Picture this: you stroll from your shaded campsite at Junction West, a light breeze carrying the scent of wildflower honey as Liberty’s town square comes alive with golden pours and easy-going music. Need a seat near the shade trees? Curious which mead leans crisp and dry instead of syrupy-sweet? Mead Fest has you covered—along with clean restrooms, early-bird hours, and a quick shuttle so your rig can stay plugged in.
From oak-kissed classics to berry-bright dessert meads, more than 40 taps wait to be explored—each just a two-second walk from a water station or a lawn game for the kids. Limited-edition bottles, Wi-Fi strong back at the park, and enough tasting notes to make your foodie friends jealous are all on deck. Keep reading to map out the pours that fit your palate, your schedule, and your parking spot.
Key Takeaways
• Mead Fest happens the first Saturday in June, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (VIP at 10, others at 11).
• It is in Liberty’s town square, 75 minutes north of Junction West RV park.
• Over 40 kinds of mead are on tap, from dry to sweet, plus special bottles.
• Free shuttles run every 20 minutes between the RV park and the festival.
• Bring a digital ticket and a photo ID; tickets sell out about four weeks early.
• VIP wristbands give three extra pours and first pick of rare kegs.
• Kids get free lemonade, lawn games, and stroller-friendly paths; shade and clean restrooms are nearby.
• Drink light meads first, strong ones last; rinse your glass and sip water often.
• Park big RVs at Junction West; downtown spots are tight.
• Pack a padded bin or cooler if you buy bottles, and keep them upright.
• Wi-Fi back at the RV park is fast (80 Mbps) for uploads or work calls.
Welcome to Mead Country, Neighbor
Liberty sits just 75 scenic minutes north of Junction West, a route lined with sunflower fields and low-traffic county roads that keep towing stress low. Arrive before the morning mist lifts and you’ll hear the hum of fermentation tanks long before you see the festival banners. The square itself is cozy, shaded by mature elms, and ringed with folding chairs that never seem to stay empty for long.
The festival crew greets guests like family, scanning digital tickets in seconds and slipping on color-coded wristbands that mark early-entry privileges. Veteran RVers appreciate the unhurried vibe—no blaring PA, just acoustic guitar and the occasional clink of glass against glass. By 10 a.m., aromas of smoked brisket mingle with distant whiffs of lavender from a neighboring soap stall, setting the stage for a day that moves at the pace of good conversation.
Festival Snapshot at a Glance
Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in June, gates opening at 10 a.m. for VIP pours and 11 a.m. for general admission. Tickets traditionally sell out four weeks ahead, so online purchase is smart, and the link auto-loads into Apple Wallet for quick scans. Early-entry wristbands bring three bonus pours—ideal for nabbing barrel-aged specials before the kegs kick.
The square closes at 7 p.m., giving retirees a relaxed window while still letting remote workers sneak in an after-hours tasting sprint. Courtesy shuttles loop every 20 minutes between Liberty’s gazebo and Junction West’s clubhouse, leaving your rig safely plugged in. Back at the park, Wi-Fi speeds hold steady at 80 Mbps, so your Monday Zoom will stream smoother than a semi-sweet traditional.
Who Pours the Honey? Featured Mead Makers You’ll Meet
Kansas headliners lead the charge. Wyldewood Cellars stirs up nostalgia with Blackberry Mead that balances wild berry tang against orange-blossom honey, while their Elderberry Blackberry—a medal magnet—adds an herbaceous twist (Wyldewood Cellars). Haven Pointe Winery keeps things straightforward yet refined; its Traditional is a dry, 10 % ABV crowd-pleaser, and the Raspberry version shades tart enough to pair with sharp cheddar (Haven Pointe Winery).
Small-batch experimentation steals plenty of spotlight too. Black Labs Mead shows up with Black Raspberried Treasure—French-oak berries kissed by vanilla—as well as The Baron, a whiskey-barrel traditional that lands smoky caramel on the finish. Traveling enthusiasts will also spot Keeper’s Cut, Funktastic Meads, and 810 Meadworks, each pouring medal-winning hybrids like coffee-infused cysers or lemon-lavender sparklers. For one ticket price, you taste through styles usually found only at competitions such as Mead Stampede or the Sower’s Cup, no airfare required.
Tasting Trail for Every Traveler Type
RVers enjoying retirement gravitate toward the west fence line where shade lingers longest. Start with Haven Pointe Traditional to wake the palate, then drift toward Wyldewood Peach before snagging seats for the 1 p.m. guided tasting. A volunteer will happily stow your folding stool until the session ends, and 375 ml souvenir bottles sit ready for gifting grandkids or neighbors back home.
