NuLu Bockfest returns with goat races, beer and more. What to know
The annual spring goat racing, bock beer, food and live music celebration returns on Saturday, March 28 from 12-6 p.m. with The Nulu 502, a micro-marathon that spans a whopping 502 feet to begin at 11:30 a.m.
Now in its ninth year, the free event takes place across several blocks of E. Market Street, with live music on one end and goat races on the opposite end of the street. The NuLu neighborhood has been named one of the "Top 10 Best Arts District in USA" and "One of the Best Food Neighborhoods in USA.”
The Bockfest spring tradition traces back to the mid-19th century when the changing of the season was marked by the release of a dark German lager, known as bock, after a winter of aging. Because NuLu is home to two alleys named Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut, the neighborhood is a fitting place for a bock beer festival featuring adult and baby goat racing, a wurst competition, music performances, and several local vendors and food trucks.
A total of 12 goat races will take place beginning with the national anthem, accompanied by a flyover, at noon and ending at 6 p.m. The featured race will be the News Flash Dash Baby Goat Race at 3:30 p.m. where Louisville’s television anchors, reporters and meteorologists select a baby goat to race for a $500 donation made to the winner's charity of choice.
It was off to the races for goats and humans alike at the NuLu Bock Fest on Saturday afternoon in downtown Louisville, Ky. Mar. 25, 2023
Throughout the festival, Wurst Fest will welcome local restaurants to showcase their spin on traditional brats for the chance to be crowned the Best of the Wurst Fest. Local breweries will serve their 2026 bock beers, along with other selections. For non-beer drinkers, craft cocktails and mixed drinks will also be available for purchase
Here's what to know about the 2026 Bockfest:
When is Bockfest held in 2026?
This year's event is held Saturday, March 28 from noon-6 p.m.
Where is the annual Bockfest held?
The Nulu 502 is a 502 feet foot race held at 11:30 a.m. during the 2026 Bockfest in Nulu is Saturday, March 28. The festival is held on E.Market St. from noon - 6 p.m.
The annual event is held in the NuLu neighborhood, specifically along the 600 and 800 blocks of East Market Street, which is near E. Market and Clay streets.
What special activities are there for kids at Bockfest?
A goat with keen fashion sense waited its turn to race at the NuLu Bock Fest on Saturday afternoon in downtown Louisville, Ky. Mar. 25, 2023
If cheering for racing goats isn't enough Bockfest also offers plenty of family-friendly activities including the Tipping Tractor, Bessie the Milking Cow, the Discovery Trailer, a petting zoo and goat kissing booth, and more.
Where do I find more information about the 2026 Bockfest
Beer and goats were recurring themes at the NuLu Bock Fest on Saturday afternoon in downtown Louisville, Ky. Mar. 25, 2023
The NuLu Business Association website is a good place to start, nulu.org/bockfest. For more up to the minute information, check Nulu Official on Instagram and Facebook.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].
