How to Plan & Host a Memorable Private Event at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar

Why Choose Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar for Your Private Dinner  

A wedding? Bachelor party? Family reunion? Executive team dinner? A private dining Shakopee experience at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is one of the most exciting, elegant, and energetic private event spaces nearby you can book. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar combines a "dining + entertainment" vibe with scratch-made, East-Coast-inspired cuisine, from oysters and crab cakes to wood-fired steaks, paired with craft cocktails and a polished-casual ambiance.

Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, and corporate dinners, the venue sits trackside at Canterbury Park, offering large windows and panoramic views of live racing days at the barns. Reachable by car or as part of the Canterbury Park campus at 1125 Shenandoah Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is ready for your group to relax, mingle, toast, dine, and celebrate. Whether you prefer indoor comfort or trackside patio dining, private dinner event planning at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar delivers a truly unique experience that blends culinary excellence with the energy of the racetrack.

Where to Host Inside Boardwalk (Where)

There are several Boardwalk event spaces, including both indoor and outdoor seating, and a lively bar area where guests can gather after dinner. The indoor dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the racetrack, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere perfect for private dinners, toasts, or corporate gatherings. Adjacent to the dining room is The Stable, a vibrant entertainment space ideal for post-dinner music, live performances, or a private buyout.

For warm-weather events, the 18,000-square-foot trackside patio dining accommodates up to 300 guests, offering golden-hour views, alfresco dining, and photo opportunities just steps from Canterbury Park. The venue's location ensures easy access, ample parking, and proximity to the excitement of live horse racing. For more details, visit Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar's Horse Racing Sportsbook page. 

Capacity & Setup Suggestions

Your setup options depend on your expected attendance, event type, and desired atmosphere. Recommended setups by party size include:

• 12–20 guests: One long table for a cozy, intimate dining room setup.
• 25–50 guests: Split-table configuration (tables pushed together) in the dining room or patio section only.
• 60–120 guests: Partial patio zones or a combination of indoor-outdoor flow.
• 120–300 guests: Full patio buyout during the season, ideal for large gatherings while minimizing weather risk.

We encourage confirming exact capacity and layout options with our events team to ensure your event is perfectly planned. Use the Private Events Inquiry Form to review setups, request a custom floor plan, and discuss options such as a custom prix fixe menu or special cocktail reception ideas tailored to your guest count.

Best Time to Book

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is open year-round, but the best seasons for trackside patio dining are spring through fall, when the weather complements outdoor gatherings. For value-conscious planners, weekdays offer more flexibility and better pricing, while weekends bring energy and buzz, especially if you enjoy the excitement of live racing. 

Race days are typically mid-week and on weekends. Check the Canterbury Park events schedule and plan your racing day dinner around post times for trackside patio dining thrills.

Lead times vary based on your preferred date and group size. For peak Saturdays, book eight to twelve weeks in advance, while four to eight weeks may suffice for weeknights or smaller parties. For a complete overview of the venue, visit Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar's profile on Discover Shakopee.

How to Pull Off Flawless Private Dinner Event Planning 

Here are some private dinner planning tips:

Host a smooth, successful private dinner by pacing the event planning, working closely with a professional events partner, and keeping communication clear and constant. At Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar, the events team provides a high-level roadmap from your initial inquiry through day-of details, helping you navigate every step, from selecting the ideal event space to finalizing your menu, décor, and timeline. 

Your planning journey begins by submitting the Private Events Inquiry Form, ensuring the team can tailor your private dinner experience to your goals, guest count, and desired atmosphere.

8–12 Weeks Out: Set Objectives, Date, & Budget 

Clarify your event objectives, tone, and budget first. Is this an elegant, sit-down rehearsal dinner venue (MN) for a wedding, a celebratory corporate dinner venue for a team, or a low-key gathering for family or friends? Outline your guest list, preferred date or date range, and flow or timeline. Will you only want the dining room, the patio, or are you planning a full Shakopee restaurant buyout? Outline your expectations and submit the details on our Private Events Inquiry Form to get customized options. 

6–8 Weeks Out: Select Menu & Beverages 

Boardwalk offers scratch-made, coastal cuisine by a chef-driven culinary team. Select between plated or family-style dinner menus, or passed-appetizer receptions to start. Signature favorites include oysters, steamed mussels, crab cakes, and wood-fired steak entrées. 

