Goat races and craft beer: Here's your complete guide to this year's NuLu Bock Fest

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal

Rev up the goats and rinse out your beer stein. In celebration of the first weekend of spring, goat racing and craft beer return in force to East Market Street during the annual NuLu Bock Fest and Wurst Fest.

The popular annual festival sponsored by the NuLu Business Association, takes place from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 in the 600 to 800 block of East Market Street. It features multiple bock beers from local craft breweries, a sausage cooking competition, live music from local musicians, and goat races.

The goat racing tradition traces back to the mid-19th century to mark the changing of the season when the dark German lager, known as bock, was released after a winter of aging. NuLu is home to Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut alleyways, making it a fitting place for goat racing and beer tasting.

NuLu Bock Fest in Louisville.
NuLu Bock Fest in Louisville.

A total of eight goat races will take place during this year's event beginning with the Blessing of the Goats and Bock Beer at noon and ending at 6 p.m.

Besides goat racing and beer, come to this festival hungry for Bratwurst. The annual Wurst Fest includes local restaurants showcasing their spin on the traditional German dish for the chance to be crowned the Best of the Wurst Fest Winner.

There will also be family-friendly activities including the Tipping Tractor, Bessie the Milking Cow, the Discovery Trailer, a Bubble Truck, a petting zoo, and more.

Here are three additional Bock Fest pre-parties to help get you in the mood for spring:

Beer and goats were recurring themes at the NuLu Bock Fest on Saturday afternoon in downtown Louisville, Ky. Mar. 25, 2023
Beer and goats were recurring themes at the NuLu Bock Fest on Saturday afternoon in downtown Louisville, Ky. Mar. 25, 2023

  • Saturday, March 2, 4-6 p.m. — Try a bock beer or a Taj cocktail and hang out with baby goats at Taj Bar, 807 E. Market St. You must be 21 years of age to attend.

  • Saturday, March 9, 3-6 p.m — Come see goats on a float at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the Louisville Downtown Partnership. Free 2024 Bock Fest koozies will be passed out throughout the parade.

  • Saturday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Goat Yoga at Taj Bar/ Wick's Pizza patio at 10:30 a.m. After yoga spend time with the goat racing contenders at the Bock Fest Paddock Party held at Garage Bar, 700 E. Market St, from 2-5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: NuLu Bock Fest, Wurst Fest features goat races, craft beer and more

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