Cigar Festivals USA 2018

Festival Calendar: The Best Cigar Festivals in the USA in 2017

Another year is in the books and the clang of champagne glasses has already become a distant memory. But, for cigar enthusiasts the calendar could not have turned quick enough. We have been patiently awaiting the return of our favorite cigar events and look forward to exploring new ones.

Brace yourself for an action packed year of smoke-filled fun across the United States. This year’s lineup has lost a couple of long-standing festivals but promises to bring back the beloved favorites like Cigar Fest, Rocky Patel Cigar Cruise, Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival and much more. Clear your calendar and unleash your inner party animal because here are the details for America’s biggest festivals of 2017.

February 4, 2017 – Cigar Dave Alpha Fest (Tampa, FL)

Presented by Diamond Crown Cigars, the Cigar Dave Alpha Fest is a unique event that will take place on the Flight Line at Sheltair Aviation in Tampa, Florida. It will be hosted by radio personality Cigar Dave from the Cigar Dave Show. Each patron will receive five cigars from Diamond Crown/JC Newman, a full lunch buffet with dessert, two drink tickets, craft beer and whiskey sampling and a Cigar Dave embroidered briefcase. Tickets are $165 each. Two VIP Suites are available as well for $2400. The private suites seat eight with ‘living room’ seating, an in-suite bar, Hors’ d’oeuvres and appetizers, a full box of Diamond Crown Cigars and a private meet-and-greet with Cigar Dave. For tickets and more information visit www.cigardave.com.

February 18, 2017 – The Great Smoke (Lake Worth, FL)

This year’s Great Smoke offers more than ever before. Celebrating its 11th year, The Great Smoke continues to be ‘the most star-studded collection of cigar personalities in the country.’ The festival has expanded beyond its original one-day platform to a full-fledged three-day extravaganza of cigars, spirits, dinner, music and more. Festivities start Friday with a private pre-event dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House hosted by Quesada Cigars and a pre-event party with Rocky Patel at Smoke Inn. The main event on Saturday includes a free afterparty hosted by Erik Espinosa. A Sunday morning brunch closes the weekend. The venue for the main event is the same expansive location as last year, American German Club in Lake Worth, Florida. Each attendant will receive a commemorative tote bag filled with 45 cigars. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Kids’ Cancer Foundation. General admission tickets are $150 and VIP tickets are $225. The pre-event VIP dinner is $135. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit www.thegreatsmoke.com.

April 5-9, 2017 – Smokeout (Las Vegas, NV)

This is the 18th year for this five day, not-for-profit event for “studs, bikers and leathermen” from all over the world. The itinerary includes a show, pool party, cocktail party, dinners, cigar crawl, Scotch and cigar social, motorcycle run, poker party, a T-shirt and more. The host hotel will be the Alexis Park Resort and Villas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration is $45 before March 6 and $50 thereafter. This is not an all-inclusive event. Patrons pay as they go based on which events they would like to attend. For tickets and more information visit www.lasvegassmokeout.com.

April 2017 – Texas Cigar Festival (Houston, TX)

The Texas Cigar Festival, hosted by Serious Cigars, is one of the premier cigar events in the US. The exact date and venue for this year’s the event has not been announced yet but it usually occurs during late April in the Houston area. More than 35 cigar companies are expected to participate. Ticket holders will receive an impressive gift bag full of cigars, meet industry celebrities, and eat and drink to contentment. Both VIP and General Admission tickets will be available. VIP entrance allows for early entry, private lounge with personal seat, late departure time and bonus swag. Ticket prices haven’t been announced yet but for the past two years General Admission was $150 and VIP was $275. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit www.seriouscigars.com.

