Cigar Event: CIGARFest 2019 in The Poconos, PA
Introduction
Cigars International‘s CIGARfest 2019 takes place from Thursday, May 1st, 2019 through Sunday, May 5th, 2019 at various locations in Pennsylvania. Most of the events take place at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, PA. This is the 16th year for the event and CIGARfest is one of the biggest cigar events in the world with 6,000 attendees. If you have not attended, you are truly missing out on one America’s great cigar events.
NOTE: YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS WHEN THEY GO ON SALE at 2:00 PM EASTERN TIME ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2019.
Pay close attention to the information on how to buy tickets in the Tickets section below as the tickets sold out in two minutes last year. Last year, there were a lot of complaints about the sales process on social media. Lots of folks complained the tickets were sold out immediately leaving them in the dust. I suspect thousands of us hit the site at the same time and the site was not prepared for the traffic. Also, a few wankers bought tickets and then put them up for sale on various ticket reseller sites. Bottom Line: This is a feeding frenzy. Sign up early and buy your tickets exactly when they go on sale.
Smokey and I have been to this event multiple times over the years. Check out our coverage of CIGARfest 2018, CIGARfest 2016, and CIGARfest 2010.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, May 1st, 2019:
- Whip’Em Out Wednesday, Hamburg Super Store, Bethlehem Downtown Store, and Bethlehem Super Store
Thursday, May 2nd, 2019:
- Open Play Golf, Split Rock Country Club
- Drew Estate Event, Hamburg Super Store
- CAO Event with Rick Rodriguez
- Perdomo Event
- Rocky Patel Brats, Burgers, & Bad-Ass Deals Bonanza
- Rafael Nodal’s Aging Room Dinner
Friday, May 3rd, 2019:
- CIGARfest 2019 Main Event #1, Split Rock Resort
- Open Play Golf with Oliva, Split Rock Country Club
- Hamburg Hooligans Gone Wild Event, Hamburg Super Store
- Downtown Plinko, Downtown Store
- Oliva Event, Bethlehem Super Store
- Alec Bradley Dinner, Keystone Ballroom, Split Rock Resort
- Bales & Ales 3.0, CIGARfest Dining Tent, Split Rock Resort
Saturday, May 4th, 2019:
- CIGARfest 2019 Main Event #2, Split Rock Resort
- Oliva Golf Tournament, Split Rock Country Club
- Alec Bradley Event, Hamburg Super Store
- Pallet Palooza, Bethlehem Super Store
- The Mystery Sale, Downtown Store
Sunday, May 5th, 2019
- Humidor Sale, Bethlehem Super Store
- Sampler Sunday, Downtown Store
- Cigar Oasis & Humidor Sale, Hamburg Super Store
Event Details
Note that with the exception of the CIGARfest Main Event description, all events are in order of their occurrence.
CIGARfest 2019 Main Event
The CIGARfest 2019 Main Event takes place on both May 3rd and 4th, 2018 at the Split Rock Resort, Lake Harmony, PA from 10:30 am – 6:00 pm. The CIGARfest Main Event is the craziest, rowdiest, and crowdiest (OK, I know that is not a word but it fits!) cigar event you’ve ever been too. Fifty of the biggest cigar manufacturers, cigarlebrities, live music, food, beer, spirits, oh, and did I mention, cigars? Yep, you’ll receive up to 100 cigars depending on the ticket level you purchase. You’ll also receive a commemorative CIGARfest ashtray and a bunch of other cool cigar swag! You can also buy a CIGARfest 2018 shirt and cap, and also receive more cigars and swag! Ticket details are below.
Whip’Em Out Wednesday – Hamburg Super Store
This event takes place at the Hamburg Super Store from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm on Wednesday, May 1st. The event is free and open to the public. However, CIGARfest ticket holders receive special discounts from 5:00 pm to midnight. Hmm, I just said the event ends at 11:00 pm and the discounts end at midnight. I know, there is a disconnect, but go with it! To obtain the discount, you’ll need to show your CIGARfest ticket. Discounts include a premium cigar for $1. Yep, a buck for a stick. You’ll also receive half-price appetizers and $10 domestic beer towers. You can live out your rock star dreams by joining in on karaoke from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. All this and more by simply whipping out your CIGARfest ticket!
Whip’Em Out Wednesday – Bethlehem Downtown Store
If you don’t like the madness at the Hamburg Super Store, the Bethlehem Down Store is also offering deals for all CIGARfest ticket holders on Wednesday, May 1st, from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm.
Whip’Em Out Wednesday – Bethlehem Super Store
The Bethlehem Super Store is also offering deals for all CIGARfest ticket holders on Wednesday, May 1st, from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. I suggest you go for the trifecta and visit all three stores. Each has a completely different vibe. If you have time to visit only one of the three stores, pick the Hamburg Super Store.
