RiverPark Center’s holiday pop-up bar is back, and this year it’s been reimagined as Peppermint’s Lodge. Officials say it’s a cozy, lodge-inspired twist on the festive hangout that debuted last season.
General admission is $10 per person on public nights, with regular hours continuing every Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m. throughout the holiday season. It will also be open on select RiverPark event nights.
“We were really encouraged by the response last year,” said Chris Patterson, RiverPark’s general manager. “A lot of people had never been to a holiday pop-up bar before. We launched Peppermint’s with SantaCon, and we had great crowds throughout the season.”
Following last year’s success, RiverPark introduced additional themed pop-ups, including Crush for Valentine’s Day and Sound Garden in the summer. Patterson said this year’s winter concept, redesigned by food and beverage manager Katie Beste, offers a fresh atmosphere.
“Peppermint’s has been completely reimagined. Owensboro has an opportunity to come out and see what makes it special,” he said.
Patterson said the lodge will offer a wide selection of Christmas-themed cocktails — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — along with seasonal treats like hot chocolate. It’s a family-friendly space, he added.
“It just adds to the entire experience of attending a show at RiverPark Center,” Patterson said. “People can come early, stop by Peppermint’s before or after a performance. It’s not a place you’ll necessarily stay all night, but we saw folks last year spending about 90 minutes, then heading to dinner or another spot downtown. It helps create a full night out and brings foot traffic to other local bars and restaurants.”
The pop-up will be open during performances of The Nutcracker, Owensboro Symphony events, and other major touring acts.
Patterson also teased that RiverPark is considering a special brunch event to be added to the schedule in December, with details to be announced soon.
Peppermint’s Lodge is also available for private weekday rentals. More information is available at riverparkcenter.org.
