For travelers looking for a unique getaway, Bowling Green, Kentucky, offers more than just Southern charm; it’s a city that pulses with automotive passion. Each September, visitors from around the world descend on Beech Bend Raceway Park to witness LS Fest East, a celebration that has become a must-attend event for car enthusiasts.
Bowling Green is about to roar with horsepower this fall as Holley Performance Brands kicks off its flagship event season with the 16th annual LS Fest East, the largest celebration of LS-powered performance in the country. From September 5–7, Beech Bend Raceway Park transforms into the epicenter of American performance culture, drawing thousands of enthusiasts and millions of online fans for a weekend that blends adrenaline, innovation, and community.
A Tradition of Performance and Community
What began as a gathering for LS engine enthusiasts has evolved into one of the most recognizable enthusiast festivals in the world. LS Fest East embodies Holley’s mission of delivering performance and excitement to gearheads of every generation. The event spans drag racing, drifting, autocross, dyno pulls, and show-and-shine competitions—all designed to celebrate the LS engine platform and the people who push it to its limits.
“LS Fest East embodies our mission of bringing performance, fun, and excitement to automotive enthusiasts,” said Matthew Stevenson, President and CEO of Holley Performance Brands. “The event celebrates the LS community and provides a platform for customer feedback and product innovation.”
This year, Holley has raised the bar with new activations that broaden the festival’s appeal and introduce even more ways for fans to experience the brand’s culture of speed.
New for 2025: Burnout Wars and ULTRA4 Off-Road Racing
One of the biggest additions to the 2025 lineup is Burnout Wars, an energy-packed competition that pits both professional and grassroots drivers against each other in tire-shredding showdowns. Already a social media sensation with millions of engaged followers, Burnout Wars promises to deliver the kind of smoke-filled, crowd-cheering action that lives on long after the event wraps up.
Also debuting at Beech Bend is Ultra4 USA off-road racing, one of the most respected series in the off-road world. For LS Fest East, Ultra4 brings a professionally built dirt track and world-class competition trucks to the state of Kentucky. The inclusion of Ultra4 adds not only prestige but also variety—highlighting the versatility of the LS engine platform and expanding the event’s reach to new fans.
Callaway Cars Joins the Party
Another highlight of LS Fest East 2025 is the debut of Holley’s new partnership with Callaway Cars, the legendary performance brand known for pushing Corvettes, Camaros, and trucks beyond factory limits. Callaway’s deep history with LS-powered innovation makes it a natural fit for Holley’s enthusiast community.
The event will feature a dedicated Callaway display and gathering space for owners, showcasing how Holley is using partnerships to expand the enthusiast experience while honoring iconic brands that helped shape LS culture.
Big Crowds, Big Impact
Holley’s September event lineup has become a cornerstone for Bowling Green’s tourism economy. Tens of thousands of visitors flood into the region for LS Fest, MoParty, and Ford Festival—three back-to-back weekends of horsepower that fill hotel rooms, restaurants, and local businesses.
The events take over all 400 acres of Beech Bend Raceway and generate millions of dollars in local economic activity. Beyond Kentucky, Holley’s digital reach is massive, with more than 70 influencers on site and over a million enthusiasts engaging online.
“From LS Fest East to MoParty and Ford Festival, and through our vast social community, we’re building a platform that celebrates the full spectrum of performance vehicles,” said Bill Tichenor, Holley’s Corporate Director of Marketing. “Our goal is to create such a powerful experience that enthusiasts make LS Fest a tradition they return to year after year.”
September’s Full Event Lineup
Holley’s fall season doesn’t stop at LS Fest. The company’s flagship events will dominate Bowling Green all month:
- LS Fest East – September 5–7, 2025
- MoParty – September 12–14, 2025
- Ford Festival – September 26–27, 2025
Together, these events showcase Holley’s reach across enthusiast segments, from LS faithful to Mopar fans to Ford loyalists, making Bowling Green the performance capital of the country for three straight weekends.
Looking Ahead
Holley Performance Brands has built its reputation on more than just parts; it has built a culture. Events like LS Fest East allow the company to showcase innovations, connect directly with customers, and welcome the next generation of enthusiasts into the fold.
For fans of horsepower, smoke, and speed, September in Kentucky is shaping up to be unforgettable.
This post originally appeared on Guessing Headlights and has been republished with permission.
