experience

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby VIP experience with access to a private social in our Silks Event Space. This exclusive setting offers a beautiful indoor–outdoor atmosphere, complete with a private front-row viewing deck overlooking the stage, giving you the perfect place to relax and take in the celebration while soaking up the energy of Derby Day.

Your VIP experience includes an exclusive buffet, private Jim Beam and Kim Crawford sampling stations, two premium drink tickets, and a special champagne toast, along with a few surprise VIP perks throughout the day. Mingle with fellow racing fans, enjoy signature cocktails like a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep or Jim Beam Pineapple Mule, and get ready to watch the Kentucky Derby race on the big screen.

Indoor space with climate control for comfort throughout the event.

Minnesota's Best Derby Party <br>Derby Social Experience 5/02/26

Minnesota's Best Derby Party
Derby Social Experience 5/02/26

The Ultimate Derby Experience! Includes admission, all Derby Party activities, access to outdoor viewing deck, buffet, two drink tickets, champagne toast, and other add-ons.

General Admission Ages 21+ $97.09

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General Admission Ticket

Minnesota's Best Derby Party <br>General Admission 5/02/26

Minnesota's Best Derby Party
General Admission 5/02/26

Ticket not required for Gold, Silver, and Bronze MVP Card Holder. Show MVP card at entrance.

Youth 17 and Under are Free and do not require a ticket

General Admission Adult (age 18+) $10.76 General Admission Youth (Ages 17 and Under) are free

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Clubhouse Reserved Seating

Minnesota's Best Derby Party <br>Reserved Clubhouse Seating 2026

Minnesota's Best Derby Party
Reserved Clubhouse Seating 2026

May 02, 2026

Upgrade your Derby experience with a Clubhouse table, including menu and cocktail service, private TV and stunning views of the track.

Does NOT include General Admission.

Select Seats

For ticketing information please email CAdmissions@canterburypark.com or call (952) 445-7224

Presented By

Derby Day Partners

For Partnership information please contact: Kip Rakos, Director of Corporate Partnerships | krakos@canterburypark.com | 952-233-4845