Wednesday, April 29, 6-10 p.m. American Founders Bank will host the Kentucky Derby Festival’s BeerFest. At the same time, more or less, the Great Steamboat Race, one of the perennial Derby Festival events, one with much hoopla but not a lot to actually see, will be taking place. The happy coincidence gives avid Steamboat Race fans something to do while waiting for the boats to go upriver, turn around and come back.

The BeerFest will take place at Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville at Waterfront Park. There, dozens of national and regional craft brewers will have samples of their craft to taste, and the Kentucky Beef Council will be grilling up the official 2015 Derby Burger.

The event will take place rain or shine. General admission is $45 in advance and $50 at the gate. Your ticket includes beer tastings, a commemorative mug and a BeerFest pin. VIP tickets are $75 and get you in an hour early  and access to a special food area, as well as pours from exclusive taps.

Tickets are available at both American Founders Bank locations, at 584-FEST or online here.