St Augustine Craft Brewers Fest: A Beerfest Flowed Thru the Fountain of Youth

First fest beer: Dog Rose Brewing Lincolnville Lager
(photo: Linda Johnson/BrewNymph)

May 15, 2019: It's unknown whether the attendees at last Saturday's inaugural St Augustine Craft Brewers' Fest streamed into the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park seeking rejuvenation and a quest for youth (yeah, the fact that it was a "beerfest" was definitely enticing in its own right). However, one thing appeared certain even before it was all said and done: this was indeed a "feel-good" fest. Last fall, the organizers embarked on a journey of their own, found an historic and community venue with an abundance of nature, and fit a beerfest into the scenic site. 

The small, intimate fest brought 26 mostly-Florida breweries together, along with several food trucks, under a tree-lined parcel of land bordering gorgeous marshlands. Add continuous foot-tapping live music, an enclosed climate-controlled VIP event space, and some stunning feathered species roaming the grounds, and it all added up to a relaxed and highly enjoyable event for all. 

St Augustine Craft Brewers Fest: New Event in the Nation's Oldest City ... Dig It!

April 15, 2019: St Augustine might be best known as the "nation's oldest city," but it also has quite the reputation for festivals and events, which draw crowds from throughout the country. From the acclaimed Nights of Lights during the holiday season to Spring food and music festivals to local events hosted by charitable organizations, there's always something to do, eat and listen in the historic town. The St Augustine breweries are adding "beer" to that list, with the inaugural St Augustine Craft Brewers Fest, taking place on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. 

Planning for the beer fest began in early Winter 2018, according to lead fest organizers Doug and Courtney Murr, co-owners of Dog Rose Brewing, located just off the downtown area of St Augustine. With The Players Championship move to March from May and the early Spring Florida beerfest season having already run the majority of its calendar, organizers saw an opportunity to "fill the void" with an event in May that could grow into that time slot in the years ahead. With Memorial Day and Summer just on the horizon, a beerfest is a natural! 

photo: Linda Johnson/ BrewNymph

After considering a few locations around town, the Fountain of Youth dovetailed into a perfect fit as a venue. The beerfest intends to set itself apart from other beer and general events, said Doug, with the unique location on the grounds of the historic and scenic Fountain of Youth park. The idea isn't to "recreate a beerfest," he added, but to bring an event "that belongs to the community." Even though they are looking for the beerfest to be "big and awesome" the first time around, organizers expect to grow the fest over the years. 

Attendees have a choice of VIP or general admission ticket options. Not only does the VIP ticket add an early extra hour, there are additional perks that come with the upgrade, including guaranteed parking at the park, access to the covered and climate-controlled Pavilion (with private restrooms, alas!), an afternoon food buffet, and St. Augustine Distillery bourbon tastings. Only 100 VIP tickets have been released, and the expectation is that VIP ticketholders will be highly satisfied with that option, in view of all of the extras offered. The Pavilion recently underwent renovations that included the enclosure of the building with large windows allowing for breathtaking views of the surrounding natural setting. 

Aardwolf Brewing Early Bird Beer Fest: Springing a Solid Collection in Jax

April 2, 2019: Beer geeks were in a state of "beer nirvana" on Saturday, March 30, as the inaugural Early Bird Beer Fest hosted by Aardwolf Brewing brought a rare collection of breweries from across the Eastern Seaboard to Jacksonville. In a first-of-its-kind event to land in Jax, the event featured over 30 breweries from Vermont to New York to Virginia to North Carolina to Florida. Unless involved in beer trades, locals had not seen the likes of these breweries (and their beer) in the Northeast Florida market -- which was kind of the point.  

While the beer list seemed to lean towards Imperial Stouts and Imperial and Hazy IPAs, the taps also poured barrel-aged beers, sours, and even .... gasp.... lagers! Colors ran the wheel from black and dark to hazy, pink and yellow. 

Named after Aardwolf Brewing's popular Early Bird Imperial Stout (a breakfast stout with vanilla, cinnamon and coffee), which was the base for the first barrel-aged beer produced by the brewery, the fest featured several versions of the highlighted brew, along with a few additional Aardwolf selections. The brewery also held a bottle release inside the tap room. 

