Firkin Fest Returns to the Ashland Riverfront Oct. 10

Firkin Fest Returns to the

Ashland Riverfront Oct. 10

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

    Fall, craft beer and community will come together Oct. 10 when Firkin Fest returns to the Ashland Riverfront from 4:00 p.m.  to 8:00 p.m.

    For those who have never attended, Katherine Dingess, Director of Community Events for the Ashland Area Tourism and Convention Commission, has a simple description: “Firkin Fest is the most fun fundraiser you’ve ever been to!”

    Now in its second year on the riverfront, the event offers more than a traditional beer festival. “One word… Wine!” Dingess said. This year, Purple Toad Winery will join the festivities, giving guests another option to enjoy as they gather with friends. “Ladies, I’m talking to you. Grab your girls and come on down!”

    The name itself comes from the small casks traditionally used to hold beer. As Dingess put it, “For Firk Sake, a firkin is a small cask traditionally used for beer! Firkin Fest is basically one big celebration of what started in those little barrels.”

    And there will be plenty to celebrate. VIP ticket holders will have access to a selection of specialty beers including Konditor German chocolate cake brown ale, Baxter Raspberry Torte stout and Traveler English Brown ale. “YUM!” Dingess said. In addition, more than 100 craft beers will be available between the general admission and VIP offerings.

    VIP admission begins at 4:00 p.m., one hour before general admission, and includes a T-shirt and 18 samples. General admission begins at 5:00 p.m. and includes 12 samples.

But beer isn't the only reason to make plans for the riverfront.

    “There are more reasons to come than we can list!” Dingess said. Guests can enjoy wine, food trucks, vendors, games, a 360-photo booth, live music, AKY merchandise and bakery treats. There will also be plenty of opportunities simply to take in the atmosphere along the scenic riverfront.

    “Come as a foodie and designated driver,” Dingess added, emphasizing that Firkin Fest is designed to offer something for people who may not consider themselves beer drinkers.

    This year's event also brings several new additions. Dingess said Firkin Fest will feature soulful live music from Nashville, a 360-photo booth, more games, select vendors, new AKY merchandise and what she describes as “a vibe that welcomes and celebrates everyone who comes through the gate.”

    The riverfront setting itself is still relatively new to the festival. “This is only our second year on the riverfront, which gives Firkin Fest the perfect scenic fall backdrop,” Dingess said.

    While the festival offers an evening of entertainment, its broader purpose extends into the community. Dingess said large, well-advertised events are “imperative to tourism” because they give people a reason to experience Ashland who might not otherwise visit.

    “Once they’re here; the secondary impact reaches far beyond the event itself,” she said.

    That impact can be felt throughout the community as visitors stay in hotels, eat at local restaurants, shop at area stores, fill their vehicles with gas and spend money at other local businesses. Dingess described it as a “ripple effect” and said that secondary impact is a major benefit of events such as Firkin Fest.

    “Equally important, they bring our community together and enhance our quality of life,” she said.

Dingess also wants attendees to understand that Firkin Fest is about more than drinking.

       “Probably that it’s just about drinking. It’s not,” she said. “Firkin Fest is about community and purpose.”

    While samples are plentiful, they are limited, and Dingess encourages everyone to drink within their capacity. With food, entertainment and activities throughout the event, the goal is for people to enjoy themselves while supporting the community. “Have fun, drink responsibly, and keep it classy!” explained Dingess.

    Ultimately, Dingess said a successful Firkin Fest starts with raising funds, but success goes beyond the fundraiser itself. She hopes to see ticket holders turn out in strong numbers alongside breweries, vendors, food trucks, volunteers, musicians and the many people working behind the scenes.

“Success is everyone showing up with their best foot forward, ready to serve each other and our community!” Dingess shared.

    The goal is for all those pieces to come together harmoniously so everyone can have “a safe and wonderful time.”

    And perhaps the clearest sign of a successful night will come as guests leave the riverfront already looking forward to returning.

    “To hear the guests leaving already talking about next year,” Dingess said. 

    Firkin Fest will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ashland Riverfront, offering an evening of craft beer, wine, food, music, games, vendors and fall fun—all while supporting the community.