Each year, Kennett Square attracts thousands of people to celebrate a common passion – beer, and lots of it!
The 13th Annual Kennett Square Brewfest will take place on Oct. 2 from 2 to 6 p.m. on South Broad Street. Tickets are $40, and participants get a souvenir 2-ounce serving glass for unlimited tastings. For the past two years, this outdoor festival has sold out, so be sure to buy tickets early at www.kennettbrewfest.com.
There won’t be 99 bottles of beer or any walls, but the Brewfest will offer more than 60 kegs of “flagship beer” samples from 60 local, regional, and national breweries. There will be a wide range — everything from pilsners to dark stouts; not to mention plenty of Oktoberfest beers.
Participating breweries include Dogfish Head, Victory, Blue Moon, Brooklyn Lager, Flying Fish, Harpoon, Leinenkugel, Long Trail, Magic Hat, McKenzie’s, Rogue, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Troegs, Victory, Yards and Yuengling. There will be live music throughout the day, including Carl Filipiak & The Jimi Jazz Band, and local favorites, the Sin City Band. There will also be an array of food for sale.
The Connoisseur Tasting from noon to 1:30 p.m. features some of the most unusual and interesting beers out there, and brewers will discuss their craft. Jeff Norman, the Chair of the Brewfest Committee and one of the original founders of the event, said, “It’s really nice to see a group of 300 people getting an opportunity to discuss with the brewery personnel about the beers. It’s a little more laid-back than the overall event.” The tickets for this incredibly popular event were sold out in July.
James Moore has attended the last seven Brewfests and volunteered for the past five years. “My favorite thing about it is that it takes place in my home town, which I love, so I get to see a lot of old and new friends at the event, and meet new people as well,” he said. “It’s also good for our local economy as it brings in people from out of town to get a little “taste” of Kennett Square, and visit our restaurants and stores.”
The Kennett Square Brewfest is a fundraiser for Historic Kennett Square, a non-profit whose mission is to make Kennett Square a great place to work and live.
“This is a really good event for any beer lover out there, and especially those who really enjoy the craft beer or microbrew,” said Mary Hutchins, Historic Kennett Square executive director. “It has a great atmosphere and fun for everyone who attends. We have hundreds of repeat customers, people who have come every year for the past 13 years. Some people plan their autumn activities around the Brewfest.”
Patrons can come and go throughout the festival, and free shuttles uptown will be available all day. The shuttle will pick up and drop off at the municipal garage accessible from North Union Street (Route 82) on East Linden Street. Designated driver tickets are $10 and some participants even rent limousines for the day (the Brewfest website offers more information on limo rentals). This event is rain or shine, so dress for the weather and cross your fingers for sun.
Everyone must present their IDs at the door, and no one under 21, or four-legged friends, are allowed.
