The Eighth Annual NuLu Bock & Wurst Fest returns to Louisville on Saturday, March 22nd—this time with a fresh new “micro marathon” to kick off the festivities. Presented by Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
The NuLu 502 is an easy-going 502-foot run/walk/strut that spans across Clay Street between Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut. The race will begin with a “popping of the champagne” at Nouvelle and end with a finish line party next to Goodwood on Clay Street, hosted by Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and Goodwood Brewing. Registration costs $20 and is open to all ages; click here to register!
The NuLu Bock Fest will feature a variety of local breweries in a celebration of bock beer! If beer isn’t your thing, there will be additional offerings, including craft cocktails and mixed drinks. The Annual Wurst Fest will give local restaurants the chance to compete for the “Best of the Wurst Fest Winner” title, entering in their takes on the beloved traditional dish. The competition will be held at The Last Refuge on March 12th.
Voting for the People’s Choice Wurst Fest award will be open between March 15th and March 21st at participating competitors’ restaurants. Chefs interested in competing can register at this link.
Following The NuLu 502, the festival will include a full day of goat racing! There will be a total of eight races from 12pm to 6pm. The Fifth Third Forecast Dash Baby Goat Race at 3:30pm will be the featured race, in which the meteorologists of Louisville will be competing for a $1000 prize made to the winning forecaster’s charity of choice.
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Don’t miss this exciting, fun-filled event! Further details on the NuLu Bock Fest, including information on the festival’s pre-parties, the race schedule, and the schedule of live music, can be found below.
NuLu Bock Fest Pre-Parties
Saturday, March 1, 2-6pm, Bowman Field: Tailspin Ale Fest patrons can hang with baby goats while enjoying the best beer fest in Kentucky.
Saturday, March 8, 3pm, Bardstown Road: Come see goats on a float at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the Louisville Downtown Partnership. Free 2025 Bock Fest koozies will be passed out throughout the parade.
Wednesday, March 12, 6-8pm, The Last Refuge: NuLu Wurst Fest judging competition. Wurst Fest competitors submit their best Wurst for this judged competition. Baby goats on the patio. Drink specials and Last Refuge specialty wursts for sale. Open to the public. 21+ only.
Saturday, March 15, 10am-1pm, Galaxie: Baby Goat Yoga! Join us for some bend and zen with baby goats.
Saturday, March 15, 12-6pm, Garage Bar: The Bock Fest Brunch and Paddock Party. Meet the contestants and check and enjoy a Bulleit Bourbon Slushy or other specialty drink at Garage Bar. Bock Fest merchandise for sale.
Race Schedule
- 12:00pm: Blessing of the Goats with Father David Sanchez
- 12:30pm: First Urology Baby Goat Race
- 1:15pm: Tractor’s Supply’s “For Life out There” Adult Goat Race
- 2:00pm: First Urology’s “I Gotta Go” Baby Goat Race
- 2:45pm: Baaaaacardi Baaa-ttle Adult Goat Race
- 3:30pm: Featured Race: Fifth Third Bank Forecast Dash Baby Goat Race
- 4:15pm: Angel’s Envy Adult Goat Race
- 5:00pm: Baby Goat Race
- 5:30pm: Jefferson County Farm Bureau Adult Goat Race Championship
- 6:00pm: Jefferson County Farm Bureau Baby Goat Race Championship
Live music Schedule
- 12:00pm: School of Rock
- 1:30pm: Cait Justice & Band
- 3:00pm: Honky Tonk Rewind
- 4:30pm: 1 LOUDER
Family-friendly activities including the Tipping Tractor, Bessie the Milking Cow, the Discovery Trailer, a petting zoo and goat kissing booth, and more will also return to Bock Fest 2025.
Press release provided by Lauren Hendricks, Cambrium Marketing.
This article appears in Feb 14-27, 2025.