May 4 – 7, 2017 – Cigarfest (Lake Harmony, PA)

Cigarfest is arguably the most popular and sought-after cigar festival in the United States. Hosted by Cigars International, Cigarfest is a four-day affair where 6000 cigar smokers converge on a sleepy Pennsylvania town to celebrate what is dubbed, “America’s Mega Herf.” Cigarfest includes pre-party events, breakfasts, dinners and golf tournaments. It starts with a pre-party Drew Estate event on Thursday and ends with a post-party breakfast on Sunday. In between are two golf outings, a Cuban Pig Roast, and intimate events by major cigar manufacturers like Alec Bradley, Rocky Patel, Perdomo, Altadis, Oliva, and CAO. The main festival will take place on Friday and Saturday May 5 and 6 at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania. Tickets go on sale February 4 at 2pm, but you must be preregistered by February 1 to be eligible to purchase tickets. Ticket prices range from $165 – $255 with upgrades and extra perks available. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit www.cigarfest.com.

May 19 – 21, 2017 – Southern Cigar Festival (Alpharetta, GA)

This event, in its fifth year, has been earning some serious plaudits over the past couple of years. It is hosted by Cutter’s Cigar Emporium in Atlanta, GA and offers smokers an incredible experience. From pre-event parties to ‘meet and greet’ sessions to VIP receptions, this event includes everything the modern cigar enthusiast demands. There are four entry options that grant ticket holders various levels of privileges and goodies, including cigars, gift bags, food, alcohol, live music, VIP boxes and more. This year’s event will take place at the new Cutter’s Cigar Emporium location at 4915 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta, GA. Ticket prices have not yet been announced but usually go on sale in April. Last year ticket demand far exceeded supply so get your tickets early if you plan to attend. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit: www.southerncigarfestival.com.

May 20 – 27, 2017 – Rocky Patel Cigar Cruise (Miami, FL)

Dubbed “The Ultimate Smoke on the Water,” this one-of-a-kind voyage sails through the Western Caribbean. Rocky Patel, Nimish Patel and Nish Patel will be aboard the ship along with special guests Arielle Ditkowich of La Sirena Cigars and Kendall Culbertson of Gunslinger Cigars on this seven-night cigar cruise. There will be a pre-cruise cigar party at Burn cigar lounge in Naples, Florida on May 19. The cruise itinerary includes a Bon Voyage Cocktail Party on May 20, cigarology workshops, cigar rolling classes and contests, cocktail parties, private beach parties, complimentary cigars and plenty of fun in the sun. The ship will visit exotic islands like Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel. Pricing starts at $1,650 per person up to $3,000 per person depending on stateroom choice. For tickets and more information please visit www.rockypatelcigarcruise.com.

May 25 – 29, 2017 – C.A.T.S. Fest (San Antonio, TX)

This is a weekend-long festival that takes place at the Tejas Rodeo Company in San Antonio, Texas. It is the largest celebration in the United States that focuses on supporting US troops through Operation: Cigars for Warriors. This event includes a “monstrous haul” of cigars, rodeo, music festival, dancing, raffles, food, liquor tastings and a variety of entertainment including before and after parties. Drew Estate is the major sponsor with many other big names also contributing. This year celebrity guest, Shorty Rossi, will be in attendance. The event starts at 1pm but VIP ticket holders may enter at 12pm. Ticket prices range from $100 (General Admission) – $270 (VIP & Music Festival). Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit www.catsfestival.com.

June 2017 – Smokin’ in the Carolinas (Burlington, NC)

JR Cigar in Burlington, North Carolina will host its fifth annual Smokin’ in the Carolinas BBQ. This event features some fine southern BBQ fare, wine sampling, unlimited beer, and, of course a goodybag stuffed with lots and lots of cigars from some of the biggest names in the industry. There also will be a meet-and-greet with brand owners, raffles, and contests. All proceeds from the raffles will go to Cigars for Warriors. The specific date and ticket prices have not been announced yet but it usually takes place in early June with tickets priced around $150 each. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit www.jrcigars.com/list/smokin-in-the-carolinas.