Open Play Golf with Oliva
Open Play Golf is hosted by Oliva at the Split Rock Country Club, Lake Harmony, PA on May 2nd and 3rd, 2019 from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. The event includes 18 holes of golf, Oliva cigars, and lunch at the Halfway Cafe. The event costs $80 per person and includes greens fees, golf cart, buffet lunch at Sunset Green, and a cigar sampler. Make your reservation in advance by visiting www.golfsplitrock.com or calling 570-722-9901.
Drew Estate Event
On Thursday, May 2nd, at the Hamburg Super Store, from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm, Drew Estate is sponsoring an event with tons of Drew Estate specials. Also, a limited quantity of Drew Estate cigars will be available for a mere $1. Good luck getting your hands on some of these! Jonathan Drew will be there for part of the day sporting his cool glasses, backwards ball cap, and serving up samples of John Drew Brands liquor. Drew Estate will also raffle off a ton of prizes. This event is free and open to the public.
CAO Event with Rick Rodriguez
Not a fan of Drew Estate cigars? OK, then head over to the Down Store in Bethlehem, PA and check out the CAO Event that takes place on Thursday, May 2nd from 9:30 am – 9:00 pm. The best-dressed and perhaps best looking cigarlebrity in the business, Rick Rodriguez, will be there flashing his pearly whites and offering great prices on the entire CAO line of cigars. This event is free and open to the public.
Perdomo Event
Maybe I was a little premature on the best-dressed cigarlebrity statement above. Nick Perdomo, the real best-dressed cigarlebrity, will be in the house at the Bethlehem Super Store on Thursday, May 2nd from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Rocky Patel’s Brats, Burgers, & Bad-Ass Deals Bonanza
On Thursday, May 2nd, 2019, at the CIGARfest Dining Tent, Rocky Patel is sponsoring this event from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You’ll have a chance to buy tons of Rocky Patel cigars at a hefty discount and gorge on food at great prices. Rocky will have a live band from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. If you want the VIP treatment, you can purchase an upgrade ticket for $30 and receive food, cigars, and a bag of swag. The upgrade is limited to the first 200 purchasers.
Rafael Nodal’s Aging Room Dinner
Hamburg Hooligans Gone Wild Event
This takes place at the Super Store in Hamburg, PA on Friday, May 3rd, 2019 from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm. This event focuses on boutique cigars and you’ll have an opportunity to pick up your favorites at bargain prices. Cigars International will also offer drink specials throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public.
Downtown Plinko
I have no idea what the hell Plinko is but Cigars International is hosting a Plinko event at the Downtown Store in Bethlehem, PA on May 3rd, 2019 from 9:30 am – 9:00 pm. With every $50 you spend on cigars, you’ll receive a Plinko chip for a chance to win free cigars, accessories, and swag. This event is free and open to the public.
Oliva Event
Oliva is hosting an event at the Bethlehem Super Store in Bethlehem, PA on May 3rd from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. Oliva will offer great deals on their brands. This event is free and open to the public.
Alec Bradley Dinner
On Friday, May 3rd, 2019, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Alec Bradley is hosting a dinner in the Keystone Ballroom at Split Rock Resort. Alan Rubin, owner of Alec Bradley is hosting the event. Yes, I know you thought Alec Bradley was the owner but the names are actually the first names of Alan Rubin’s sons, Alec and Bradley. I bet your dad isn’t that cool. Alec Bradley is offering special deals during the event and you’ll have your chance to taste a variety of spirits all night. Tickets cost $80 and are limited to 250 attendees. If you have a gas mask, bring it as the ventilation in the Keystone Ballroom is a challenge. The cloud of smoke will get lower and lower and lower throughout the night until you are engulfed in the smoke.
Bales & Ales 3.0
Bales & Ales 3.0 is a free event that is open to the public. The event takes place at the CIGARfest Dining Tent at the Split Rock Resort, Harmony, PA on May 3rd, 2019 from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Six of the biggest brands in the cigar industry will be represented–Macanudo Inspirado Orange, Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask, La Gloria Cubano Esteli, Punch Diablo, CAO America, and Hoyo Excalibur. There will be tons of cigar deals, beer samplings, auctions, raffle prizes and live music.
Oliva Golf Tournament
You practiced at the Open Play Golf events. Now it is time to show your skills. The Oliva Golf Tournament is sponsored by, well, Oliva. The event takes place on May 4th, 2019 from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Split Rock Country Club, Lake Harmony, PA. There is a shotgun start at 8:00 am for an 18-hole scramble-style tournament. Tickets cost $80 and include cigars, greens fees, golf cart, and a buffet lunch. The top three golfers receive a prize. They will also hand out prizes for the longest drive, straightest drive, and closest to the pin. Register at www.golfsplitrock.com or call 570-722-9901.
Alec Bradley Event
If having dinner with the crew from Alec Bradley isn’t enough for you, Alec Bradley is hosting an event at the Hamburg Super Store in Hamburg, PA from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm on May 4th, 2019. Alec Bradley cigars representatives will be on hand to offer great deals. And of course, alcohol deals galore. This event is free and open to the public.
