Blocktoberfest Returns to Downtown Owensboro, Kentucky Celebrating Local Brews & Businesses

For the third year, picnic tables will line the two blocks of 2nd Street from Daviess to St. Ann as Owensboro celebrates BlOcktoberfest. Palmer Dempsey, organizer of the event explained the inspiration, "We started because we really wanted to support local folks, restaurants, musicians, and brewers,"  They also wanted to bring the community together for a fun and unique day.

Owensboro and the surrounding area has had an influx of breweries, and I know I am not alone when I say I'm excited about it.  It's honestly one of the signs of a thriving city, local pubs and restaurants that is. You can enjoy them all on Saturday, October 21st starting at noon when the fun begins. The Pub on Second, Brasher's Lil Nashville, and Brew Bridge are the three main collaborators, but pretty much all of 2nd Street joins in for BlOcktoberfest.

J's Good Grub and Lure Smoke Shack food trucks will be there which is kind of cruel if you ask me! How the heck and I supposed to choose? I guess the trick is to pick one for lunch and one for dinner. And then there are all of the other awesome restaurants down and around 2nd street that Palmer told me usually participate in the fun in some way with specials and outdoor seating. Famous Bistro, Mellow Mushroom, Don Mario, Fetta, and Goodwood.

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Live music from Chris Abell and the Lowland Ramblers, August Christopher, and Cynthia Murray & The End Times will be keeping the party going for the day. They also have a Stein holding contest which sounds hilarious and also probably very intense. Participants have to hold full steins of beer with their arms straight out. Whoever can last the longest is the winner.

Of course, there will be booths where you can enjoy beer from local breweries in your complimentary mug (while supplies last.) We tried quite a few beers at the recent Hops on the Ohio Festival including some by Brew Bridge and The Pub on Second. They were both really great and it felt nice to support local folks doing what they love.

There are several vendors signed up to sell jewelry and art, but Palmer told me they are still looking for more to set up. If you'd like to sell your wares at BlOcktoberfest or become a sponsor for this event just send their Facebook page a message. A huge thanks to the table sponsor, Holston Gas, and the mug sponsor, People's Bank.

Any proceeds from BlOcktoberfest are donated to Singing for Our Supper, an awesome non-profit that benefits people in the service industry including musicians who may be struggling.