Friends of Waterfront Park, the nonprofit auxiliary arm of Waterfront Park, debuted this new fundraising event in 2022 and will be holding this year’s event on Sunday, October 22, 2023 on the Festival Plaza at Waterfront Park.

This cook-off and tasting event invites restaurants and caterers from around the Bluegrass to compete for the title of the Best Hot Brown in Town!

Competing restaurants and caterers will serve 2 oz. servings of their own unique take on the famous Kentucky Hot Brown dish. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite dish and first, second and third places will be awarded. There will also be a panel of judges composed of notable local personalities who will select a judge’s choice winner.

The local 6-piece newgrass-fusion ensemble, Hot Brown Smackdown will be back again performing live during the event. There will be additional local food trucks onsite, as well as a full bar with beer, bourbon, and other spirits available for purchase.

Tickets to the event are $30 per person in advance, and $40 at the door. Children under 10 years old are free. For tickets and additional information, visit hotbrownshowdown.com.

Friends of Waterfront Park produces the event, with proceeds benefiting Waterfront Park to ensure our waterfront remains an asset that can be enjoyed by the community forever.

For tickets and more information, visit hotbrownshowdown.com

To register to compete in the event, please visit: hotbrownshowdown.com/compete
To become an event sponsor, please visit: hotbrownshowdown.com/sponsorship