Hogtown Craft Beer Fest, Gainesville 2019: An Afternoon of March Merry-ness

First beer of the fest: local First Magnitude Brewing
Travelers Czech Pilsner: off to a crisp start!
(photo: Linda Johnson/BrewNymph)

March 26, 2019: The Hogtown Brewers Homebrew Club -- that self-proclaimed "merry band of beer enthusiasts with a homebrewing problem" -- once again hosted the 8th Annual Hogtown Craft Beer Festival in Gainesville on Saturday, March 23.  The popular beer-sampling fest returned to the Alachua County Fairgrounds for its second year.  

Just under 100 breweries (including several homebrew clubs), arranged in the signature "pods" generally grouped by geographic location, poured beer of all styles. In addition to the large number of Florida breweries on site, regional, national and even international breweries offered beer to attendees at the sold-out fest (hey, we tried to warn you ahead of time: don't snooze on this in 2020!).  

For those who just couldn't wait to see the fest beer list, or who wanted to plan ahead, there was an app for that, including a list of breweries by name and fest location right there in the palm of your hand. At the fest entry, pick up the printed program and fest glass and ....  go! 

The Early Bird Gets the Beer: Aardwolf Brewing (Jax) Hosts Unique Beerfest March 30

Sight seen at Aardwolf Brewing

March 7, 2019: Jacksonville will get a look -- and taste -- of beers not typically found in the local market when Aardwolf Brewing hosts its first beerfest on Saturday, March 30. The Early Bird Beer Fest takes its name from the brewery's popular seasonal "Early Bird Special" Floridian Breakfast Stout brewed with vanilla, cinnamon and Bold Bean Coffee. But why center a beerfest around it? Said Preben Olsen, Aardwolf Brewing Partner, "Early Bird Special was the first barrel-aged bottle release for us, so it has significant sentimental attachment." 

Other breweries have held beerfests around seasonal releases, and Aardwolf's staff had discussed "throwing a festival for years," added Preben. With the current management and staffing levels at the brewery, Aardwolf only recently felt comfortable enough executing "something of this scope." Planning began in November 2018. 

Riverside Craft Beer Fest, Jax: From Hazy to Dark to Clear

New beer release from a fest first-timer:
Blume Bier Lager from Bog Brewing, St. Augustine
(all photos: Linda Johnson)

February 26, 2019: That headline could be a weather forecast (and, actually, that's how the day went), but in the end, the 6th Annual Riverside Craft Beer Fest presented by Riverside Rotary in Jacksonville was all about the beer forecast ... and charity! 

The Riverside Craft Beer Fest took place on Saturday, February 23, once again at the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller-Warren Bridge. Skies were hazy and overcast while crews set up for the late afternoon event, with a 3pm start for the VIP entry. Behind the scenes, tents and tables went up, ice buckets were filled, beer delivered, jockey boxes prepped, and brewery swag was displayed before the clock ticked to 3pm.

Colorful brewery tents lined up in rows and set-up before the fest

Happy and eager volunteers checked in and received their new bright orange event shirts. 

Anyone thirsty? Almost time for a beer! 

2019 Riverside Craft Beer Festival, Jacksonville: Map Your Course February 23

Entry at the 2018 Riverside Craft Beer Festival
under the Bridge (photo: Linda Johnson)

January 11, 2018: The 6th Annual Riverside Craft Beer Festival presented by Riverside Rotary returns to the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller-Warren Bridge in Jacksonville on Saturday, February 23, 2019. For craft beer enthusiasts, the "RCBF" has become a mainstay on the beerfest calendar and has experienced growth and an evolution of sorts since it began (and, yes, that's based on personal experience as a volunteer and "beergeek in attendance" each year!).

J'Ville on Jacksonville: Engine 15 J'Ville Lager
on the Jacksonville skyline, as seen from
Riverside Craft Beer Fest 2018 (photo: Linda Johnson)

Get ready to map your course through six geographical sections and sample beers from Florida, regional, national and international breweries. Last year, the RCBF introduced a new layout with breweries grouped according to geographical location. That format made the journey through the beer easy to manage and remember. Found a beer that was particularly noteworthy? No problem to find it again! The regional layout will return this year, said Callie Hugo, RCBF Committee Member and Liaison for Riverside Rotary and Community Hospice & Palliative Care in an interview. Of course, a number of local Jacksonville breweries will have a strong presence in the Florida section, along with many other favorite breweries across the state. In addition, attendees will enjoy beers from breweries located in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, West Coast and International. The current brewery list includes just under 100 breweries. 