Pallet Palooza
Pallet Palooza is a new event that features 20-25 pallets of cigars, samplers, accessories, and probably some crap too. You’ll have an opportunity to save up to 50% on your favorite cigars and accessories. The event takes place on Saturday, May 4th, from 9:30 am – 9:00 pm at the Bethlehem Super Store. The event is free and open to the public.
The Mystery Sale
The Mystery Sale Part takes place at the Downtown Store in Bethlehem, PA on May 4th, 2018 from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. This event is, well, a mystery. There will be lots of sales and you can haggle with the sales folks to try to get a better deal. The event is free and open to the public. Want to know more? It’s a mystery to me.
Humidor Sale
From 10-:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 5th, 2019, humidors are on sale at the Super-Store in Bethlehem, PA. From 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, humidors are discounted 20% and from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, humidors are discounted 10%. With all the cigars you picked up at CIGARfest, you are going to need another humidor! This event is free and open to the public.
Sampler Sunday
Sampler Sunday takes place on Sunday, May 5th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Downtown Store in Bethlehem, PA. You’ll receive 20% off of Cigar International’s already low price on tons of samplers. This event is free and open to the public.
Cigar Oasis and Humidor Sale
If you are traveling past the Hamburg Super Store on your way home from CIGARfest, stop in for the Cigar Oasis and Humidor Sale event. You’ll save 20% on a new humidor purchase from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 10% for the rest of the day. The event is free and open to the public.
Tickets
There are three levels of tickets for the CIGARfest main events: CIGARnut, Very Important Herfer (VIH), and General Admission. Additionally, you can purchase an official shirt and cap and receive more free cigars and swag. As stated above, you must buy tickets in advance when they go on sale at 2:00 pm Eastern on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019. Tickets will sell out within a couple of minutes so make sure you are online and ready to roll at 2:00 pm.
Also note that if you live near the Cigars International Bethlehem Super Store or the Hamburg Super Store, you can buy tickets in person but remember, there will be a long line and you should arrive early. In-person registration starts at 10:00 am and the line starts way before then. Bring your lawn chair, a handful of cigars, and a cooler of beer as this is going to be a long day.
General Admission
General Admission tickets cost $190 and allow you to enter the event at 2:30 pm. For your hard earned cash, you receive a CIGARfest 2019 commemorative humidor, 30 premium cigars, 50+ additional premium cigars during the event, a commemorative CIGARfest 2018 ashtray, liquor and beer samples, a variety of food, live music, and a chance to participate in a raffle with tens of thousands of dollars in prizes.
VIH (Very Important Herfer)
VIH tickets cost $235 and allow you to enter the event at 12:30 pm. You receive all of the perks provided with a General Admission ticket.
CIGARnut
CIGARnut tickets cost $290 and allow you to enter four hours early at 10:30 am. In addition to all the perks of the General Admission ticket, you receive a full breakfast at 9:00 am, Bloody Marys, and CIGARnut only raffle giveaways.
CIGARfest 2019 Shirt
You can pre-purchase a CIGARfest 2019 official shirt for $59.99. If you wear the shirt to the Main Event, you’ll receive 12 additional premium cigars, a pair of Gurkha aviator sunglasses, a CIGARfest leather pint glass sleeve, and a Cigars International leather key fob.
CIGARfest 2019 Cap
You can pre-purchase a CIGARfest 2019 official cap for $24.99. If you wear the cap to the Main Event, you’ll receive 10 additional premium cigars from Rocky Patel, including Decade, Edge, 20th Aniversary, Super Ligero, and more. You’ll also receive a Rocky Patel ashtray.
CIGARfest 2019 Main Event Strategy
Smokey and I have been to the Main Event multiple times over the years and have learned a few things that might make your experience more enjoyable. When the doors open, the masses take their cigar coupon book and head off to get their free cigars wandering from booth to booth. The lines are long and your time goes fast. By the time you finish scoring your cigars, the food is mostly gone. The alcohol gone, and the seats are taken by folks lounging around for hours. Our secret is to head to the food and drink first, and then pick up our cigars after the crowd dies down. Trust me, there are plenty of cigars for you and you’ll have lots of time to pick them up.
CIGARfest 2019 Dining Tent Strategy
For any event that takes in the Dining Tent, make sure you dress for the weather . What is the weather in the Poconos in May? Somewhere between 20 and 80 degrees. I’ve frozen my ass off at multiple events in the past and sweated a ton at a few events. And this was in the same week! Bring your winter coat, gloves, etc. because you will likely need it. You’ll thank me later as you watch your friends shiver, knocking off the ash of their favorite new cigar into their lap. . .
I was able to score a VIH ticket this year. As a first timer thanks for the tip.
Any info you can give about how early people start lining up?
Do they have seperate lines for VIH vs general admission?
Thanks
Steve-Congrats on scoring VIH tickets! You are one of the luck few.
People line up for each of the opening times early, sometimes hours early. However, I recommend you ignore the line and show up about 30 minutes after the doors open. You’ll walk right in and you’ll still have plenty of time to get your cigars, eat some food, and hang out with your friends.