June 3, 2017 – Philly Cigar Festival (Pottstown, PA)

This is the first year for the Philly Cigar Festival. It will take place on June 3 at Norco Fairgrounds in Pottstown, PA. This is expected to be a major affair with big-named cigar manufactures like Ashton, Rocky Patel, Montecristo, JC Newman, A. Fuente, Drew Estate, Oliva, Kristoff, Savinelli Pipes and many more to be announced as the date approaches. The festival will also feature beer, food and local artisans. There will be both VIP tickets and General Admission tickets available. VIP ticket holders can enter the festival at 12noon while General Admission ticket holders are permitted to enter at 1pm. Ticket pricing has not been announced yet. For tickets and more information, please visit www.phillycigarfestival.com.

June 7 – 11, 2017 – Nappa Valley Jazz Getaway (American Canyon, CA)

This is an exciting event happening in the heart of wine country. This year’s itinerary includes five days loaded with plenty of live Jazz music, wine, food and cigars. Most of the action will be taking place at the Jamieson Ranch Vineyards in American Canyon, California; however, there are a few Jazz and comedy performances that will take place at the nearby Lincoln Theater. As expected, there will be plenty of Jazz performances and wine tastings. There will be a cigar party each night by the pool with more music and drinks. Tickets range from $169 – $2,999. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit www.jazzgetaway.com.

July 10 – 14, 2017 – IPCPR Trade Show (Las Vegas, NV)

This is the most important event of the year for tobacconists and manufacturers. It is an annual members-only trade show where tobacconists are exposed to new cigars, pipes and related products. Thousands of cigar and pipe manufacturers convene under one roof to showcase their newest products and mingle with new and existing clients from around the globe. Admission is free for IPCPR members but pre-registration is required. The trade show kicks off with a cocktail party on July 10 and commences with the Cigar Bash at the end of the week. In between guests meet brand owners, attend lectures and learn about the industry. This year’s keynote speaker is Rudy Giuliani. Lodging is available. For more information please visit, www.ipcpr.org

Aug 2017 – North Shore Wine, Beer & Cigar Fest (Libertyville, IL)

This festival takes place in downtown Libertyville, Illinois. It is Lake County’s 8th-annual charity-orientated tasting festival hosted by the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club. Its proceeds are distributed annually at the club’s Charitable Giving Dinner to more than forty charities in the Libertyville-area and throughout Lake County. It features more than 300 different tastings of wine, beer, cigars and food. Attendees will learn how to pair different blends of cigars to complement different wines and beers. Included in admission are beer and wine sampling tickets and a commemorative glass. Food and cigars are extra. General Admission and VIP tickets will be available. A specific date, time and pricing have not yet been released. For more information please visit, www.northshorewineandbeerfest.com

August 12, 2017 – Connecticut Barn Smoker (South Windsor, CT)

Drew Estate will host the third annual Connecticut Barn Smoker, held in the legendary Connecticut River Valley in South Windsor, Connecticut. This event is unique to Drew Estate and is designed to educate smokers about growing and processing tobacco at the farm level. Drew Estate will be joined by their agricultural partners in Connecticut, the farmers who are responsible for growing some of the most sought after tobaccos in the world, used in brands such as Liga Privada, Undercrown, ACID, and Nica Rustica. It will include tours of the barns, lectures, demonstrations and tobacco tastings. Lodging is available. For more information please visit: www.barnsmoker.com

August 25 – 26, 2017  – Northwest Cigar Festival (Camas, WA)

After a smashing success last season, The Northwest Cigar Festival returns for the second year. It is a two-day cigar extravaganza that will appeal to both ‘newbies’ and aficionados alike. Guests will get the opportunity to schmooze with premium cigar manufacturers, receive fun swag, enjoy great food and indulge in plenty of spirits, wine and beer. Whether you are looking for a VIP experience or general admission, The Northwest Cigar Festival has you covered. Sponsored by CAO, the VIP Experience provides you with early entrance, two premium CAO cigars, a CAO branded gift, gourmet cuisine, spirits and beer. VIP tickets cost $150 and general admission is $95. The address is 1900 SE 192nd Ave Camas, WA 98607. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northwest-cigar-festival-2017-tickets-28950035335

