Are you a Croatian visiting the USA between spring and summer this year? Then, you might want to experience the appeal of an American Beer, Bourbon, and Barbeque festival. Known by locals as a boilermaker, the pairing of craft drinks is the same glass as one cocktail drink, which many people have come to enjoy. The process involves combining the special blend of rich, malty taste in bourbon with the bolder flavors of beer, making for a great beverage.
But beyond the sheer appeal of this rather wild drink combination is the annual celebration of what it means to the people who love it. In this article, Kate Richardson, a reputable cultural critic and tourism connoisseur, walks us through the significance of Beer and Bourbon festivals while offering important information about cities and states where tourists can enjoy the celebration this year in the USA. Whether you’re sipping on expertly crafted brews at a festival or perfecting your own homebrew, these events highlight the artistry and passion behind great beer. Dive in right now, will you?
Outline of 2025 Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festivals in the US
It was Babe Ruth who famously said, “Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then, I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this beer, they might be out of work, and their dreams would be shattered. Then I think: “It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.”
With this quote, the popular baseball legend shared his excitement to go beer-sippin’ with the world. But imagine a situation where you’re in a place with everyone not just sipping beer but also going bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, barbecue eatin’, and cigar smokin’. That sounds much like heaven, doesn’t it?
Well, that’s the singular fun and appeal of Beer and Bourbon festivals. There were dozens of this event that was held in 2024, and with dozens more scheduled for this year, below is a selection of carnivals to consider.
Jacksonville, Florida
Enjoy over 60 beers, more than 40 bourbons, and a truckload of BBQ for your pleasure. The 2nd Big Year edition promises to be an exhilarating Southern Affair. All guests are promised a souvenir glass to have their drink tasting. There will also be a game tagged “The Cochon Carnival” in addition to seminars and music.
As expected, there is a special VIP area, with entry starting at 12 noon.
- Dates: March 22, 2025.
- Tickets: Available online and on-site. Designated Drivers tickets are sold on-site only at $25.
- Time: 2 pm – 6 pm (General Entry)
- Sponsors: N/A
Children aged 12 and under will be allowed to enter free of charge.
Timonium, Maryland
Brace up for Grills Gone Wild in Timonium, featuring two full days of all-you-care-to-taste cocktails and barbecue. It’s the 17th annual edition of the throwdown and is expected to feature The Cochon Carnival, music, dance, and shopping. Since the program is scheduled right in the middle of March Madness, and with Maryland being a state where betting is approved, you can get in on some of the action.
If you’re a tourist looking for betting options in Croatia that could offer offshore access to wagering on the NCAA Championship and other sporting events, then you’re in luck. There is a flurry of reputable sportsbooks available in Europe that guarantee secure and safe betting throughout your time in the US. Besides, you get to enjoy a bonus when you newly register, in addition to cashback and free bets later on.
- Dates: March 28 and 29, 2025
- Tickets: Two Day All Access pass cost $165; Friday Night VIP admission go for $75 while general admission cost $45; Saturday VIP admission set you back $79 while the general admission are sold at $45. Designated Drivers tickets are sold on-site only at $25.
- Time: Friday 6 pm – 10 pm (Entry for All); Saturday 12 pm – 6 pm (VIP), 2 pm – 6 pm (General)
- Sponsors: N/A
Grand Poobah All Access and special tickets will include a BBQ dinner plate from food vendors on both days.
Nova/DC Metro
Tourists and locals in Maryland, DC, and Virginia are welcome to participate in the festival at the all-new venue in Prince William County Fairgrounds. The 4th installment of this event will include, in addition to the beers, bourbon, and BBQ, biscuits, smoked beasts, boots, bluegrass, and bacon. For BBQ options, you can choose between chicken, pork, brisket, and sausages. This is in addition to heavy music, dance, and games.
- Dates: May 3, 2025
- Tickets: Beast Mode Private Cabana (allowing up to 10 guests in a private party tent) at $1950; VIP admission costs $89, while general entry is $45.
