Have a brew (or two!) at these 7+ beer festivals in Louisville
We all know Louisville is known for its bourbon, but this fall, let’s tip our mugs to the city's many craft brews and breweries. From Beer Gardens in the Parks and Brew in the Zoo to Louisville Beer Week, here's how you can celebrate local brews and have a cold one at these fall events.
Fall Beer Gardens in the Parks
WHAT: Come to the parks for the return of the annual Pop-up Beer Gardens. There will be beer from West Sixth Brewing, music, food trucks, and lawn games. Sponsored by Kentucky Select Properties.
WHERE: Locations vary each month:
Aug. 25: Tyler Park, 1501 Castlewood Ave.
Sept. 8: Bingham Park, 160 Coral Ave.
Sept. 14 and 29: Seneca Park, 3151 Pee Wee Reese Road
Oct. 20: Shelby Park, 600 E. Oak St.
WHEN: Aug. 25, Sept. 8, 14, 29 and Oct. 20, 5-8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blankets.
Old Lou Brew Craft Brew Festival
WHAT: Enjoy craft beers from 16 local craft brewers, live music by Indie band Bridge 19 and Little Band, food trucks, entertainment and more. Breweries include Against The Grain, Akasha Brewing Company, Atrium Brewing, Falls City Brewing Company, Gallant Fox Brewing, Goodwood Brewing, Gravely Brewing, Holsopple Brewing, Hometown Brewing, Mile Wide Beer Company, Monnik Beer Company, Noble Funk Brewing, Old Louisville Brewery, Pivot Brewing, Ten20 Brewery, and West Sixth Brewing.
WHERE: Central Park, 1340 S. 4th St.
WHEN: Aug. 25, 6-10 p.m.
COST: $15, free for ages 18 and younger
MORE INFORMATION: Pet friendly, bring a leash for your dog. oldlouisville.org/old-lou-brew-craft-beer-fest.
Brew at the Zoo with Wine & Food Too!
WHAT: The Louisville Zoo’s annual fundraiser features tastings from craft breweries, wineries, appetizers, animal encounters, lawn games, silent disco and musical entertainment. Guest will receive 20 tickets for 2-ounce pours of beer and wine. A selection of non-alcoholic products and water will also be provided.
Music and entertainment:
5-6:15 p.m.: Wild Beats Drum Circle (main plaza)
5-9 p.m.: Silent disco (Islands)
5-9 p.m.: Oversized lawn games (Oasis Field)
6-8 p.m.: 360 photo experience
7-9 p.m.: Mary Mary (the Oasis Field)
WHERE: Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way
WHEN: Aug. 26, 5-9 p.m.
COST: $125
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit the Louisville Zoo. For ages 21 and older. louisvillezoo.org/brew.
Steins on Main: Downtown Louisville Oktoberfest
WHAT: The outdoor celebration will include German-inspired cuisine, games and contests, music, and local breweries. Festivities kick off with a special happy hour (2-3 p.m.) offering early attendees an exciting start to the day. Participating breweries include Against the Grain, Gallant Fox, Butchertown Brewing, Gravely, Monnik Beer Co., Hi-Wire, and Awry Brewing.
WHERE: RePurposed, 615 W. Main St.
WHEN: Sept. 30, 2-7 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillealetrail.com; gotolouisville.com.
Louisville Beer Week 2023: Going Global
WHAT: Louisville Beer Week celebrates the local love of beer. Participating Louisville breweries will partner with each other to brew special beers and team up with international restaurants. The theme this year "Around the World in Eight Days." Kicking off the week with the Louisville Beer Fest (Oct. 20, German-American Club, 1840 Lincoln Ave., from 5-10 p.m.). There will be multiple brewery events, drink specials, and live music across the city including:
From Stave To Glass Barrel Panel and Tasting: 3rd Turn Brewing Barrel Room, 10408 Watterson Trail, Oct. 23.
Louisville Beer For All Panel (in partnership with Kentucky Guild of Brewers). Noble Funk Brewing, 922 S 2nd St., Oct. 25.
WHERE: Multiple locations
WHEN: Oct. 20-27
MORE INFORMATION: More information, announcements, and ticket information to be announced soon. louisvillealetrail.com.
Reach Features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Beer festivals in Louisville: Brew at the Zoo, Steins on Main
