Boulevardia Celebrates Fifth Year in Bottoms with Bou Lou and Tech N9ne Too

Boulevardia is back for a fifth year in the West Bottoms June 15-16 and this year’s festival includes a performance by Tech N9ne paired with a new collaborative beer he’s created with Boulevard Brewery.

The event, located in the Stockyards District of the Bottoms, has grown to become a huge Father’s Day weekend attraction. It includes live music, a Maker’s Market, carnival rides and of course, plenty of Boulevard beer.

“When the festival was launched back in 2014, it was kind of a shot in the dark,” said Jeff Krum, president of Boulevard Brewing.

“We really didn’t know what to expect or how it would be received, but it’s fair to say it was more successful than any of us imagined.

“Since then, Boulevardia has grown year by year and earned a solid place in the local events calendar.”

Boulevardia Friday hours are from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Carnival rides and great live music are part of what makes Boulevardia one of Kansas City’s favorite summertime festivals. (Image from Boulevardia)

Friday night music include Tech N9ne, Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear and Manchester Orchestra. Saturday evening acts include Sir Sly, Guster and Bleachers. The full line-up is here.

For the silent types, Boulevardia’s first-ever Silent Disco is a place where festival attendees can dance the day and night away like no one is watching, according to a press release.

DJ Thundercutz, Ashton Martin, Mike Scott, Dropout Boogie, Rick Maun, Rico, DJ Sheppa and DJ Joe will lay down the tracks in the Vineborough Stage area, showcasing their skills as some of KC’s best music mixers.

All you need to do is check out a free wireless headset, pick between two music stations and let your feet take control.

The Makers Market includes top craftspeople from throughout the Midwest.

Patrons can leave the festival with a variety of home goods, apparel and unique finds. Several merchants from previous years are back, but most of this year’s merchants are new to the lineup. The participants can be found here.

And then there’s beer. A variety of Boulevard beers will be served on draught and in cans throughout Boulevardia.

Two special brews also will be offered.  Boulevardia Sour Grisette was created exclusively just for the festival by Boulevard Brewing Company, 2nd Shift Brewing, Central Standard Brewing and Mikkeller Baghaven.

And the highly anticipated collaboration beer from Boulevard and Tech N9ne’s Strange Music, Bou Lou, will make its debut at the festival in 16-ounce cans.

In addition to the extensive beer offerings throughout the festival, Boulevardia’s Beer Cocktail Bar will be returning offering four unique beer-infused, summer-inspired cocktails crafted by Liquid Minded Concepts.

Guests will also be able to enjoy wine selections from Amigoni Urban Winery at a wine bar located near the indoor Vineborough Stage.

Food from many local establishments will be sold from open to close both festival days. The food line-up can be found here.

Tastes and Taps offers a more exclusive experience at Boulevardia. (Image from Boulevardia)

For those 21 and over seeking a more unique experience, Taps and Tastes will go on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hale Arena.

The $85 ticket includes sampling from more than 50 national and international breweries, a variety of tasty local bites, a commemorative tasting glass and general admission to the Fest on Saturday.

Krum said Boulevardia has become a showcase for the West Bottoms and downtown. He also thanked the volunteers who’ve made the festival such a fun time.

“We’d like to believe it’s also had a positive impact on Kansas City by bringing people from far and wide into the city, into the urban core, leading to lots of fortuitous discoveries, both large and small,” he said.

“This year promises to be the best ever.”

Tickets are available now online and can be purchased at the festival Main Gate starting at 4 p.m. on Friday. General admission tickets are $25 and also include access to the Vinborough and The Cellar.

Tickets for special experiences including Taps and Tastes, HopCat VIP, Father’s Day Brunch, Boulevard/Dog Fish Head Beer Dinner and Ride2Blvdia are still available.

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