October 2026
UPCOMING SCHEDULED EVENT
VIP HOSPITALITYKentucky Derby Weekend is currently the only scheduled upcoming event on the Queenslake calendar. Additional private estate retreats and civic celebrations will be announced as dates are confirmed.
Kentucky Derby Weekend at Queenslake
Churchill Downs Grandstand Tickets • Fully Hosted by Estate Owners John & ClaireLodging across Queenslake's 6,000 sq ft Greek Revival mansion where estate owners John and Claire Chmela remain on site to personally care for your every meal, your every curated experience, and your every need. Includes Churchill Downs grandstand tickets on Saturday, May 1, 2027, scratch farm breakfasts and gourmet dinners prepared by Claire (Fireside Fortune), executive chauffeur transit to/from Louisville, and all top-shelf Kentucky bourbon covered.
Friday evening 4-course farm-to-table dinner & concert in the Sunset Barn honoring military heroes, with bespoke millinery hat and fascinator styling.
PAST CELEBRATED EVENTS & ARCHIVE
Over the years, Queenslake has proudly served as host to distinguished civic symposiums, philanthropic charity galas, five consecutive years of the Mogadishu Mile, school celebrations, and championship equestrian clinics.
6 YEARS OF THE MOGADISHU MILE KENTUCKY (2021 – 2026)
2026 Tribute & G4V Festival
Honoring the 19 fallen with tactical obstacle course, 35-lb rucks, collegiate cup, and inaugural 100% veteran music festival with Guitars for Vets.
2025 Tribute Run
Record turnout of active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families with live performance by Eagle Creek Band.
2024 Tribute Run
Expanded obstacle course, military ruck march, and solemn memorial caisson procession led by black Friesians.
2023 Tribute Run
30th Anniversary memorial of Operation Gothic Serpent with guest Ranger and Delta Force keynote speakers.
2022 Tribute Run
Community-wide participation with local first responders, youth obstacle dashes, and lakeside charity BBQ.
2021 Inaugural Run
The launch of the Kentucky Mogadishu Mile at Queenslake, establishing the permanent memorial tradition.
TEDxSoardsRoad
Distinguished intellectual symposium held on the estate exploring America’s 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial Series), featuring keynote addresses on civic engagement, agricultural heritage, and future technology.
Great Crossing HS Senior Breakfast
Annual celebration welcoming the graduating senior class of Great Crossing High School to the mansion lawns and lakeside pavilions for fresh breakfast, graduation portraits, and class awards.
Queenslake Victorian Tea Party
An elegant afternoon high tea hosted across the Greek Revival mansion's wrap-around covered verandas, featuring vintage attire, Kentucky Derby hats, floral arrangements, and scratch-made farm confectionery.
Equestrian Clinics & Masterclasses
Championship clinics in dressage, showjumping, and natural horsemanship led by renowned guest trainers inside the 100'x200' Championship Indoor Arena and lakeside Outdoor Sand Arena.
ACS Cattle Baron’s Ball ($250K+ Raised)
The American Cancer Society's landmark regional benefit raised over $250,000 for Hope Center / Hope Lodge, featuring country music powerhouse Dillon Carmichael, a poignant 9/11 remembrance, and live auctions in the Championship Arena.
Salute to Our Veterans Gala
Queenslake's marquee Friday evening gala in the Sunset Barn featuring a four-course farm-to-table dinner, live patriotic and Bluegrass musical performances, and benefit tributes supporting cost-free veteran housing and equine therapy.