6th Annual Florida Tap Invitational All-Florida Beerfest at Proof Brewing, Tallahassee: Circle It for 2019

Yes, a purple beer: Black Currant Aronia Evil Kiss Berliner
from Proof Brewing Co. (photo: Linda Johnson)

November 6, 2018: Just picture it: Blue skies and light breezes, comfortable temperatures hovering around 70°, a glass in your hand, and ... over 40 Florida breweries from all parts of the state assembled in one place for an afternoon of beer of all colors and styles. An island? Beachside? How about Tallahassee! It was an awesome day at the 6th Annual all-Florida beer event Florida Tap Invitational hosted by Proof Brewing Co. on the afternoon of Saturday, November 3. 

With folks at last year's event
trying to beat the late September heat, the 2018 beerfest was moved to November to take advantage of cooler temperatures, said Bryan Smith, Sales & Events Director for Proof Brewing. Scheduling this event also takes the Florida State football schedule into consideration, meaning that only a certain number of weekends are available. As it turned out, the weather was incredible, which made for a perfect beerfest afternoon. 

VIP ticketholders waiting at the entry gate before noon

making HEADlines: Jax Beer Week, November 3-10, 2018

making HEADlines:

LOCAL COMMUNITY AND BEER EVENTS BOOKEND JAX BEER WEEK; NEW BEER TAPPINGS AND RELEASES HIGHLIGHT THE WEEK, NOVEMBER 3-10, 2018

October 30, 2018, Jacksonville, FL:  

Hey, Jacksonville: Jax Beer Week arrives on the Jacksonville Beer Scene, starting November 3 at the beer garden at Jacksonville PorchFest.  The annual music fest, which runs from noon til 9pm, once again provides tunes throughout the city's Springfield neighborhood, with musical acts singing and strumming on front porches and on the Main Stage at Klutho Park. Attendees at the free music fest can stroll along the tree-lined streets and stop at designated houses to listen and dance the afternoon away. 

A selection of craft beer will be available at the beer garden in the park. Platinum PorchFest Sponsors  include local breweries Intuition Ale Works, Aardwolf Brewing Company and Veterans United Craft Brewery. Yes, you can even take that beer with you as you make your way around the neighborhood!  

Be sure to stop at the Jax Beer Society tent in the beer garden to sample beers from two of the area's newest breweries, SJ Brewing (12-3pm) and Tabula Rasa Brewing (3-6pm).  SJ Brewing opened in August on State Road 200 in Yulee, and Tabula Rasa, in the city's "Railyard District," opened its doors in September.

Sun, Suds & Charity: Rocky Water Brew Fest, Melbourne 2018

High above Eau Gallie Blvd.

October 24, 2018: Under sunshine and blue skies, the 5th Annual Rocky Water Brew Fest brought together 37 small Florida craft breweries and homebrewers for an afternoon of sipping suds for the benefit of the Eau Gallie Rotary Club charities on Saturday, October 20, 2018. 

Once again, Highland Avenue at the intersection of Eau Gallie Blvd. in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne traded vehicles for beer tents. With only 1600 allotted tickets, Fest Chair Tom Richards confirmed that there was "method to the madness," so that the ratio of guests to brewers results in a great experience for attendees.  Last year, tickets sold out at the gate on fest day, and this year, online tickets sold out a day ahead, as announced on social media (what's that about "I told you so?").  The beerfest, originally conceived around six years ago by organizers, took on a vision by Intracoastal Brewing Company head brewer Donald Atwell as an event designed to showcase the state's smaller breweries. 

Partner brewery Intracoastal Brewing, itself located in the Eau Gallie Arts District about a block away from the Eau Gallie Square fest venue, kicked things off with a brewers' party on Friday night, which was open to the public. For those anywhere within a few blocks, there was no mistaking where this party was! The event featured food trucks, music, special beer releases, and a bunch of brewers roaming around Intra's new brewhouse, the beer garden, and original tap room. "Those guys at Intra are wonderful," said Fest Chair Richards. With Intra committing its staff to the fest and pre-party every year, Richards included a special shout-out to Maggie Williams, one of Intra's managers, who was instrumental in making things run seamlessly. 

