Barnstormer Distillery Presents
Kentucky Derby Day · Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Gates Open 11 AM
✦ Free Admission ✦ Derby Attire Encouraged ✦ Post Time 5:57 PM CT ✦
We’re going all in on Derby Day. Dress the part, back a horse, race one yourself — The Barnstormer Stakes is a full day of people horse races, hat contests, Derby cocktails, and two minutes of glory when the gates open at Churchill Downs. Free to attend. Food and drinks purchased separately. No reservations. Just show up dressed for the occasion.
People Horse Races
Costumed heats at Noon, 2, 3 & 4 PM. Championship final at 5:15 PM. Sign up at the bar — min. 3 riders to run.
Best Lid in the Hangar
Hat contest all day — Best Hat, Best Dressed Couple, Most Outrageous. Winner’s choice of prize. Must be present to win.
Pick the Winner
Pick the Derby winner at the bar. If your horse wins, your name enters the drawing for a bottle of estate bourbon.
Derby Cocktail Menu
Mint Juleps, Derby Mules, Frisky Whiskey, Strawberry Smash — built by Addie using estate spirits.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
| Time | Activity | Details |
| 11:00 AM | Gates Open | Mint Juleps flowing. Derby attire encouraged. Hat registration and Pick the Winner slips at the bar. Games available. |
| 12:00 PM | Heat 0 — Practice Race | (TEST HEAT). Sign up at the bar. Filmed and posted to Stories immediately. |
| 2:00 PM | Heat 1 — Breeders Cup | First Heat. Runs with 3+ sign-ups. Costumed horses, named bibs. (Race course details available at Hangar Signup) |
| 3:00 PM | Heat 2 — Preakness | Second Heat. Runs with 3+ sign-ups. Costumed horses, named bibs. (Race course details available at Hangar Signup) |
| 4:00 PM | Heat 3 — Belmont Stakes | Third heat. Runs with 3+ sign-ups. Costumed horses, named bibs. (Race course details available at Hangar Signup) |
| 4:45 PM | Hat Contest Winner | Three categories — must be present to win. Winner’s choice of prize. |
| 5:15 PM | Final — Barnstormer Derby | Championship heat. Crown our horse racing champion before the main event. (Race course details available at Hangar Signup) |
| 5:57 PM | POST TIME | Everyone gathers. Two minutes of glory. |
| ~6:15 PM | Pick the Winner Drawing | One name drawn from all correct entries. Prize: a bottle of Barnstormer bourbon. |
Derby Cocktails
Mint Julep
Bourbon 90 • Mint Simple Syrup • Mint Distillate
Frisky Whiskey
G-Force • Honey • Bitters • Orange Juice • Simple Syrup
The Derby Mule
Bourbon 90 • Mint Simple Syrup • Lime Juice • Ginger Beer
Strawberry Smash
Your choice: RFD Vodka or Bourbon 90
Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup • Lemon Juice • Sprite
Derby Food Specials
The Jerk
2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Burger Champion
Pepper jack cheese, red onion, mango, avocado, plantain chips — seasoned with Dan-O’s Sweet Caribbean Seasoning
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Classic Derby tradition, Barnstormer style. Hawaiian sweet rolls, Mayonnaise, Deli turkey, Bacon strips, Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, Onion, Brown sugar
Come see Tim at the hangar
1 stamp for attending •
+1 stamp for wearing Derby attire (hat or dressed up) •
+1 stamp for racing in the People Horse Race
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Gates Open
11:00 AM
Post Time
5:57 PM CT
Admission
Free — no ticket needed
Location
6969 S Main St, Rockford IL