Nashville is a great city for getting together with friends. Following a successful Craft Brewers Conference in the Music City a few years ago, the Brewers Association pointed the party back to the Tennessee capitol for several days of education, expo shopping, meetings, and fun.
Officially the conference runs from May 7 to 10, 2023, culminating with the World Beer Cup awards announced on Wednesday evening. The conference website has a full listing of all of the seminars, hospitality suites, sponsored events, and outside parties.
In reality, the gathering starts a few days before the conference and will continue on for a few days afterwards. Not only will brewers and brewing professionals from around the world be coming into the city, but leading up to CBC is Cinco de Mayo, Derby Weekend, and Taylor Swift is in town for two sold out concerts. Plus Nash Vegas is also a destination for pre-wedding jaunts.
It’s going to be fun for everyone, and the breweries and craft bars around the city have spent months prepping for the big week. Remember to support local breweries, bars, and brands.
Events and Education
Saturday May 6
Funk Fest
Celebrate the world of funky, sour and wild beer along with mead, saison and lagers from over 50 of the top breweries in the world! Funk Fest continues to be a unique festival experience providing a day of beer, food and education like no other. Enjoy unlimited samples from our Embrace The Funk series alongside other world class breweries pouring their finest offerings. No need to take out your wallet for food, Chef Jeremy Barlow will once again fill your belly all day long with a rotating selection of inspired dishes and pairings! Cheese please…yes everyone’s favorite “cheeselady” Kathleen Cotter from The Bloomy Rind returns with an amazing curated spread of cheeses and sides! Both are included in the ticket price.
Sunday May 7
The BA is offering Pre-Conference Education
8:00 am – 12:30 pm | TTB Bootcamp for Brewers
8:00 am – 6:00 pm | THRIVE Workshop
9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Draught Beer Quality Workshop
9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Business Financial Leadership Workshop
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Brewery Safety Bootcamp (Offsite)
This is followed by the welcome reception (ticket required) at Walk of Fame Park (121 4th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37203).
Hang out with ProBrewer
ProBrewer has partnered with a number of sponsors for three happy hours during the Craft Brewers Conference. Make the most of your time in Nashville by hanging out with the ProBrewer team while visiting breweries of note.
Sunday, May 7 from 2-5pm – New Heights Brewing Company
New Heights Brewing Company is a small craft brewery in the heart of Nashville. It offers a variety of craft brews including ales, porters, and IPAs. Address: 928 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville TN 37201
Monday, May 8 from 5-7pm – Fait La Force Brewing
Fait La Force Brewing crafts brews predominantly inspired by Belgian-style beers and likes to push the boundaries of predictability and familiarity. Address: 1414 Ave S St. 101, Nashville, TN 37210.
Wednesday, May 10 from 4-7pm – East Nashville Beer Works
East Nashville Beer Works has a variety of beer styles and is focused on community and bringing people together for the taproom experience. Address: 320 E. Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37207.
Sponsors for these events include:
Lotus Beverage Alliance – Crafting Possibilities
CPE Systems – Practical, affordable solutions for the craft brewing industry
Flottweg – Liquid solids separation solutions for brewers
Beer Marketeers – A creative agency for brands in the beverage industry
All About Beer – News. Podcasts. Analysis.
Breweries to Visit
Nashville is home to a multitude of breweries, many an easy ride from the convention center. Visiting local breweries during the conference is a chance to experience different flavors, approaches to business, and aesthetics. More than pints, it’s a great way to put a finger on the pulse of the industry.
Barrique Brewing and Blending
30 Oldham St, Nashville, TN 37213
The brewery is hosting a number of events throughout the week. Hosting breweries from around the country with theme nights planned, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.
Sunday May 7 is a celebration of Lagers and BBQ
Monday May 8 is “Westies with our Besties” a celebration of West Coast IPA
Tuesday May 9 is Camp Rauchbier a summer celebration of all things smoke
Wednesday May 10 is the Mixed Culture Mixture which will feature a great array of mixed fermented ales.
Jackalope Brewing
429B Houston St, Nashville, TN 37203
Jackalope Brewing Company was founded by Bailey Spaulding (who is also our Chief Executive Officer) and Robyn Virball. Bailey and Robyn became friends in the tiny Scottish village of St. Andrews, where Bailey was doing a semester abroad and Robyn was completing her undergraduate degree. After college, Bailey went off to Vanderbilt Law School, and Robyn entered the working world, but both thought they were looking for much bigger and more intoxicating things. Bailey’s passion for homebrewing led to the Jackalope dream, and in 2009 the ladies dove into planning the brewery.
Smith and Lentz
903 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
A small craft brewery in East Nashville serving wood fired pizza, fresh salads and good wine. Indoors and patio seating.
Southern Grist
754 Douglas Ave, Nashville, TN 37207
Kevin Antoon, Jamie Lee, and Jared Welch met in the corporate world. Their weekends spent homebrewing quickly evolved when they shed their business attire and decided to go all in–opening a 430 square foot brewery in East Nashville with a modest seating area. The doors opened in February of 2016 staffed by the three founders and their wives.
Yazoo Brewing
900 River Bluff Dr, Madison, TN 37115
A short drive out of the city finds the current home of Yazoo Brewing. This Nashville institution is a must visit as it’s been a leader in the space since its founding. From standbys like Gerst Amber ale to pilsners and lagers of note, the taproom is a big and welcoming space.