Remote workers on weekend escape often roll in at 4 p.m. Their “Power Hour” route hits Wyldewood Peach, 810’s citrusy Liquid Sunshine, and Black Labs’ whiskey-warm The Baron—each booth close enough that you won’t lose a minute standing in line. Need a quick call? Duck behind the main stage where cell signal is strongest, then upload tasting notes over Junction West’s robust Wi-Fi once you’re back at camp.
Young families and couples find stroller-friendly gravel paths weaving toward a south-side food-truck court that hands free lemonade to kids under 12. Lawn games sit beside the playground, so parents can sip a two-person sampler flight while littles launch beanbags. Before sunset, swing by the honeycomb mural at the north gate; golden-hour photos practically post themselves.
Craft beverage enthusiasts rise with the sun for the 10 a.m. VIP entrance. They beeline to Funktastic’s Cab Sauv the Bees and Black Labs’ Black Raspberried Treasure, logging ABV and residual-sugar stats into tasting apps. At noon, a maker Q&A dives into oak chemistry and honey-source terroir, packing the demo stage with notebooks and camera phones.
Sip Smart: Festival Etiquette That Saves Your Palate
The veteran move is light-to-bold: begin with session meads under 7 % ABV, shift to fruit melomels, then finish on dessert heavies that flirt with 14 %. Rinsing your commemorative glass with plain water between pours keeps honey aromatics clear, and staff provide hydration stations every 30 feet. Dump buckets stand ready—use them proudly; seasoned judges do it too.
Snack often to dodge palate fatigue. Unsalted crackers tuck neatly into a day-pack, while apple slices temper lingering sweetness. Aim for a one-to-one water-to-mead ratio, and festival volunteers will gladly refill bottles so you stay refreshed and courteous.
Parking, Shuttles, and Big-Rig Wisdom
Early arrival pays dividends because Liberty converts side streets into one-way lanes by mid-morning. If your RV stretches beyond 24 feet, leave it fully hooked up at Junction West and cruise in with a towed car or a scheduled ride-share. Larger vehicles that do attempt downtown parking often find only tight parallel spots, causing last-minute stress no pour can fix.
Digital tickets speed the gate process, yet Kansas law still requires a valid government ID for wristband issuance. Keep both items handy, and you’ll slide through the entrance in under a minute. After that, courtesy shuttles loop continuously, offering hassle-free returns for anyone choosing to sample liberally.
Bottle-Buying & RV Storage Hacks
Festival-day impulse buys pile up fast, so bring a plastic bin lined with towels or inflatable sleeves. Road vibration on US-169 can coax corks loose if bottles knock together. Upright storage helps further, keeping sweet meads from soaking natural corks for hours on end.
Temperature matters even on short drives. Maintain cabin temps between 55 °F and 70 °F or stash prized bottles inside a cooler separated from direct ice. Once parked, label each bottle with style and date; dessert meads often age three years, while session versions shine brightest within six months. Kansas open-container rules mandate sealed bottles ride in a locked cabinet when wheels start rolling.
Food Pairings On-Site & Back at the Campfire
Traditional dry mead meets its match in Liberty BBQ truck’s pepper-rubbed brisket, the honey backbone smoothing smoke without losing bite. Berry-forward melomels echo the tang of Kansas-style burnt ends or heighten the sweetness in a warm slice of blackberry cobbler. Spiced or oak-aged pours love sharp cheddar or pepper-jack cubes sold at the regional dairy booth, each nibble resetting your taste buds for the next sip.
Back at Junction West, chill dessert bottles to 45 °F, crack open a campfire s’more, and watch caramelized marshmallow mirror honeyed toffee notes. A simple rule guides any pairing: match intensity—bold meads with assertive dishes, lighter meads with delicate bites. Follow that, and even leftovers taste gourmet.
Turn Your Mead Weekend into a Mini-Vacation
Start Sunday morning with a short honey-farm tour where beekeepers hand over fresh comb and explain nectar sources that shape festival flavors. The drive is only 15 minutes from Junction West, making it an easy start to the day before crowds build. Midday, the Dalton Defenders Museum in Coffeyville offers air-conditioned history and a chance to stretch legs away from tastings.
Evening brings a Verdigris River nature walk just behind the RV park—birdsong pairs surprisingly well with the lingering aroma of honey. Before leaving town, hit Coffeyville Farmers Market for artisanal bread, local cheese, and ripe peaches that transform unopened festival bottles into spontaneous terroir pairings. Sunset colors the water gold, echoing the day’s pours and providing a photo-worthy finale.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Festival hours run 10 a.m.–7 p.m. with last pours called 15 minutes before close, and shuttles operate from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The kids’ lemonade stand sits beside Booth 12, while dump buckets hide in plain sight near each water station. Wi-Fi back at the park currently tests at 80 Mbps, more than enough for streaming or uploading brag-worthy photos.
