The Tampa stop of the touring Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival is like a summer day party right at the end of winter. Set up next to the ocean, the aroma of wood fire and roasting meat imbue the festival air, accompanied by notes of flowing bourbon. Each ticketed guest receives their own complimentary glass for unlimited spirit sampling. Usually, you have to wait until June to feel this smoky and good.
The festival grounds host an array of vendors, from renowned distilleries to hand-rolled cigars to artisans crafting guitars from reclaimed cigar boxes and, of course, BBQ accessories for sale. Past years have included craft distilleries like Dark Door Spirits, who brews the Spirit of IPA, a marriage of beer and bourbon in a single bottle, and the award-winning Coconut Cartel, whose blend of 12-year Anejo Guatemalan rum and coconut water offers a tropical twist on whiskey. They’re joined by Raging Eagle, which serves a mango beer that reportedly evokes the fizzy, summertime essence of mango soda. And Onda, a woman-owned distillery specializing in tequila seltzers, created with flavors such as guava, coconut, pineapple and peach.
The culinary offerings are equally enticing, with “the red-neck nachos” stealing the spotlight — a combination of pulled pork, cheese and moonshine BBQ sauce that’s a must-try. It finds good company with other finger-licking dishes like BBQ’d gators, famous Southern brisket, and an assortment of ribs and sausages. Head to Shrine of Swine for the whole-hog experience.
For those seeking camaraderie, the Cochran Carnival beckons with Connect Four, giant Jenga, cornhole and more. And when it comes to the festival’s musical element, the main stage has soulful tunes of live rock and blues music.
As we said, this is a touring festival, so if you miss Tampa, you can get your Beer, Bourbon and BBQ in Atlanta, Wilmington, N.C., Timonium, Md., Charlotte, N.C., New York City, Richmond, Va. (Northern Virginia), Cary, Del. and Wilmington, Del. on different dates.
The Specs
- Around 4,000 people attend the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival.
- There are two categories of tickets. General admission costs $45 and includes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited sampling of beer and bourbon, and all live entertainment. VIP costs $75 and includes two extra hours of sampling, a BBQ dinner plate and a special VIP only Lounge area (now sold out).
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Florida here. And here‘s our guide to Tampa.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival?
Tampa International Airport is the closest to the festival, located a 16-minute drive from the venue.
Is parking available in the premises?
Yes, plenty of paid parking garages are located nearby.
It’s my first time attending one of these fests. What can I expect?
The fest touts itself as a “day of beer sippin” and “barbeque eatin.” So, expect the obvious: A celebration of beer, bourbon, barbecue, bacon, bluegrass, and biscuits. There will be seminars from distillers, brewmasters, and pit masters; bourbon tastings, various exhibitors, as well as live music.
I have VIP tickets. When is VIP admission?
VIP admission is 12pm to 6pm and general admission is 2pm to 6pm.
Where was the Atlanta fest held this year?
Atlantic Station, the usual spot.
I have VIP tickets. When is VIP admission?
VIP admission is 12pm to 6pm and general admission is 2pm to 6pm.
Is the festival ADA accessible?
Yes, the venue is ADA accessible.
Can I book the service of a designated driver?
Yes, and those tickets are sold on-site for $25.00.
How close is the Timonium, Maryland festival to Baltimore?
It is about 15 miles from Baltimore.
Videos