May 2–5 CIGARfest (Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania)
CIGARfest is arguably the most popular and sought-after cigar festival in the United States. Hosted by Cigars International, this four-day affair sees 6,000 cigar smokers converge on a sleepy Pennsylvania town to celebrate what is dubbed “America’s Mega Herf.” CIGARfest includes pre-parties (by Drew Estate, Perdomo and CAO on Thursday), events, breakfasts, dinners and golf tournaments. It ends with a post-party mega-sale on Sunday. In between are two golf outings, dinners, and intimate events by major cigar manufacturers like Alec Bradley, Rocky Patel, Aging Room, and Oliva. The main festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania. Tickets go on sale on February 2 at 2pm, but you must be preregistered to be eligible to purchase tickets. Prices range from USD 190 to 290, with upgrades and extra perks available. Lodging available. For tickets and more information, visit www.cigarfest.org.
May 23–26 – C.A.T.S. Fest (Granbury, Texas)
This is a weekend-long festival taking place at the Granbury Convention Center, 621 E. Pearl St. Granbury, 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, VIP dinner, artisan beer competition, cigar round up, beard and mustache competition, golf tournament, music, raffles, and a variety of other entertainment including a pre-party. Drew Estate is the major sponsor, with many other big names also contributing. Tickets go on sale on March 1. Lodging available. For tickets and more information, visit www.catsfestival.com
June – Lone Star Cigar Bash (Helotes, Texas)
Finck Cigars is once again hosting Lone Star Cigar Bash – an event where all proceeds from profits go directly to The Fisher House, a charity organization that houses the families of military personnel while they are being treated at local hospitals. The exact day of this year’s festival has not yet been announced but it is usually in early June at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch in Helotes, Texas. For tickets and more information, visit www.finckcigar.com/lonestar-cigar-bash/
June – Smokin’ in the Carolinas (Burlington, North Carolina)
JR Cigar in Burlington, North Carolina will host its s annual Smokin’ in the Carolinas BBQ. This event features some fine southern BBQ fare, wine sampling, unlimited beer, and, of course, a goody bag stuffed with lots of cigars from some of the biggest names in the industry. There will also be live music, a meet-and-greet with brand owners, raffles, and contests. All proceeds from the raffles go to Cigars for Warriors. Exact date and ticket prices have not been announced yet, but General Admission and VIP tickets will be available. Lodging is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.jrcigars.com/list/smokin-in-the-carolinas.
June 5–8 – Napa Valley Jazz Getaway (Napa, California)
An exciting event 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 Westin Verasa Napa, California; however, a few jazz and comedy performances are held at the nearby Lincoln Theater and Oxbow Commons. 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 USD 399 to 2,499. Lodging available. For tickets and more information, visit www.jazzgetaway.com.
June 6–9 – Bash and Burn (Naples, Florida)
Hosted by Rocky Patel Cigars, this is a cigar-inspired getaway at La Playa Beach and Golf Resort in Naples. The events kicks off with an exclusive beachside cocktail party at sunset, a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, top-shelf open bar and an after party at the BURN Lounge by Rocky Patel. The main event features a three-hour cigar cruise aboard a luxury yacht with dinner, top-shelf open bar and entertainment. Golf, spa treatments, water sports, and tennis also offered. Each guest will receive USD 1,000 worth of cigars and a swag. Tickets prices range from USD 150 to 1,195. Lodging at the resort is an extra cost. For tickets and more information, visit www.bashandburn.com
June 8 – Wine, Spirits and Cigars Festivals (Washington, DC)
DC Nightlife is hosting Wine, Spirits and Cigars, a nine-hour event at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Guests will be showered with live music, exclusive wines, premium cigars, food offerings, and plenty of spirits. It will take place from 2pm to 11pm. Ticket prices range from USD 30 to 50, depending on date of purchase. For tickets and more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-spirits-cigar-festival-tickets-41432641145
June 8 – New York Cigar Cruise (Manhattan, New York)
Join Captain Jon Davis aboard the Horn Blower Serenity for a cigar cruise around Manhattan, New York City. Guests will enjoy three premium cigars, open top-shelf bar, catered buffet, live cigar rolling, bourbon tasting, and raffles. Tickets are USD 150; boarding at Pier 40, 353 West St., New York. For tickets and more information, contact Captain Jon at [email protected].
June 20 – Cigars and Baseball (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
This is a unique fundraising event that benefits The Miracle League. It includes fine food, drinks, premium cigars, live music, entertainment, and tickets to a Minnesota Twins baseball game. For more information, visit www.cigarsbaseball.com, or contact them on Instagram @cigarsnbaseball.
June 28 – July 2 – (IPCPR) International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Trade Show (Las Vegas)
The most important event of the year for tobacconists and manufacturers, this 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 June 28 and commences with the Cigar Bash at the end of the weekend. In between, guests meet brand owners, attend lectures and learn about the industry. Lodging available. For more information, visit www.ipcpr.org.
