Clear your calendar and unleash your inner party animal because here are the details for America’s biggest festivals until November 2018.
May 19 – Smokin’ on the Hudson (Hoboken, New Jersey)
Smokin’ on the Hudson is a cigar cruise around Manhattan hosted by Casa de Montecristo in conjunction with JR Cigar of Whippany. The ship departs from pier 14, Hoboken, at 7pm with a pre-party at 5pm. Guests should be prepared for three hours on the water with food, open bar, live music, cigars, and plenty of other goodies. Ticket prices yet to be announced, but last year they were USD 269.00. www.smokinonthehudson.com
June 2 – Lone Star Cigar Bash (Helotes, Texas)
Finck Cigars is again hosting the Lone Star Cigar Bash. All proceeds go directly to The Fisher House Foundation, a charity organization that houses the families of military personnel while they’re being treated at local hospitals. Saturday, June 2, at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch. www.finckcigar.com/lonestar-cigar-bash
June 6-10 – Napa Valley Jazz Getaway (Napa, California)
An exciting event in the heart of wine country, this year’s itinerary includes five days of live jazz, wine, food, and cigars. Most of the action takes place at the Westin Verasa Napa; a few jazz and comedy performances will be held at the nearby Lincoln Theater and Oxbow Commons, and also wine tastings. Cigar parties each night by the pool, with more music and drinks. Tickets between USD 99 and USD 1,199. Lodging available. www.jazzgetaway.com
June 8 – Smokin’ in the Carolinas (Burlington, North Carolina)
JR Cigar will host this event for the sixth time. It features fine southern BBQ fare, wine sampling, unlimited beer, and, of course, goody bags stuffed with lots of big-name cigars. Features live music, meet-and-greet with brand owners, raffles, and contests. All raffle proceeds go to Cigars for Warriors. Tickets: USD 149/199. Lodging available. www.jrcigars.com/list/smokin-in-the-carolinas
June 11-16- Rocky Patel Cigar Cruise
“Shipwrecked 2018” is a one-of-a-kind event. The “home base” for this unique event is Casa de Campo off the Caribbean coast of La Romana, Dominican Republic. Get up close with Rocky Patel and many other cigar stars while learning about the country’s storied cigar trade. There’s a wealth of cigars, parties, and “cigarology” education. The itinerary is packed with events, including private cigar parties under the stars to beaches, golf, water sports, and exclusive dinners. Ticket prices from USD 3,599 to USD 9,499, depending on room choice and number of occupants. www.thecigarcruise.com
June 19 – Wine, Spirits and Cigar Festival (Washington, DC)
Hosted by DC Nightlife this eight-hour event is sponsored by Olney Winery. Guests will be showered with live music, exclusive wines, premium cigars, food, premium whiskey, Scotch, bourbon, vodka and other spirits. East Gateway Pavilion, Washington, DC, from 1pm to 9pm. Ticket prices range from USD 20 to USD 60, depending on date of purchase. www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-spirits-cigar-festival-tickets-41432641145
July 13–17 – International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Trade Show, IPCPR (Las Vegas)
The most important event of the year for tobacconists and manufacturers, the IPCPR is an annual members-only trade show where tobacconists are exposed to new cigars, pipes, and related products. Hundreds 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 13 and commences with the Cigar Bash on the weekend. Guests meet brand owners, attend lectures, and learn about the industry. Lodging available. www.ipcpr.org
August 4 – Drew Estate Connecticut Barn Smoker (Connecticut)
The 4thannual Connecticut Barn Smoker will be held at Foster Farm in the famed Connecticut River Valley. Foster Farm is home to the Liga No. 9 and T52 tobacco. To celebrate the 10thanniversary of Liga Privada, each attendee will receive an exclusive Liga Privada swag. Tickets (USD 90) include entrance to the American Tobacco Agriculture festival, a BBQ, and cigar specials. A raffle will benefit Cigars for Warriors. 10am-5pm.www.barnsmoker.com
August 17-18 – Northwest Cigar Festival (Washington)
The Northwest Cigar Festival returns for the third year. It’s a two-day cigar extravaganza that appeals to both newbies and passionados alike. Guests will have the opportunity to schmooze with premium cigar manufacturers, receive a fun swag, enjoy great food, and indulge in spirits, wine, and beer. VIP tickets: USD 160; general admission: USD 100. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northwest-cigar-fest
August 18 – Brew City Cigar Festival (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
The sixth annual Brew City Cigar Festival will be held at the Old Heidelberg Park Pavilion. Dubbed the “ultimate night out for guys and gals who love cigars, spirits, and great food,” it’s an all-inclusive event that includes more than USD 175 worth of premium cigars, plenty of swag, free-flowing drinks, tasty food, and endless entertainment. Ticket prices range from USD 95 to USD 400; VIP tables available. 6pm to 9:30 pm; VIP ticket holders can enter at 4pm. Lodging and hotel packages are available. www.brewcitycigarfestival.com
