It’s almost time to break out your big fancy hats and seersucker suits in celebration of Maxie’s 18th annual Derby Day celebration.
Once again, guests can enjoy three days of Maxie's Kentucky Derby-inspired menu, with offerings available at the restaurant on Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 3.
Dishes include Kentucky hot browns, a fried bologna party sandwich and new Derby Bites like 11 Herbs & Spices Cauliflower (roasted with secret seasonings, grilled red onion, parm crumble and lemon aioli) and Benedictine Sandwiches featuring fresh cucumber, roasted red pepper and dill labneh served on crustless brioche.
However, the party begins in earnest on Derby Day (May 3) when Maxie’s doors will open starting at 2 p.m. for food, drinks, pre-race coverage, and an outdoor performance by Sliphorn Jazz Band.
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.). All proceeds will go to support the vital work of Hunger Task Force in our community.
“We received over $17,000 in donations for Hunger Task Force last year and we hope to exceed that amount at this year's celebration,” says Maxie’s co-owner Dan Sidner, “As we don our finest attire and gather for the 151th 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.
Get your tickets!
Tickets are currently for sale at three levels. All proceeds go to support Hunger Task Force.
- General Admission: $20 in advance ($22 at the door) includes entry + 1 horse bet
- Grandstand Donation Ticket: $40/person (2 person minimum) guarantees a table + 2 bets
- Winner's Circle Donation Ticket: $80/person (2 person minimum) guarantees a table + 4 bets + complimentary first drink
Purchase your tickets now at maxiesmke.com/derby-day
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.