Aug 26, 2017 – Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival (Broomfield, CO)

According to festival promoters, this event is “attracted to those who are geared toward premium, high-end products.” It is held at the world-renown Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colorado and offers cigar enthusiasts plenty of premium, high-end products including cigars, hand-crafted beer, wine, spirits, food, live music and more. Attendees will meet prominent cigar makers, receive an official festival bag with more than 20 cigars, a cutter, a lighter, a festival glass, a t-shirt, and more. The festival runs from 12pm – 6pm with VIP attendees allowed to enter at 11pm. Tickets go on sale April 3 and range from $45 – $550, depending on ticket level. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit: www.rmcigarfestival.com

August 26, 2017 – Brew City Cigar Festival (Milwaukee, WI)

The 5th annual Brew City Cigar Festival will be held at the Old Heidelberg Park Pavilion in Milwaukee, WI. It has been dubbed, “The ultimate night out for guys and gals who love cigars, spirits and great food.” It is an all-inclusive event that includes more than $150 in premium cigars, plenty of swag, free flowing drinks, tasty food, and endless entertainment. Ticket prices range from $95 – $400 with VIP tables available. The event runs from 6pm – 9pm but VIP ticket holders can enter at 4pm. Lodging and hotel packages are available. For more information or to purchase tickets visit, www.brewcitycigarfestival.com

Aug 26, 2017 – Cigar, Bourbon & Beer Festival (Fredericksburg, VA)

This is a festival for those who have a deep passion for cigars, bourbon and craft beer. Known as Fredericksburg’s premier cigar event, this festival features a wide-range of brands including Drew Estate, La Aurora and Esteban Carreras. Most of the alcohol that will be showcased is produced in Virginia, including homegrown bourbons, craft beers and wine – all from wineries, breweries and distilleries housed in Virginia. There will be plenty of food and live music to round out the day. The event will be held at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds in Fredericksburg, VA and runs from 4pm – 9pm. For tickets and more information please visit, www.cigarbourbonbeer.com

September 2017 – Kansas City Cigar Fest (Overland Park, KS)

This is a unique rooftop event atop Diebel’s Sportsmen Gallery in Overland Park, Kansas. This event features prominent cigar manufacturers, souvenir bags filled with more than 20 cigars, food, drink, raffles and more. Tickets prices range from $140 to $240. The exact date and time have not yet been released. For more information please visit: www.kccigarfestival.com

September 2, 2017 – Beale Street Cigar Festival (Memphis, TN)

Unlike any other cigar event on the planet, the Beale Street Cigar Festival does things Memphis style. It includes cigars, live rock, blues and R&B music, Memphis BBQ, cigar rolling demonstrations, beer, bourbon and cognac tasting, celebrity sports guests, raffles and giveaways. Ticket prices start at $65. Event hours are 1pm – 5pm with VIP afterhours festivities until midnight. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit: www.bealestreetcigarfestival.com

September 8 – 9, 2017 – Little Smoke Cigar Festival (Spokane, WA)

The state of Washington does not host many cigar festivals, but when they do, they go all out. The Little Smoke is a long running (8 years), multi-vendor cigar festival that attracts smokers by the droves. It is a two-day outdoor bash held at the Northern Quest Hotel and Casino is Spokane, Washington. Hosted by Legends of Fire Cigar Lounge, The Little Smokes is a ‘dress to impress’ event that features more than 20 big name cigar vendors along with fine spirits and gourmet cuisine. Each guest will receive more than 20 cigars upon entry, complimentary drinks and food. Tickets go on sale in mid-June. For tickets and more information please visit, www.northernquest.com

Sept 23, 2017 – Gardena Food, Wine & Cigar Festival (Gardena, CA)

