Frontstretch Fest – a classic Southern celebration of horse racing, quality bourbon, craft beer and artisanal food – will debut in 2015 at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, N.C., and at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Nashville, Tenn.
Frontstretch Fest will kick off as the official infield affair of the 64th annual Stoneybrook Steeplechase at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, N.C., 80 miles south of Raleigh, on Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Then, during the 141st running of the world’s most famous horse race on May 2, 2015, Frontstretch Fest will serve as the world’s largest Kentucky Derby viewing party at the Nashville Farmers’ Market in Nashville, Tenn., from noon – 5 p.m.
Both Frontstretch Fest events will feature artisanal food and drinks, hand-rolled cigars, live music, interactive entertainment and much more. “Bourbon Bend” and “Craft Beer Boulevard” will offer tastings and classes from local and national distilleries and breweries alongside “Cuisine Corner,” which will be showcasing the best local chefs and food trucks.
“We see an opportunity to create something truly unique,” said Brian Bauer, Agency Director at Rockhouse Partners, the company that founded Frontstretch Fest. “Horse racing, quality bourbon, craft beer and artisanal food all have a natural home in our region, and we’re thrilled to present an exceptional combination of these experiences for fans.”
Joe Kustelski, CEO of Etix and founder of Rockhouse Partners, added that the locales for the first two Frontstretch Fests align with the cultural commitment of both companies to build local events. “Etix provides ticketing and marketing services for events around the world, but it’s a special opportunity for us to develop a celebration of the best parts of Southern culture right here in our own backyard.”
Matt Leff, Founder of Rhizome Productions, has high goals as his company manages the event’s logistics. “We want to advance what it means to produce a beer and bourbon festival, and we’re shooting for the moon with Frontstretch Fest; it is going to be our most exciting event yet.”
“We are very excited about the 2015 Stoneybrook Steeplechase – with Frontstretch Fest, it is going to be bigger and better than any year before,” said Maureen Grippa, Executive Director at Carolina Horse Park.
Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10 a.m. local time and will be available at frontstretchfest.com or at 1-800-514-3849. A limited pre-sale will begin on Saturday, January 10. Pre-sale registration is available now at frontstretchfest.com.