Keep ID and digital ticket ready, carry a refillable bottle, and remember early-entry nets three extra samples. VIP Q&A begins at noon, lawn games line the south fence, and the honeycomb mural faces north for best sunset light. With that, every detail fits neatly in your pocket, right where good adventure planning belongs.
Ready to follow the honeyed notes north? Mead Fest tickets vanish fast—and Junction West Coffeyville RV Park’s shady, full-hookup sites fill just as quickly. Reserve your space today, lock in the shuttle schedule, and arrive to waiting power, blazing-fast Wi-Fi, and neighbors who share your taste for adventure. Click “Book Now” or give us a call, then raise a glass knowing your perfect campsite is already on tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to reach Liberty’s Mead Fest from Junction West Coffeyville RV Park, and do I need to move my rig?
A: The drive is a relaxed 75-minute run up low-traffic county roads; most guests leave the big rig fully hooked up and ride the free shuttle or a towed vehicle instead, sparing you tight downtown streets and saving your campsite for a quick return nap.
Q: Is there parking for large motorhomes if I do decide to drive?
A: Spots downtown tighten fast after 9 a.m. and parallel lanes rarely fit anything over 24 feet, so festival staff strongly suggest parking your Class A or fifth-wheel at Junction West and using the shuttle that loops every 20 minutes between the park clubhouse and Liberty’s gazebo.
Q: We’re early risers—what’s the best time to arrive for cooler temps, shorter lines, and easier seating?
A: Gates open to VIP wristbands at 10 a.m. and general admission at 11; if you roll in before 10 a.m. you’ll nab shade under the elm trees, find folding chairs still plentiful, and stroll the taps before midday warmth or crowds kick up.
Q: Are there plenty of shaded seats and clean restrooms for retirees who like to linger?
A: Yes—mature elms ring the square, volunteers keep folding chairs in constant rotation, and modern restroom trailers are serviced hourly so you can settle in comfortably between pours without hunting for facilities.
Q: I prefer crisp, dry meads rather than syrupy sweets—will I find those on tap?
A: Absolutely; start with Haven Pointe’s Traditional or Funktastic’s Cab Sauv the Bees, both under 2 percent residual sugar, then branch into Keeper’s Cut Lemon Lavender for a bright, almost wine-like finish that stays far from cloying.
Q: Are guided tastings or maker talks offered?
A: A 1 p.m. seated tasting walks you through four styles with a certified judge, and at noon a maker Q&A digs into barrel aging and honey terroir, giving curious palates plenty of expert insight without extra cost beyond your wristband.
Q: Can I buy souvenir bottles, and is there a limit per person?
A: Each booth sells 375 ml and 750 ml bottles to-go; Kansas law caps take-home alcohol at one case per adult per day, which translates to roughly 12 large bottles—plenty for gifting or cellaring back at the RV.
Q: We travel with kids—do they get in free and is the festival stroller-friendly?
A: Children 12 and under enter free with a wrist-banded adult, receive complimentary lemonade near Booth 12, and can cruise smooth gravel paths that make stroller pushing easy all the way to the playground and lawn-game zone.
Q: Are discounted tickets for designated drivers?
A: Yes, DD wristbands cost five dollars, include unlimited water and lemonade, and still grant access to live music, food trucks, and all non-alcohol attractions.
Q: What food choices pair well with the mead, and do they cover picky eaters?
A: Liberty BBQ serves pepper-rubbed brisket for smoky pairings, while a taco truck, a veggie-wrap stand, and a mini-donut cart keep both adventurous foodies and finicky youngsters satisfied between sips.
Q: I need to hop on a quick work call—will my phone and the park Wi-Fi cooperate?
A: Cell signal peaks behind the main stage where picnic tables double as makeshift desks, and once you’re back at Junction West the 80 Mbps Wi-Fi easily supports Zoom or large file uploads for Monday deadlines.
Q: What’s the safest way to sample freely without driving afterward?
A: Lean on the free shuttle or schedule a Liberty ride-share pickup at the marked staging area near the north gate; both options run until 8 p.m., letting you explore every tap without worrying about keys.
Q: Do VIP tickets offer real perks for craft-beverage enthusiasts?
A: VIP entry nets you a 10 a.m. start, three bonus pours, and first crack at small-batch kegs that often kick by noon, so if rare oak-aged or barrel-finished meads excite you, the upgrade is worth every penny.
Q: Are pets welcome at Mead Fest?
A: Well-behaved dogs on non-retractable six-foot leashes are allowed in outdoor areas, and water bowls sit near each hydration station, but indoor maker talks require pets to stay outside unless they are service animals.
Q: How should I store purchased bottles in the RV for the ride home?
A: Tuck them upright in a towel-lined plastic bin, keep the cabin between 55 °F and 70 °F, and lock the bin in a cabinet before rolling out; this prevents cork seepage on bumpy stretches of US-169 and keeps you compliant with Kansas open-container laws.