Craft beer festival to be in downtown Ashland

ASHLAND — The craft beer festival, Firkin Fest, returns to Ashland this Father’s Day weekend.

Ashland in Motion’s fourth annual Firkin Fest will be from 1-6 p.m. in downtown Ashland and features music, local food, retailers and 128 craft beers, some of which were brewed exclusively for the event.

A firkin is both a barrel and a unit of measurement, which is the equivalent of 72 pints.

Featured firkins made exclusively for the event are brewed by Kentucky breweries Braxton Brewing, Country Boy Brewing and West Sixth Brewing, as well as regional brewery, The Portsmouth Brewing Company. The full beer list features 128 craft beers and 17 exclusive VIP beers.

Mountain Oyster Cult, Holly & The Guy, The Dividends, and Short & Company will perform live music.

Local food vendors featured at the festival are Matney’s Wood Fired Pizza, Smokin’ J’s Rib & Brewhouse, Southside Sliders, and Suplex Tacos.

For the second consecutive year, Firkin Fest will donate a $1,000 of its proceeds to a local non-profit organization. Firkin Fest volunteers may nominate one charitable organization of their choice. The non-profit recipient will be drawn and announced at the close of the festival.

Event proceeds will benefit non-profit organization Ashland in Motion and sponsor future events and community initiatives.

General admission presale tickets are $25; day of event cost is $30. VIP admission presale tickets are $75; day of event cost is $80. VIP tickets may be purchased online only. General admission ticket includes 10 craft beer tasting tickets and an official Firkin Fest mini mug.

Tickets may be purchased online at BeerFests.com or at the following local retailers: Ashland Beverage Centre; Carter Avenue Beverage; Good Spirits and Shamrock Liquors.

For more information, follow the event on Facebook @AshlandFirkinFest or visit tickets.beerfests.com/event/firkin-fest/.