10 Can't Miss Louisville Beer Festivals & Events for 2023

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 2023. See below to see why beer is all the buzz in Bourbon City.

March

Tailspin Ale Fest | March 4

Celebrating 10 years in 2023, 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 taken off as a favorite for locals and area beer connoisseurs.

NuLu Bock Beer Fest | March 25

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 is also returning in 2023, 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 24

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 70 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 15

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 29

Celebrating the rich history of brewing in the Bluegrass State, the Frazier History museum is hosting its second annual beer festival this August. 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

Kentucky State Fair BEERFEST | August 19

The Kentucky State Fair has partnered with Louisville Ale Trail to present the inaugural BEERFEST. The event will happen on the first Saturday of the State Fair, August 19, 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 25

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.

Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too | August 26

This annual Zoo fundraiser will takes place each August and gives attendees the opportunity to enjoy tastings from craft breweries and wineries, as well as live music. Tickets include animal encounters, lives 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 | September 30

A new Oktoberfest celebration for 2023, Steins on Main is hitting Downtown Louisville on Saturday, September 30, from 2 pm to 7 pm at RePurposed, a multi-use outdoor event venue on historic Main Street (615 W. Main Street). The outdoor 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 | October 20-27

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.

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To learn more about Louisville's beer scene click here.