Carefree Celebrates Bourbon & Cigar Culture

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

The aroma of fine tobacco will soon mingle with notes of oak-aged bourbon as Carefree welcomes its first Bourbon & Cigar Festival this April. The three-day celebration promises to establish itself as the pinnacle of luxury lifestyle events in the town known for its discerning tastes.

“This festival represents a unique collaboration between local businesses, creating a celebration of exceptional food, spirits and cigars,” says Larry Foppe, owner of Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, which will host the event.

Foppe’s establishment has partnered with Carefree Bourbon as co-hosts, bringing together premium spirits and world-class cigars in a setting that epitomizes desert sophistication.

“What sets us apart from typical cigar events is our two-day festival format, featuring gourmet cuisine, premium spirits, local musicians and world-class cigars,” Foppe explains.

Beyond offering a premium experience, the festival will benefit Friends of Freedom, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports military personnel, veterans, first responders and law enforcement officers.

“We chose Friends of Freedom as our beneficiary because it’s a great organization that helps those who serve our country,” Foppe says. “Its mission of empowering heroes aligns perfectly with our desire to give back to the community while celebrating the finer things in life.”

The festivities begin with an exclusive VIP cigar dinner on Friday, April 25, setting the tone for a weekend of refined indulgence. Limited to select ticket holders, this elegant affair offers much more than a meal.

“The festival kicks off with an exclusive VIP cigar dinner co-hosted by Carefree Bourbon and El Septimo Cigars,” Foppe says. “The evening features an elegant four-course dinner prepared by Hanson’s BBQ, paired with a selection of premium El Septimo cigars and fine spirits from Carefree Bourbon.”

After dinner, guests will transition from dining to entertainment without missing a beat.

“Following dinner, guests will enjoy dancing and entertainment featuring the timeless sounds of Frank Sinatra,” Foppe adds.

The main festival runs Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., featuring an impressive lineup of premium cigar vendors, including industry heavyweights Rocky Patel, Ashton, My Father, Forged and General Cigars. Attendees can also browse selections of pipes, tobacco and accessories while enjoying craft beverages and gourmet food options.

“We’ll have over 20 vendor booths featuring premium cigar companies, local businesses, and of course, Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge,” Foppe says. “Attendees can expect exceptional deals on premium cigars, Carefree Bourbon and selections from Kerr Wines.”

The entertainment lineup promises to keep the energy high throughout the weekend. Saturday features performances by Romeo Shit-Show and headliner AZ/DZ, an AC/DC tribute band, while Sunday showcases local band T-Bonz and the Outlaws, a Highwaymen tribute band.

The festival is perfectly tailored to Carefree’s discerning residents and visitors who appreciate the finer aspects of desert living. The combination of premium cigars, craft spirits and live entertainment creates an atmosphere of refined leisure that resonates with connoisseurs of luxury experiences.

Ticket options accommodate various levels of involvement, from casual attendees to serious aficionados.

“We offer three ticket tiers: general admission at $50, patron level at $150, and VIP at $250,” Foppe explains. “Every ticket includes a meal voucher, three drink tickets, and your choice of a festival hat or T-shirt.”

Higher-tier tickets include additional perks that enhance the premium experience.

“For those choosing Patron or VIP packages, we’re including premium cigars, a commemorative whiskey glass, plus complimentary cigar cutters and lighters,” Foppe says. “Our VIP guests receive additional perks, including early admission one hour before general entry and a 10% discount on all cigar purchases throughout the festival.”

For out-of-town guests, accommodations have been thoughtfully arranged.

“For those traveling to the event, we’ve arranged special room rates at the Hampton Inn Carefree, one of our major festival sponsors,” Foppe notes.

Beyond creating a weekend of exceptional experiences, Foppe has broader ambitions for the festival’s future impact on Carefree.

“Our goal is to establish this festival as the premier annual event for the town of Carefree,” he says. “We plan to expand our local vendor partnerships in future years to showcase more of what our town has to offer.”

The festival aims to strengthen community bonds while celebrating the finer things in life.

“This festival will give both residents and visitors to Carefree a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships while enjoying live music, exceptional cuisine, premium spirits and fine cigars!” Foppe says.

carefreebourbon-cigarfestival.com

Carefree Bourbon & Cigar Festival

April 25–27 // Friday 6 p.m. (VIP Dinner), Saturday-Sunday 12–9 p.m. // Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge // 37555 N. Hum Road, Carefree // $50–$250 // carefreebourbon-cigarfestival.com