Saturday, Feb. 18, more than 250 beers from over 75 breweries will be available for sampling at Tailspin Ale Fest, held at the WWII Era Louisville Executive Aviation Hangar at Bowman Field. In addition to being the first of several beer fests this year celebrating the success of the craft beer movement, TailSpin raises funds to support the local Dare to Care Food Bank.

In addition to lots of beer, several local food trucks will offer a variety of nourishment, biplanes will be on display, and live entertainment will perform. Everyone who pays to get in will get a souvenir tasting glass;  those who pay to be VIPs will receive an hour early entry, a one-year subscription to DRAFT Magazine, one food voucher, and a Tailspin Ale Fest souvenir.

More bathroom capacity is promised for this year’s event, including a 20-foot-by-8-foot converted shipping container that will house 13 individual urinal stalls, easing the lines at the Port-A-Potties. More space at Bowman Field is set aside for everyone, and 25 more breweries than last year will be pouring, including a dedicated bar serving not only ciders, but sour beers.

The “Get on the Bus, Gus” shuttle service expands this year as well, to ease parking at Bowman Field. There will be seven shuttle stops at various points around the Louisville Metro area, including one at New Albanian Brewing Co. in New Albany. For $10, riders get shuttle service to the festival, as well as a beer and a snack of some kind at each stop. Other stops include Mellow Mushroom and Liquor Barn locations.

Tickets to Tailspin Ale Fest are $45 for general admission and $75 for VIP, and can be purchased online here.  Designated driver tickets are available for $15.You can buy tickets here.