Don't forget to coordinate for dietary needs, like gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and other options are available with advance notice. Pair the food with handcrafted cocktails (mint julep, "Minnesota Mule"), local craft beers, or curated wine pairings. Decide whether to leave the bar open or ticket-based (consumption or flat). Consider seasonal menu planning to highlight local flavors and ingredients.

See sample options on our menus page. 

4 Weeks Out: AV Needs, Timeline, Décor 

Create an event timeline template from start to finish. It should consist of: Arrival → toast → dinner → dessert → after-party at The Stable. 

Align any AV for toasts or slideshows, confirm microphone or DJ requests, and settle on a décor style, for instance, racing barn-chic, coastal boardwalk, or simple, modern minimalism. Coordinate with Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar's team on setup help to allow seamless transition in and between event spaces.

1–2 Weeks Out: Final Numbers & Weather Planning 

Finalize your headcount, seating chart, and party numbers in the weeks leading up to the event. Share any allergy notes and special meal requests for guests during this time. If you're planning for outdoor events, build a weather fallback plan to the inside for rain days or patio fans and blankets for weather shifts. Share clear parking and accessibility information with your guests. For more information on these details, take a look at our website.

Day-Of: Hosting with Confidence 

Arrive a bit early on the day of your event for a walk-through with your event lead. Cue the toasts, confirm pacing and timing, and enjoy golden-hour photos at the trackside if the races are running. Have gratuity or thank-you cards ready for the staff at event conclusion, and encourage your guests to continue the night at The Stable for live music after-party fun. 

Popular Menus Boardwalk Guests Love 

Not sure what menu to choose? Try these popular routes: 

• Coastal Classics: Oysters → salmon or pressed chicken → key lime dessert.
• Steak Night: Grilled wings → wood-fired steak frites → chocolate torte. 
• Social Supper: Shareable small plates → seasonal flatbread selection → assorted dessert. 

Add a pre-dinner happy hour reception (Mon–Fri, 3–6 p.m.) to ease guests into the night with cocktails and small bites. Browse our full menu offerings for all the choices available.

How to Easily Budget for an Event 

Budgeting for an event is always a requirement. Here are some key items to consider: 

• Food & beverage minimum (can vary by space/date) 
• Taxes, service fees, and gratuity 
• Décor, rentals, or rentals 
• Optional upgrades (signature cocktails, specialty bars, or late-night munchies) 

To save on your event, consider weeknight bookings, seasonal menu planning, or using shared appetizers or starters to cut back without losing the wow factor. 

Guests Notice These Logistics 

A few small details make a big difference at the end of the night: 

• Clear signage or greeters to show guests parking and parking lot accessibility. Boardwalk is on the Canterbury Park campus with ample and easy parking for special event guests. 
• Direct guests from the restaurant and to The Stable for after-dinner drinks or entertainment. 
• Add a note on dress code and arrival time in your invitations. 

Don't forget to check out our venue page for details on accessibility and everything else you need to know. 

Tie-Ins with Boardwalk Experience 

Did you know that Canterbury Park events or Boardwalk experiences can add impact to your event? Here are some examples:

• For a special touch, consider planning your private dinner around Canterbury Park calendar events or live racing days to bring trackside energy to your celebration.
• Schedule your private event on a racing day for a night at the barns, or use Boardwalk's Events calendar to sync your event with an upcoming entertainer, holiday activity, or public programming. See the full calendar at Boardwalk Events.
• Capture photos by the racetrack and enjoy a Boardwalk-inspired dessert bar for guests.
• Let guests unwind with post-dinner music and live music after-party fun at The Stable.

FAQ  

How far in advance should I book for an event at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar? 

Generally eight to twelve weeks out for weekends or four to eight weeks for smaller or weekday events and groups.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar accommodate allergies, vegetarian, or vegan diets? 

Absolutely, all dietary accommodations can be made ahead of time as part of your menu planning process.

Is the patio weather-dependent? 

Yes, a fallback plan for inside events should always be created. You can discuss the specifics with your event planner.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar host corporate or private events? 

Yes, please see the Corporate Events or our Charity Events page for more details and use the inquiry form to secure your booking.

Ready to Start? 

Submit your private events inquiry form today for your private dinner planning. Just include your preferred date, guest count, and any notes on custom prix fixe menu, cocktail reception ideas, or other requests. Our team will customize an option to meet your needs, style, and budget. 

Whether you're planning a corporate dinner, a rehearsal celebration, or just a racing day dinner party, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar makes every gathering an experience to remember.