Gator Tales: St. Augustine Alligator Farm Croctoberfest was a Walk in the Park

Local lager from Dog Rose Brewing, St. Augustine,
at St. Augustine Alligator Farm's first Croctoberfest

October 3, 2018: Celebrating 125 years as a beloved tourist and educational attraction, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park hosted its first beerfest on Friday night, September 28, 2018. The inaugural Croctoberfest brought out both four-legged and two-legged creatures, and even some who moved around in other ways. A cozy and intimate brew-at-the-zoo beer-and-food event, Croctoberfest took place throughout the park, as guests roamed through various habitats sipping beer, listening to music, engaging and watching the zoo inhabitants, and chatting with conservation organizations. "We believe the event was a great success .. with over $12,000 raised for the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group and Malayan Gharials," recapped Trevor Mia, of the park's Education Department, after the event. 

The fest was unique in that a number of local conservation organizations were set up alongside Florida brewery and local food vendors. The tree-lined backdrop provided a beautiful evening setting, and the zoo residents also provided entertainment. 

Educational activities began before the doors opened, as zoo staff introduced two gharials to attendees outside the event entrance. 

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Hosts Inaugural Croctoberfest Beer and Food Event, Sept. 28

[Ed. Note, 10/3/2018: see the recap with photos on the homepage!]

September 24, 2018: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm always provides guests with an exciting visit, with resident reptiles and exotic animal species roaming the grounds. For those who time it right, there's also the chance to view feedings. All in all, it's a pretty wild time, with educational overtones.  The Alligator Farm adds a new level of animal behavior, with its first "Croctoberfest," on Friday evening, September 28, 6-9pm. This "brew-at-the-zoo" event brings beer, food, and spirits together for the season of Oktoberfest and Fall with a catchy name and some crafty inhabitants. 

The concept began over a year ago during a staff meeting, says Trevor Mia, of the Zoo Education Department, with "Croctoberfest" being a logical name for this time of year. "We wanted to host a social event where the proceeds go towards a great use and cause." Croctoberfest is a partnership with Riverbanks Zoo of Columbia, South Carolina, and the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group to help support the Malayan Gharial conservation (if you don't know what that is, you can find out at Croctoberfest). Part of the proceeds are also designed to jump start youth engagement in conservation programs in St Augustine. Participating conservation organizations include: IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, Riverbanks Zoo, Crocodilian Conservation Center of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Audubon Society, The Rattlesnake Conservancy, GTM Research Reserve, Lubee Bat Conservancy, and Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience.

"At the end of the night, we hope that guests will have an appreciation for what their local conservation organizations are doing in their own backyard," Trevor adds. 

Lip-smackin' Sips and Bites at Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Held at Historic Florida Theatre, Jax

The Florida Theatre's Blues, Brews & BBQ,
presented by Publix Super Markets Charities

August 27, 2018: An entertainment venue such as The Florida Theatre usually evokes thoughts of "sights and sounds." On Thursday, August 23, attendees at the annual Blues, Brews and BBQ fest, held at the historic downtown Jacksonville landmark, could also add the sensory perception of "tastes" to the repertoire, as this event featured lip-smackin' sips and bites from local breweries and restaurants. From the bales of hay at the check-in doors to the red-checkered tablecloths and aromas of barbecue throughout, the theatre was transformed into a tasty night of food, craft beer, and music.  

The pictures pretty much tell the story, so let's get to it! While the photos are unable to convey the taste delights that undoubtedly made tongues and taste buds happy, this site cannot be responsible for any hunger pains or thirst that might result ... 

Just Chillin' at Bolts Brew Fest, Tampa

Ice carving at Bolts Brew Fest 2018

August 22, 2018: Some things just go together. Beer and Sports. Thunder and Lightning. Tampa and Beer. Tampa and the Bolts. Even with Heat and Humidity, Tampa and Hockey go together. So much so, that from the minute one steps into Tampa, there's an unmistakable feeling of a magnetic display of affection between the Tampa Bay Lightning, its fans, and the city. Seems like just about everyone in this "city by the bay" is a Bolts fan. On August 17, 2018, the Lightning and its home ice, Amalie Arena, hosted the second annual Bolts Brew Fest, which featured over 50 breweries and an array of activities for fans of beer and Bolts alike. Talk about "chilling out!"

