Beer has a fascinating history. It has been consumed as an alternative to contaminated water in the interest of public health. It has been the subject of great moral debate, alternating between prohibited and tolerated in numerous societies over time. The hoppy beverage has even, at least once that we know of, been the source of a deadly flood.
While some large American brewers have made it big, it’s only in the last few years the country has developed a reputation for brewing truly mouthwatering beer. Coinciding with the proliferation of craft brewing, the rise in reputation has shaken up the domestic beer market.
Today, 2,400 craft breweries operate in the U.S. They employ some 100,000 people and churn out more than 10,000 flavorful alternatives. Texas alone has 84 craft brewers, more than half of which will have a presence at the 2014 Texas Craft Brewers Festival.
What is the Texas Craft Brewers Festival?
In 2003, craft brewing was an infant industry in Texas. The Texas Craft Brewers Festival was organized so those involved could network with one another and market their finest product. The craft beer industry has grown immensely over the last decade. But budding entrepreneurs still need support, and enthusiastic craft beer drinkers still need an outlet for discovering their new favorite beers. This is what the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, sponsored by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild and the Young Men’s Business League of Austin, is all about.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 27 at Austin’s Fiesta Gardens. For VIP ticket holders, the beer tasting begins at 11:30AM. General admission holders are welcome to show up any time after 2PM. The event closes at 6:30PM.
Why Attend the Texas Craft Brewers Festival?
If you like craft beer, the answer to this question is obvious: Because you get to taste great beer and hang out with friends! But if you’re partial to mass-produced ales and lagers or consider yourself a teetotaler, reasons you should attend may seem less compelling, but here’s our top four reasons:
- It’s an outdoor event that promises to be a good time
- Freshly prepared food from local vendors is a draw in its own right
- There’s free water so you won’t go thirsty
- Designated drivers can get steeply discounted tickets
Another reason to attend is that proceeds benefit Austin Sunshine Camps. Since 1928, Austin Sunshine Camps has provided educational and mentorship opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk youth in the Austin area. The organization coordinates summer camps at Zilker Park and Lake Travis, and also runs an after school program for students of Fulmore Middle School.
Tickets, Volunteering, and More
Tickets range in price from 0 for designated drivers to 5 for VIPs. But VIP tickets are already sold out, so we won’t delve into what you’re missing out on. General admission tickets cost 5 when purchased online in advance and 0 on the day of the event. They include six beer sampling tokens and a commemorative Texas Craft Brewers Festival cup.
If you’re looking to get more involved in the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, consider volunteering with the Young Men’s Business League of Austin. Beer servers and ID checkers are needed. Volunteers receive a complimentary t-shirt and cup, beer tasting tokens for the end of their shift, and access to pre- and post-events that are for volunteers and coordinators only. Sign up today at VolunteerLocal.com
How you choose to prepare for the 2014 Craft Brewers Festival is up to you. Just remember it’s a casual affair and designed to be fun. Unless you live at AMLI South Shore or another apartment within walking distance, make sure you have a designated driver to help get you (and everyone in your party) home safely.
Do you plan to visit the 2014 Texas Craft Brewers Festival? What beer are you most excited to taste?
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