- Time: 12 pm – 6 pm (VIP); 2 pm – 6 pm (General)
- Sponsors: N/A
If you’re interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, you can reach out to the organizers, Drink. Eat. Relax.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Will you be in Queen City in May? Then you should make it down to the 18th edition of the festival. Like in other locations, pork worship will be live alongside a souvenir glass for all-you-care-to-taste servings, songs, dance, games and seminars. The event will be held at Ballantyne’s Backyard in Charlotte.
- Dates: May 17
- Tickets: Beast Mode Private Cabana (featuring up to 10 guests in a private party tent) at $1950; VIP admission costs $85 while general entry is $45.
- Time: 12 pm – 6 pm (VIP); 2 pm – 6 pm (General)
- Sponsors: GoBallantyne, Northwood Office, HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
The carnival in Charlotte is set to include the finest array of beer and whiskey brands, including Heineken, Amrut, Cavendish, Allagas, and many more.
Richmond, Virginia
Remember William Cullen Bryant, the great American poet? He once wrote about Richmond in Letters of a Traveller, saying:
“A beautiful city is Richmond, situated on the hills that overlook the James River. The dwellings have a pleasant appearance, often standing by themselves in the midst of gardens. In front of several, I saw large magnolias, their dark, glazed leaves glittering in the March sunshine.”
The festival in RVA will take place in the summer and promises to be an exciting adventure. Experience unlimited beer sampling, a dinner plate, live music and games with any of the ticket classes. At RVA, the carnival will be indoors at Farm Bureau Center in the Meadow Event Park, the same location that is home to the State Fair of Virginia.
- Dates: July 26
- Tickets: A VIP pass costs $75 while general entry is $45.
- Time: 12 pm – 6 pm (Restricted); 2 pm – 6 pm (General)
- Sponsors: Lidl
International discount retail chain, Lidl is the headline sponsor, so you can expect to shop to your heart’s content.
Gary, North Carolina
Prepare to go beast mode for two days with the fest making a return to North Carolina! This edition of the event focuses on the locals, with exotic smoked meats and neighborhood beers taking center stage. Besides unlimited tastings, you’ll also enjoy two days of massive live entertainment, meeting people, and gathering merch.
- Dates: August 1 & 2
- Tickets: Grand Poobah Two-Day pass cost $159; Friday Night VIP admission pass go for $75 while general admission cost $45; Saturday VIP entry pass set you back $75 while the general admission pass are sold at $45. Designated Drivers pass are sold on-site only at $25.
- Time: Friday 6 pm – 10 pm (Entry for All); Saturday 12 pm – 6 pm (Restricted), 2 pm – 6 pm (General)
- Sponsors: Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG); Jim Beam; Brad Halling American Whiskey Co. (BHAWK); Food Lion
Grand Poobah and special ticket holders will enjoy a BBQ dinner platter, in addition to the basic offerings. It is important to note that Koka Booth Amphitheatre, where the event will be held, has a clear bag policy, and party-goers will be expected to comply.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
A new location has been added to the festival family. The Twin City is set to get wild come September, with bacon, smoked beasts, biscuits, barbecue, boots, bluegrass, and all other flavors available. Be a part of the live entertainment and shop with vendors to buy Brewerania merch, among other items on sale.
- Dates: September 6
- Tickets: VIP costs $75 while general entry is $45.
- Time: 12 pm – 6 pm (VIP); 2 pm – 6 pm (General)
- Sponsors: N/A
Experience the fourth carnival in North Carolina this year and prepare to get your groove up.
Concluding Remarks: Get Your Tickets and Come to a Beer and Bourbon Adventure Today
Earlier in the year, the fest toured Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Wilmington. With seven more events and locations to go in the year, it’s never too late to join in the fun hour tour of the South.
Tickets are already on sale online, with additional tickets to be available for attendees on-site. However, you should note that on-site tickets will be more expensive to cover taxes and fees. Also, proceeds from the event will benefit Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation, which is one of the sponsors of the event.
Therefore, which of the carnivals will you be attending? Whatever your choice, ensure you have a good time and make the most of the whole experience. And if you’re a homebrewer, let the festival inspire your next batch — there’s no better way to relive the experience than by crafting your own version of the flavors you enjoyed!
