It’s almost time to break out your big fancy hats and seersucker suits in celebration of Maxie’s annual Derby Day celebration.
Once again, guests can enjoy three days of Maxie's Kentucky Derby-inspired menu – featuring dishes like Kentucky hot browns, fried bologna sandwiches and bourbon BBQ salmon – with offerings available at the restaurant on Thursday, May 2 to Saturday, May 4.
However, the party begins in earnest on Derby Day (May 4) when Maxie’s doors will open starting at 2 p.m. for food, drinks, pre-race coverage, and an outdoor performance by Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra.
Throughout the party, guests can bid on silent auction items, participate in a prize raffle and 50/50 cash raffle and win prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat. There will also be a race winner’s raffle at the end of the race (at about 6 p.m.).
But, as usual, the party’s overall goal is even sweeter.
“We hope to beat the record donation of $20,574 for Hunger Task Force that we set last year,” says Maxie’s co-owner Dan Sidner, “As we don our finest attire and gather for the 150th milestone race, we are also mindful of those facing the harsh reality of hunger in our community. We want everyone to come together to party and have fun and rally for this good cause.”
It's a community-centered celebration that aims to contribute to the elimination of food insecurity throughout our city.
“Year over year, we look forward to attending this fun event through which we receive a lot of community support,” said Sherrie Tussler, CEO of Hunger Task Force.
“To date, we’ve received more than $115,000 through Maxie’s to help ensure our neighbors in need can receive emergency food with dignity, on the day they need it and in the neighborhood they live in.”
What you need to know
This year, guests can choose among three donation levels for entry: Clubhouse, Grand Stand, and In-field.
Clubhouse
For an $80 per person donation, guests can secure Clubhouse reservations which include a buffet featuring Maxie’s Derby Day food from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., a private cash bar and a dedicated port-a-let for Clubhouse guests through the end of the race (around 6 p.m.). Each reservation includes two “betting forms” per person.
Clubhouse reservations can be made at maxiesmke.com. Donations are non-refundable and do not include beverages, or tax or gratuity related to beverage purchases.
Grand Stand
For a $40 donation, guests can reserve a table (for two to eight guests) inside of Maxie’s with a guaranteed televised view of race coverage. Reservations also include full service provided by Maxie’s staff and two “betting” forms per person. Seating will be available between 2 and 3:30 p.m. and is reserved until the race is over at approximately 6 p.m.
Grand Stand reservations can be made beginning Tuesday, April 4 at maxiesmke.com. Donations are non-refundable and do not include food, beverages or tax and gratuity related to food and beverage purchases.
In-Field
For a $20 donation purchased prior to Derby Day (or $25 in-person on Derby Day), guests will receive access to both the building and outside tents during the Derby Day celebration. Limited table seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (these tables include outdoor service).
An outdoor bar and food truck will provide Derby Day food, beer, wine, and cocktails. Guests can take part in the Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra performance and watch the race on multiple televisions. Each person will receive one “betting” form with each $20 donation.
In-Field donations can be made prior to Derby Day at maxiesmke.com. Admission on Derby day will be $25 per person. The donation does not include food, beverages or tax or gratuity related to food and beverage purchases.
Maxie’s will continue regular indoor table service following the race until 9 p.m.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
