As I’ve said in the past, brew festivals in general are not my bag: There is nothing wrong with them; they just don’t float my (beer) boat personally.
But for those who enjoy these beer bacchanalias, two Western Massachusetts events are slated in the weeks ahead.
First is the Great Barrington Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival on July 23 from noon to 5 p.m. This bash is equally dedicated to people who enjoy food truck offerings, but it also features an impressive array of craft beer. Some of the breweries that will be pouring pints there include Anchor & Hope, Dorchester Brewing Co., Hudson North, Idle Hands Craft Ales, SingleCut Beersmiths, and Vermont Beer Makers, to name just a few.
The festival will also feature 12 New England food trucks, serving such popular items such as stuffed corn pancakes, crunchy tacos, sweet and savory kettle corn and more. There will also be lawn games, music and plenty of other types of fun.
The event will take place rain or shine, and food and drink will be sold separately from admission cost. All first responders and members of the military (active or retired) will receive free admission with valid identification.
This event is family friendly and children 12 and under are free, but no dogs are allowed. Lawn Chairs are welcomed and even recommended.
The event will be held at the Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center, 380 State Road in Great Barrington.
Next up will be the return of the Brew at the Zoo in Springfield’s Forest Park on Aug. 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the popular festival will return with beer samples from local craft breweries, a home brew competition, food trucks, live music, games, a raffle and zoo animal interactions.
“We haven’t been able to host Brew at the Zoo since 2019, and we’ve really missed it,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director at The Zoo in Forest Park. “This event brings together our incredible craft beer community, who all come out to support the 225 animals that call our zoo their home.”
Attendees can choose from four ticket types: VIP, VIP designated driver, general admission and designated driver. Attendees with a VIP ticket will enjoy an extra hour of sampling beginning at 12 p.m., the opportunity to participate in up-close animal encounters, and grain to feed the animals. All attendees must be 21-plus.
The current list of brewers for event includes Loophole Brewing, One Way Brewing, Vanished Valley Brewing Co., Broad Brook Brewing Company, Connecticut Valley Brewing Company, Berkshire Brewing Company, Rustic Brewing Company, Iron Duke Brewing, Two Weeks Notice Brewing Company, Brew Practitioners and New City Brewery, in addition to nine home brewers.
Advance tickets are required to attend the event and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/brew
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