Nowadays, it's nearly impossible to go a month without hearing about a local beer festival or event in your area. The popularity of craft beer has made it one of the most popular drinks in the world, and local festivals are a fun and exciting way to experience new beers and meet the brewers themselves. While attending a local festival or event may sound intimidating at first to newbies, there are many benefits to going that far outweigh any fears you may have about attending a crowded event or trying a new style of beer that you have never tried before.
Without further ado, here are 6 reasons to attend a craft beer event in your area:
You get to try new beer - This is usually the main reason most people attend. Breweries from across the state and region typically bring a wide variety of new beers plus their brewery staples. Some breweries will bring specialty or seasonal beers that they only make for a short time each year. These events are great ways to try a variety of new styles and types of beer that you may not have ever tried before, and if you are a beer connoisseur then this is a great opportunity to try some of the best beers available. Many festivals will also have a homebrew contest where attendees can try homemade beer and vote for their favorites.
You're supporting local businesses - Most of the local breweries that sell their products at local festivals are small businesses that are family-owned, and they are run by people who love the community and want to support local organizations. By buying tickets to these events, you are helping to support these businesses and ensure that they will continue to thrive for years to come.
You get to meet new people - There is nothing like drinking beer with old friends and making new ones at a beer festival. There is usually a large community of people that attend these events and there is always a lot of fun to be had. Many people who go for the first time end up making lifelong friendships at these festivals and enjoy meeting other like-minded people who share their love of beer.
You learn something new - Beer is a drink that is steeped in history and culture, and learning about the history of the different styles of beer helps to better understand the process behind its manufacture. When you go to a local craft beer event, you will often have the opportunity to meet the brewers themselves and hear their stories about how they started their companies and how they got to where they are today. Getting to know the people behind the beer can be a great way to learn more about the beer itself and how it is made.
It's fun! - There really isn't anything that beats sitting around with your friends drinking great beer and having a good time. Drinking beer is a great way to celebrate an occasion or just kick back and relax after a long week at work.
You may get to experience a new venue - Most beer events and festivals are held at venues that you may only get the chance to visit a couple times per year. Whether it's at a local market, a large ballpark or stadium, a museum, or even a local park, you may be able to enjoy a unique setting for your festival experience.
So when you see an upcoming beer festival or event, check your calendar to see if you're available. Text some friends to see if they are available and plan to attend together. Buy your tickets online before the event to make sure you have a reserved spot for the event. Then get ready to have a great time!
Here at Iowa Brewing Company located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we attend nearly every local craft beer event and give out samples of our award-winning beers. Hopefully we catch you at the next craft beer event in Iowa.