August 25 – Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival (Broomfield, Colorado)
According to festival promoters, this event attracts “those who are geared toward premium, high-end products.” Held at the world-renowned Omni Interlocken Resort, it 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 30 cigars, a cutter, lighter, festival glass, T-shirt, and more. From 12pm to 6pm, with VIP attendees allowed entry at 11am. Tickets on sale in April, but prices are yet to be announced. Lodging available. www.rmcigarfestival.com
August 25 – Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival (Fredericksburg, Virginia)
A festival for those who have a deep passion for cigars, bourbon, and craft beer, it’s known as Fredericksburg’s premier cigar event. It features a wide range of brands, including Drew Estate, Miami Cigars, and Esteban Carrera. Most of the alcohol showcased is produced in Virginia, including homegrown bourbons, craft beers and wine – all from wineries, breweries, and distilleries housed in Virginia. There’s plenty of food and live music to round out the day. The event will be held at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, from 4pm to 9pm. www.cigarbourbonbeer.com
August 25 – North Shore Wine, Beer & Cigar Fest (Illinois)
Taking place in downtown Libertyville, this is Lake County’s 9thannual charity-orientated tasting festival, hosted by the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club. It features more than 100 different tastings of wine, beer, cigars, and food. Attendees will learn how to pair different cigar blends with wines and beers. Admission includes beer and wine sampling and a commemorative glass; food and cigars extra. General admission: 4:30pm-8:30pm; VIP: 2:30pm-4:30pm. www.northshorewineandbeerfest.com
September 1 – Beale Street Cigar Festival (Tennessee)
Unlike any other cigar event on the planet, the Beale Street Cigar Festival does things Memphis style. Located at Handy Park on Beale Stree, the event includes cigars, DJ, blues and R&B music featuring Biz Markie, Memphis BBQ, cigar rolling demonstrations, beer, bourbon and cognac tasting, raffles and giveaways and sports celebrity guests. General admission is free and VIP tickets are $95. Event hours are 12pm – 4pm with VIP after-hours festivities until midnight. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bealestreetcigarfestival.com
September 8 – Kansas City Cigar Fest (Kansas)
This is a unique rooftop event atop Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery in Overland Park, which features prominent cigar manufacturers, souvenir bags, food, drink, raffles, and much more. Tickets from USD 145 to 245. 11am-3pm. www.kccigarfestival.com
September 22 – Gardena Food, Wine and Cigar Festival (California)
This charity event will showcase over 80 retail vendors and includes cigars, wine, beer, crafts, and jewelry. General admission: entrance and a commemorative wine glass, USD 25. VIP: 10 food and wine tasting and an assigned seat for USD 60. Additional food and wine tasting tickets will be available for purchase. The location is the front lawn of Gardena City Hall, 12pm to 6pm. www.gardenafoodwinecigarfestival.com
September 29 – Drew Estate Kentucky Barn Smoker (Kentucky)
The 5thannual Kentucky Barn Smoker will be held in Hopkinsville, 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 demonstrate the fire-curing process from start to finish. Tickets include access to the American Tobacco Agriculture festival, and a BBQ. 10am-5pm; tickets: USD 90. Lodging available.www.barnsmoker.com
November 17 – Drew Estate Louisiana Barn Smoker (Los Angeles)
The 2ndannual Louisiana Barn Smoker will take place in Convent, Los Angeles. Attendees will learn about the rich history of Louisiana tobacco and barrel fermentation. This event will showcase Drew Estate’s Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented cigar, with the all-day American Tobacco Agriculture festival, and a Cajun meal. 10am-5pm. Tickets: USD 90.www.barnsmoker.com
November 30 to December 2 – Ybor City Cigar Festival (Florida)
Held in one of the oldest cigar cities in America, the Ybor City Cigar Festival is rich in tradition. This is a three-day extravaganza taking place in Centennial Park, Tampa. There’s a cigar bar crawl on day one, with the Cigars & Stars event on day two. This year’s main event (held on the final day) is sponsored by A. Fuente and J.C. Newman, with special guests Carlito Fuente, Jr., Cynthia and Liana Fuente and Bobby and Eric Newman attending. It offers cigars, food trucks, beer, wine, cigar-rolling demonstrations, a dominoes playing area, and more than 200 vendors. The VIP pass includes open bar, premium cigars, and food. General admission: free; VIP: USD 150. www.yborcitycigarfestival.com.
