Top Cigar Events in the United States

There are a number of annual cigar events that attract thousands of cigar smokers from across the United States. The biggest cigar event of the year is the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Convention and Trade Show. Although this event is not open to the general public, many amateur cigar bloggers have been able to gain access during prior years as members of the media. However, the IPCPR now requires all online media to join the organization as Internet Media Members before admittance will be granted. Contact the IPCPR in advance to see if you qualify.

Here are a few of the major cigar events held every year in the U.S.

• The Big Smoke. Cigar Aficionado Magazine usually hosts a couple of annual Big Smoke events, the "biggest" of which is the Big Smoke Weekend in Las Vegas. There is also a Big Smoke in New York City. Both events are scheduled for November.
• The Great Smoke. The Smoke Inn of West Palm Beach, Florida hosts an annual Great Smoke event during the month of February.
• Cigar Fest. Cigars International hosts an annual Cigar Fest in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania during the month of May.
• Cigar Heritage Festival. Tampa's annual Cigar Heritage Festival is held in Ybor City during the month of November.
• Midwest Smoke Out. The Midwest Smoke Out is held at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana (near Chicago) during April.
• Cigar Expo. The Famous Smoke Shop hosts an annual Cigar Expo in Easton, Pennsylvania during the month of June.

Other than the major national cigar festivals, cigar makers are always traveling to local tobacco shops across the U.S. to host smaller cigar events. If you do not want to travel out of town to attend a major cigar festival, chances are that a smaller cigar event is coming to a tobacconist near you. Click for updated schedules of cigar events planned by General Cigar and Altadis USA, the two largest premium cigar companies in the United States.