10 Can't-Miss Louisville Beer Festivals & Events for 2024
A look at some of Louisville's best beer related events in 2024.
From one of the country's oldest airports to the start of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Louisville's lineup of beer festivals and events is hoppin' in 2024. See below to see why beer is all the buzz in Bourbon City.
March
Tailspin Ale Fest | March 2
Taking off for its 11th year, this annual end-of-winter beer festival is held outdoors at historic Bowman Field, one of the oldest continually operated airports in the US. With access to food trucks, a cigar lounge, a silent disco, and over 250 beers from local and regional breweries, this annual event has landed as a favorite for locals and area beer connoisseurs.
NuLu Bock Beer Fest | March 23
Located on a stretch of Market Street sandwiched between Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut, the NuLu Bock Fest celebrates Louisville's rich beer history with local breweries, music, and even a slew of goat races. Wurst Fest returns in 2024, with local restaurants facing off to create their best versions of the cased sausage. The festivities last from Noon-6pm, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area for those looking to celebrate after the event comes to a close.
June
Kentucky Craft Bash | June 29
For one day this summer, the Kentucky Guild of Brewers will transform Louisville's Waterfront Park into the state’s largest, most exclusive taproom during the annual Kentucky Craft Bash - Kentucky’s only craft beer festival by brewers, for brewers. Pouring only beers from breweries located in the Commonwealth, Craft Bash hosts over 50 local breweries and serves more than 150 different varieties of beer. Experimental beers and collaborations that don't go into widespread distribution and are rarely found outside of a brewery’s taproom will also be available to sample.
July
J-Town Beer Fest | July 20
J-Town Craft Beer Fest takes place in the heart of downtown Jeffersontown, just southeast of downtown Louisville. Featuring more than 50 craft breweries, wines, food trucks, and live music, this neighborhood-oriented festival is 21+ and helps support local businesses in the area.
Summer Beer Fest at the Frazier | July 27
Celebrating the rich history of brewing in the Bluegrass State, the Frazier History Museum is hosting its third annual beer festival this summer on Main Street. Over 200 specialty beers will be on tap along with food trucks and live music which will take place in a pop-up Beer Garden located behind the museum, occupying sections of Ninth and Washington streets. VIP tickets to the festival are available and include perks such entry to the museum, early festival access, admission into the Gateway Garden, and dozens of additional beers.
August
The Kentucky State Fair and the Louisville Ale Trail have teamed up for its annual BEERFEST. The event will happen on the first Saturday of the State Fair, and feature up to 20 breweries from around the Bluegrass, which will come together to showcase their craft beers for fairgoers to enjoy. More details to come soon for this special-ticketed event.
Old Lou Brew | August 23
Just $15 gets you in the gate at Central Park to enjoy live music, unique beers from some of Kentucky’s finest indie brewers, and great food from local food trucks. The festival is held in the historic Old Louisville neighborhood which is home to the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the United States.
This annual Zoo fundraiser will take place each August and allows attendees to enjoy tastings from craft breweries and wineries, as well as live music. Tickets include animal encounters, live music, and up to 40 oz. of beer and wine tastings. A variety of food trucks will also be on-site for meal purchase options. Funds raised from Brew at the Zoo will benefit Friends of the Louisville Zoo and their mission to support animal care and Zoo special projects.
Steins on Main | Sept. 14
Back for its second year, Steins on Main is returning to Downtown Louisville's RePurposed, a multi-use outdoor event venue on historic Main Street (615 W. Main Street). The outdoor Oktoberfest celebration will include German-inspired cuisine, games and contests, music, and local breweries, bringing traditional Bavarian festivities to the heart of downtown, and benefiting the Coalition for the Homeless, a local nonprofit with a mission to prevent and end homelessness in Louisville.
October
Louisville Beer Week
Louisville Beer Week celebrates the local love of the sud and combines events, drink specials, and live music across the city. While you're out sampling the best brews in the area, pick up a Louisville Ale Trail Passport and get rewarded for drinking local beer.
To learn more about Louisville's beer scene click here.
