Something big is coming to Dink & Dine Pickle Park this Kentucky Derby race day! Following the incredible momentum of our Valentine’s Day celebration, CLN and the AZ Desert Country Music Association are teaming up once again to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience: the Derby Q Country Fest. Come join us on Saturday, May 2, for competitive play, mouthwatering food, live country music, and the thrill of race day!
Derby Q Country Fest
May 2, 2026
Dink and Dine
1017 N Dobson Rd
Mesa, Arizona 85201
Packed with Action
From the moment guests arrive, there’s something happening at every turn. The Arizona State Cornhole Championships will take center stage on the indoor pickleball courts, bringing competitive energy and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love the atmosphere, the tournament adds a dynamic edge to an already exciting day.
At the same time, BBQ lovers are in for a serious treat. Multiple top Arizona pitmasters will showcase their skills in a live BBQ exhibition, serving up bold flavors and smoky perfection. This culinary experience is powered by respected names in the BBQ world, including Brad Prose of Chiles and Smoke BBQ and Josh Dae of BBQ Island. One thing’s for sure: the food is sure to live up to the hype!
Live Music All Day Long
No country fest would be complete without great music, and this lineup delivers. The stage will feature a rotating lineup of talented Arizona artists, creating the perfect soundtrack from afternoon into evening:
- 12:00 PM – Western Fusion Band
- We open with a sound that feels exactly like Arizona! Western Fusion Band blends classic country storytelling with a modern, high-energy edge. Their set is the perfect on-ramp to the day, easing guests in while setting a tone that says this isn’t going to be your average afternoon.
- 2:00 PM – Lacey Rashea Duo
- As the crowd builds, Lacey Rashea brings a more intimate, soulful layer to the stage. Her voice carries that balance of strength and vulnerability that defines great country music.
- 2:30 PM – Bone’s Band
- Then comes the shift. Bone’s Band brings grit and rhythm, leaning into a rawer, more driving sound. This is where heads start nodding, drinks start flowing a little faster, and the energy around the venue noticeably lifts. It’s the kind of set that bridges the early afternoon into something more electric.
- 4:30 PM – Marble Heart Band
- Right as the Derby excitement peaks, Marble Heart takes the stage and pushes everything forward. Known for their powerful stage presence and crowd-ready country anthems, they deliver the kind of performance that turns spectators into participants. This is dance-floor country – big hooks, strong vocals, and a rhythm you can’t ignore.
- 6:30 PM – Bobby Joe Bell Duo
- As the sun starts to dip, the vibe shifts again. Bobby Joe Bell Duo strips things back just enough to let the storytelling breathe. It’s the perfect reset before the night’s final surge.
- 7:00 PM – Selena Brills Band
- And then, the close. Stepping into the headline slot, Selena Brills brings a presence that commands attention. With a full band behind her and a sound that blends power, polish, and personality, she delivers a finale that feels earned. This isn’t just background music anymore; this is the moment where the crowd leans in, the lights hit just right, and the entire venue locks into the stage.
Bobby Joe Bell
Derby Day Done Right
Of course, it wouldn’t be “Derby Q” without the iconic Kentucky Derby experience. Guests can gather around the big screen for a full broadcast with sound, bringing all the excitement of race day right into the heart of the venue.
Leading up to the main event, attendees can join in on pre-race festivities, including a crowd-favorite stick horse race and interactive Derby-themed fun. Then, at 4:00 PM, it’s time for the main event, complete with a Best Dressed and Best Hat contest. This is your moment to go all out, whether that means classic Southern charm, bold Western flair, or a creative twist that stands out from the crowd.
A Destination Experience
For those who’ve spent years in the East Valley, this corner of Mesa Riverview already means something. It’s a place that’s seen crowds, music, and nights that didn’t end when the clock said they should. That energy never really left; it just found a new rhythm.
Now home to Dink & Dine Pickle Park, the space has been reimagined into something entirely its own, where the legacy of live music and social connection meets the pulse of today’s “sportstainment” culture. From the courts to the stage to the bar, the experience flows in a way that feels effortless. And getting there is still as easy as ever! Whether you’re coming in from Scottsdale, Tempe, or Gilbert, you’re just minutes away, right off the 101 and 202. Close enough for a quick stop – but once you’re here, you’ll understand why people end up staying.
“We hold ourselves to a high standard on the courts, in the kitchen, and in every interaction. The details matter here. Fun. Always. None of that means we take ourselves too seriously. This place is supposed to be fun. That’s still the whole point.”
Dink & Dine staff
See You There!
Derby Q Country Fest isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about creating a full-day destination where sports, food, and social connection come together seamlessly. Events like this are helping redefine Dink & Dine as more than a place to play pickleball. It’s becoming a hub where guests stay longer, engage more, and experience something memorable every time they visit.
From the competitive buzz of cornhole to the laid-back enjoyment of live music and BBQ, every element is designed to enhance the guest experience and build a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, the competition, or the Derby-day style, Derby Q Country Fest promises something for everyone. Be sure to save the date on your calendars. Bring your friends, wear your best attire, and get ready for a full day of energy, flavor, and fun!
Opportunities to Get Involved
Join in on all the fun. There are vendor and sponsor opportunities available. For more information, contact Cliff Willis at cliff@clngo.com.
Last Updated on 03/27/2026 by Carly Billington
About the Author:
CLN Community Sponsor
