Sure, you can coup us up for two months while Old Man Winter hides the sun and takes away all the fun, but as soon as the calendar flips from February to March, you better believe we Louisvillians are ready to bum rush the outdoors. And the first sign that spring is near is the beloved Tailspin Ale Fest, which draws thousands of thirsty people to Bowman Field each year to celebrate beer, friendship, beer and aviation.

This year’s Tailspin, which is now in its 11th year, will be held Saturday, March 2, from 3-7 p.m. VIP tickets are already sold out, but there are still some GA tickets available. (But be sure to get them ASAP, because this event will sell out.)

What’s New?

So what’s new this year? Well, of course there is more beer than ever, with over 250 American craft beers served by the sample. IPAs, pale ales, sours, stouts, ciders — you name it, it’s there. And for those who like a stiffer pour, Green River Distilling will be on hand again offering up samples of bourbon — but more on that later.

This year there will also be VIP bathrooms courtesy of Tom Drexler, and you can actually purchase a special potty pass on the Tailspin website for $30. One of the only downsides of a big beer festival like this one here is encountering long lines at the Port-o-Pots, so this pass could be a great way to circumvent that bladder ache. The pass will allow you access to 17 indoor restrooms that are located in a private area.

Now, if you’re bougie and want your own private bathroom, that can happen as well for a fee of $200. And I will be your friend for the day, too!

While you’re not drinking beer, you can hit up local food trucks, dance funny at the silent disco, sing karaoke, smoke cigars and/or listen to the cool tunes of Tony & The Tan Lines.

And, as always, a portion of the proceeds benefits a local charity. This year the funds are going to Pints for Parkinson’s | TKO. There will also be a live boxing demonstration that highlights “the importance of exercise and movement in combating the challenges of Parkinson’s disease,” according to the news release. “The demonstration pays tribute to Louisville’s own legend, Muhammad Ali, whose battle with the incurable disease underscored the significant role that boxing and commitment to life played in extending his earthly existence beyond expectations.”

What About That Bourbon?

Let’s get back to the bourbon. Tailspin has teamed up with Green River for a special single barrel pick that will be for sale starting Feb. 29 at the Evergreen Liquors in NuLu (4-7 p.m.).

Any bottles left after this event and another one at Against the Grain will be sold at Tailspin. All I know is the bourbon is 119 proof, so you better believe I’ll be lining up for a sample!

Several of the breweries that have bourbon barrel-aged brews at the festival were given freshly dumped Green River barrels, so it’s like a tasty circle of life between beer, bourbon and my belly.

So let’s just all survive the next few weeks — we got the Super Bowl and the upcoming Bourbon Classic (Feb. 23-24) — and I’ll see your fine faces at Tailspin!