So you’ve got a brand new growler from DrinkTanks, lucky you! But what should you fill it with? Whether you’re new to craft beers or a self-proclaimed aficionado the best place to experience different styles and beer culture in general is at a beer festival. Not only are beer festivals a great place for tasting, they are also a great place to learn about beer and meet beer lovers, new and old. With the advent of Spring—Summer just around the corner—now is a good time to keep your eyes peeled for all the upcoming events near you. We’ve put together a small list of fan-favorite beer festivals from the West Coast to the East Coast. Don’t just drink beer, experience it.
Microbrew Invitational https://www.beeradvocate.com/micro/ Dates: June 2-3, 2017 Location: Boston, Massachusetts
What Is It?: “A celebration of Old-School, Small-Batch Brewing”
Why We’re Excited: Hosted by Beer Advocate (BA), this micro-brew fest is returning for yet another year! Last year the lineup included different types of craft beers from over 70 small breweries. As the largest online beer community, Beer Advocate has been telling us about beer for 20 years strong.
With the only monthly beer magazine in circulation, you better believe these guys know their stuff. And with such a devoted online community, there’s no telling what you can learn from the crowd. According to founder Jason Alström, The Beer Advocate Microbrew Invitational has a goal of creating and generating microbrewery awareness. Naturally, each microbrewery in attendance is expected to brew a unique beer for the event. In other words, you can expect a lot of exciting flavors and nuance. We absolutely cannot wait!
Oregon Brewers Festival http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/ Dates: July 26-30, 2017 Location: Portland, Oregon
What Is It?: One of the nation’s longest running craft beer festivals. Why We’re Excited: Whether you’re in the mood for a Belgian or blonde, a pale or pilsner, a saison, or a wit, Oregon’s Brewers Festival has the beer for you. If you’re a lover of all things beer or looking to experience beer and brewing culture, this is the place to be. Famously laid back and endlessly comforting, Oregon’s Brewers Festival features styles from over 80 different breweries. Craft beer, live music, and delicious food—what’s not to get excited about? With an abundance of different brewers present, you’re bound to find something you love. It doesn’t get much better than drinking with the mountain at your back. With craft beer styles from breweries such as Anchor, Boneyard, Two Kilts, Surly, and more you’re sure to find a new favorite beer to fill your DrinkTank.
Southern Brewers Festival http://www.southernbrewersfestival.com/ Dates: August 26 Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
What Is It?: A one-day only beer festival for the whole family—yes, you can even bring you kids. Why We’re Excited: Don’t let the one day, seeming exclusivity, of the Southern Brewers Festival turn you off from the experience. This festival is anything but! Over the course of the day you’ll be downing beers from more than 30 microbreweries, listening to live music, and enjoying good Southern eats along the riverfront. As the event rolls on and the night winds down, the intimate nature of the one-day gig begins to reveal itself. This is something that happens once a year—you’ll be glad you didn’t miss it.