July 20 – Drew Estate Pennsylvania Barn Smoker (Pennsylvania)
The 2nd annual Pennsylvania Barn Smoker will be held at 1539 Lime Valley Road in Strasburg. Drew Estate (DE) will showcase the rich and storied history of tobacco-growing in Lancaster County. Ticket purchase includes access to an all-day festival of American Tobacco Agriculture along with catered food and a liquor tasting. Time: 9am to 4:30pm. Tickets: USD 100. This year for the first time, DE is offering a VIP package, which includes all of the days’ activities plus an intimate dinner with the entire Drew Estate team, three exclusive cigars, and a swag package for USD 195. Lodging available. For tickets and more information, visit www.barnsmoker.com.
August 16–17 – Northwest Cigar Festival (Washington)
The Northwest Cigar Festival returns for its fourth year. It’s a two-day cigar extravaganza that appeals 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, and live music. The Cohiba VIP experience includes two exclusive cigars, premium liquor, extra swag, and early admission. VIP tickets: USD 150; General Admission: USD 100. Location: 1701 Southeast 192nd Avenue, Camas, Washington 98607. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northwest-cigar-festival-2019-tickets-55431478043.
August 17 – Brew City Cigar Festival (Wisconsin)
The 7th annual Brew City Cigar Festival is held at the Old Heidelberg Park Pavilion in Milwaukee. It has been 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 in premium cigars, plenty of swag, free flowing drinks, tasty food, and endless entertainment. Tickets are USD 175 for standard admission and USD 250 for VIP tickets, with VIP tables also available and early entry at 4pm. The event runs from 6pm to 9:30pm. Lodging and hotel packages available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.brewcitycigarfestival.com.
August 17 – Fuente Fever (California)
This is known as “The Largest West Coast Fuente Event.” Guests will spend the day with the Fuente family at Lord Puffer Tobacconist in Escondido, San Diego. Smokers will have the opportunity to purchase Opus X cigars and participate in a live auction, where Carlito Fuente will auction rare Opus X cigars from his personal collection. General Admission: USD 25; VIP: USD 100. Food, cigars, and drinks will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.fuentefever33.com/home-1.html.
August 24 – North Shore Wine, Beer & Cigar Fest (Illinois)
This festival takes place in downtown Libertyville. It is Lake County’s annual charity-oriented 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. Admission includes beer and wine sampling tickets and a commemorative glass. Food and cigars are extra. General Admission and VIP tickets are available. Pricing has not yet been released. For more information, visit www.northshorewineandbeerfest.com.
August 24 – Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival (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 in Broomfield, it offers cigar enthusiasts plenty of premium, high-end products, including cigars, hand-crafted beer, wine, spirits, food, live music, and more. Attendees meet prominent cigar makers, receive an official festival bag with more than 40 cigars, drink tickets, a cutter, a lighter, a festival glass, a T-shirt, and more. The festival runs from 12pm to 6pm, with VIP attendees allowed to enter at 11am. Ticket prices range from Social, USD 60, to Executive, USD 575. Lodging available. For tickets and more information, visit www.rmcigarfestival.com.
August 24 – Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival (Virginia)
This is a festival for those who have a deep passion for cigars, bourbon and craft beer. Known as Fredericksburg’s premier cigar event, it features a wide range of brands, including Drew Estate, La Aurora, Rocky Patel, 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 will be plenty of food and live music to round out the day. Held at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds from 4pm to 9pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.cigarbourbonbeer.com.
August 28 – September 1 – Black Smoke Miami (Florida)
This is a five-day festival with an event scheduled for each night taking place at different hotels and cigar lounges in Miami. It is advertised as “Fun in the Sun,” with cigars, drinks, food and music. Pricing is USD 50 per event or USD 350 for the VIP package that includes entry to each event, cigars, open bar, food, and a premium swag bag. Hotel Indigo is the host hotel, with lodging available. VIP pool cabana rentals also available. For more information, visit http://www.blacksmokemiami.com/#.
August 31 – Beale Street Cigar Festival (Tennessee)
Unlike any other cigar event on the planet, the Beale Street Cigar Festival does things in Memphis style. It includes cigars, DJ, blues and R&B music, Memphis BBQ, cigar-rolling demonstrations, beer, bourbon and cognac tasting, raffles and giveaways. General admission is free and VIP tickets are USD 95. Event hours are from 12pm to 4pm, with VIP after-hours festivities until midnight. Lodging available. For tickets and more information, visit www.bealestreetcigarfestival.com.
September 7 – Kansas City Cigar Festival (Missouri)
This is a unique rooftop event atop Diebel’s 426 Ward Parkway, Kansas City. This event, dubbed “Kansas City’s Best Cigar Party,” features prominent cigar manufacturers, souvenir bags filled with 19 premium cigars, local food and drinks, raffles, and more. Time: 11am to 3pm. Tickets prices: General Admission, USD 145; VIP, USD 245, which includes more cigars, more food and more raffle tickets. Tickets go on sale in June. For more information, visit www.kccigarfestival.com.
September – Buffalo Cigar Festival (New York)
The 3rd annual Buffalo Cigar Festival is a fun event with live music from a variety of genres, food, drinks, vendor showcases, prizes, and much more. This is great for both cigar enthusiasts and music lovers. The event takes place at The Wings Meeting Place Pavilion 3964 California Road, Orchard Park. Tickets range from USD 70 for non-smokers to USD 200 for VIP. The exact date is yet to be announced. For tickets and more information, visit http://buffalocigarfest.com/#section-11.