This is a charity event hosted by the city of Gardena, California. It features over 80 retail vendors of all kinds including cigars, wine, beer, crafts, jewelry and more. General Admission tickets, which grant you entrance and a commemorative wine glass, cost $25. VIP tickets include 10 food and wine tasting tickets and an assigned seat for $60. Additional food and wine tasting tickets will be available for purchase. It all goes down on the front lawn of Gardena City Hall from 12pm – 6pm. For tickets and more information please visit: www.gardenafoodwinecigarfestival.com

September 30, 2017 – Kentucky Barn Smoker (Hopkinsville, KY)

Drew Estate will host the fourth annual Kentucky Barn Smoker in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the heart of the American Dark Fire Cured tobacco production. Drew Estate will, once again, display a live fire curing of Kentucky Seed, Kentucky Grown tobaccos and will demonstrate the fire curing process from start to finish. Lodging is available. For more information please visit: www.barnsmoker.com

October 14, 2017 – Bold City Cigar Festival (Jacksonville, FL)

This exciting event is held in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, at the Jacksonville Landing. Cigar enthusiasts will socialize with fellow brothers and sisters-of-the-leaf while hobnobbing with some of the industry’s elite brand owners, manufacturers and sports guests. In addition to premium hand-rolled cigars, the event will feature live music, craft beers, Scotch, bourbon, food and raffles. All paying attendee will receive an official commemorative festival bag, cigars and swag. VIP ticket holders will have access to the luxurious cigar suite, outside patio, a bird’s eye view of the stage, private bar, catered food and more. The event runs from 11am – 5pm. Ticket prices range from $30 to $99. For tickets and more information please visit, www.boldcitycigarfest.com

December 2 – Sabor Havana “Smoke This 2017” (Doral, FL)

Sabor Havana Cigars, one of Miami’s premier cigar shops, is hosting their 17th annual end-of-year event. Featuring live music, premium cigars, catered food, and open bar, it runs from 2pm to 6pm at the Sabor Havana shop in Doral. Registration begins at 1pm. www.saborhavanacigars.com

December 3 – Ybor City Cigar Festival (Tampa, FL)

This year’s Ybor City Cigar Festival offers premium cigars, food trucks, beer, wine, cigar-rolling demonstrations, and much more. Held on December 3, from 11am to 5pm at Centennial Park, it’s sponsored by Arturo Fuente cigars and the J.C. Newman Cigar Company; special guests are Carlito Fuente, Jr., Cynthia and Liana Fuente, and Bobby and Eric Newman. Tickets to the Fuente/J.C. Newman cigar VIP lounge are sold prior to the event; the pass includes open bar, premium cigars, and food. www.yborcitycigarfestival.com

January 19, 2018– Nebraska Cigar Festival (Lincoln, NE)

The 11th annual Nebraska Cigar Festival will be held at the Pla Mor Ballroom. Admission includes five premium cigars, a beverage ticket, and a BBQ, with smoking permitted indoors for the event. Early-entry tickets cost USD 55; general admission USD 45. Reserved VIP tables are available for USD 750. VIP entry begins at 5pm, and general entry at 6:30pm. www.Nebraskacigarfestival.com

February 10, 2018 – The Great Smoke (West Palm Beach, FL)

Promising to be “bigger, better and badder,” the 2018 Great Smoke is celebrating its 12th year. The “most star-studded collection of cigar personalities in the country” is now a three-day extravaganza of cigars, spirits, dinner, music, and its new, bigger location is the South Florida Fairgrounds. Attendees receive a commemorative tote bag with 45 cigars. Part of the proceeds benefits the Kids’ Cancer Foundation. www.thegreatsmoke.com

George Manzella is a passionate cigar smoker who credits his father for introducing him to the leaf in 1994 when he was just 18 years old. George has been a high school teacher of English in New Jersey, USA since 2003 where he has taught literature, writing and journalism. He is also the founder of the New Jersey Cigar Club. George wrote for two local community periodicals prior to joining Cigar Journal in 2015. His passion for premium tobacco and his zest for writing has taken George on a remarkable journey through an enchanted world of unforgettable memories and life-long friendships.


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