First, let's get a little personal: my first trip to Amalie Arena was in 2015, when I attended two Stanley Cup Finals games between the Chicago Black Hawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hey, I'm a Midwest transplant from the Chicago area and grew up a Hawks fan. During that season, though, something happened: I found myself rooting for the Lightning to get there! Could that really happen: a magical Stanley Cup Final in Florida? Yeah, it did. The Tampa fans were awesome, and the venue and team provided an amazing fan experience. 

Photo-op!

Outside, around the Arena and in Thunder Alley, there are larger-than-life images of Lightning players and statues that allow for plenty of photo ops for locals and visitors. It's all fun and hockey. There's simply no way one can't get caught up in all of the excitement surrounding this team. 

Fast forward to Bolts Brew Fest 2018. 

making HEADlines: HalfwayThere to TBBW, August 25

making HEADlines:

TAMPA BEERFEST, AUGUST 25, CELEBRATES "HALFWAY THERE" TO TAMPA BAY BEER WEEK

[Ed. Note, 8/22: Fest is SOLD OUT!]

 August 15, 2018, Tampa, FL:  Mention the "first week in March" to a Florida craft beer geek, and eyes might light up in anticipation of one of the biggest beer weeks anywhere: Tampa Bay Beer Week. With major beerfests being weekend bookends for a week full of daily tastings, get-togethers and dinners, the over 70-brewery Tampa area can celebrate beer on a grand scale (see the 2018 preview  and subsequent fest recaps on this site from March 2018). 

So, why not hold a beerfest at the "Halfway There" point to the 2019 TBBW? Why not, indeed! TBBW organizers are bringing back the annual event on Saturday, August 25, from 2-6pm at the recently renovated Armature Works Neighborhood Market on the banks of the Hillsborough River.  The fundraiser for TBBW gives attendees a chance to sample beers from over 58 local, national and international breweries, play arcade games by Lowry Parcade, and sip cold brew coffee samples from Commune + Co. Food is available in the Heights Public Market. 

Curious as to which breweries will be there? Take a look at the participating brewery list and plan accordingly! 

"Halfway There" tickets, $35 in advance/$50 at the door, include sampling and a commemorative fest tasting glass. Limited parking is available for $5, and the parking ticket may be used as a voucher for food purchase at the Heights Market. Out-of-towners can receive 15% off room rates at partner hotel Tampa Marriott Waterside, a short walk from Armature Works. 

The Halfway There fest is the major fundraiser for Tampa Bay Beer Week, which was established in 2012 and has hosted over 750 small- and large-scale events. Tampa Bay Beer Week, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advancing the Tampa area beer culture through education, events and marketing.  TBBW begins the first Saturday in March and runs over the course of eight days. And, 2019 will be here before you know it.

Cheers!

Linda Johnson,
Certified Cicerone®
www.brewnymph.com

making HEADlines: 6th Annual Florida Tap Invitational On Tap for November

making HEADlines:

PROOF BREWING CO. HOSTS 6th ANNUAL FLORIDA TAP INVITATIONAL,
NOVEMBER 2-3, 2018; TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 1

ED. NOTE, 10/16/2018: A PORTION OF PROCEEDS FROM THIS BEERFEST WILL BENEFIT VOLUNTEER FLORIDA, TO ASSIST IN EFFORTS TO RESPOND TO THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE MICHAEL

ED. NOTE: 10/30/2018: THE TAP LIST HAS BEEN RELEASED. EACH BREWERY WITH TWO RARE, UNUSUAL, OR ONE-OFF BEERS, PLUS A CADRE OF PROOF BREWING BEERS.

July 31, 2018, Tallahassee, FL:  

Beers of all different colors, flavor profiles and styles will again flow in Tallahassee at the 6th Annual Florida Tap Invitational craft beer fest hosted by Proof Brewing Co.  The annual fest takes place over Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, on tap this year for November 2-3.

The event itself may be as unique as the beers that the craft beer enthusiasts will find pouring from the taps on Saturday afternoon.  Over 40 Florida breweries are invited to attend the beerfest, and there's a catch: the beers (over 100 of them) are one-offs, rare, or maybe so mysterious such that they've never been seen outside of the individual tap rooms. Brewers and brewery reps will be on hand to discuss the beers and the flavors (how did you come up with that?).  From the pucker of the sours to roastiness of the imperial stouts to the bitterness of the hop-forward IPAs to the nuances of various ingredients, craft beer aficionados will find delight in their glasses, while palates are pleased. 

making HEADlines: If It's Mid-July, It's Time for Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest!

making HEADlines:

PALM BEACH SUMMER BEER FEST INDOORS, JULY 21

 July 18, 2018:   Heat? Rain? Wind? No worries! If it's mid-July, it's time for the Annual Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest! This year's edition returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21, from 2-6pm. And, before you say "baby, it's hot outside," just remember that this fest is inside in the A/C. No matter what Mother Nature dishes out on the outside, it's all cool on the inside. 

Set up in the Expo Center, attendees will have their choices of over 200 craft beers to sample.  Local South Florida breweries will, of course, be on the scene, along with regional, national and international brands. Feet will tap and bodies will move to the sounds of live music from three different bands on stage all afternoon. 

Although beer is the main event, the fest also includes bourbon and whiskey tasting from Hillbilly Bourbon, along with tastings of bacon brownies, craft beer donuts, and craft ice cream.  The fest also includes games, such as cornhole, Jenga and Plinko, and participants can win prizes for playing. Munchies are no problem, with ten food trucks just outside at the Food Truck Invasion. 

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Little Smiles of Florida, an organization benefiting children with serious medical conditions, from Miami-Dade to St. Lucie Counties.

Two levels of fest tickets are available: VIP ($75), which gets you in an hour early at 1pm, together with limited beer releases during the first hour, a full-size mug and food certificate; and General Admission ($45), which offers entry at 2pm. Tickets are available online via the fest website link at the top. 

It's always one hot time in South Florida, but mid-July at Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest is one cool way to spend an afternoon. You won't even know what Mother Nature is doing outside. Take a look back at prior fests on brewnymph.com!

South Florida Fair and Expo Center is located at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. 

Cheers!

Linda Johnson,
Certified Cicerone®
www.brewnymph.com

Singin' the Blues, Brews and BBQ at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, August 23

July 6, 2018: Get your summer checklist ready, Jacksonville! Local Barbecue. Local Beer. Local Music. Check! The Florida Theatre hosts its annual Blues, Brews and BBQ summer party on Thursday, August 23. 

One of the tastiest events to headline around the city, you'll be singin' the Blues, Brews and BBQ upstairs and downstairs at the historic theatre with the body-swaying sounds of blues music on the stage, while your taste buds delight in the revelry provided by the tantalizing barbecue, complemented by an assortment of craft beer.

View from upstairs, at 2017 Blues, Brews and BBQ
(photo: Linda Johnson)

Presented by Publix Supermarket Charities, a number of local favorites will once again serve unlimited samples of barbecue and beers, while the sounds of live continuous music by The Snacks Blues Band and Beale Street fill the air.

Keep going .... (photo: Linda Johnson)

"There is a natural alliance between the Florida Theatre, one of our city's premier arts institutions, and the best craft professionals working in our city's culinary arts' community," said Numa Saisselin, Florida Theatre President. "For $50, you get all the local craft beer you can drink and all the local BBQ you can eat, plus four hours of continuous live Blues music by two of our city's best Blues bands ... and it all benefits the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre."

All's Fair at Hogtown Craft Beer Fest 2018, Gainesville

April 26, 2018:  It had: over 100 breweries, six homebrew clubs, 47 special tappings, nine pods, food trucks, music under the pavilion, plenty of on-site parking ... even rain and sunshine. The 7th Annual Hogtown Craft Beer Fest presented by the Hogtown Brewers on April 21 pretty much had it all at the Alachua County Fairgrounds, a new fest venue this year. 

This was my sixth trek to Hogtown, and the beertrip once again included more than a beerfest -- it's a Gainesville weekend! 

Reminder: Time to go Shrimpin' with Shrimp & Suds 2nd Annual Craft Beer Fest, Jax, March 24

Photo from inaugural 2017
Shrimp & Suds Craft Beer Fest
(photo by Linda Johnson)

March 20, 2018: 
Get your tails in gear, Jacksonville! Shrimp Season returns to the Jacksonville Baseball Grounds with the Second Annual Shrimp & Suds Craft Beer Fest on Saturday night, March 24, hosted by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. 

The beer sampling event this year takes place at night under the lights. "We shifted the time so we could have the stadium lights on and give [the fest] more of a 'night at the ball park' ambience," said David Ratz, Promotions and Special Events Manager, in an interview with this site.