Waterfront Event Offers Hot Air Balloon Rides, Surfing Simulators – and of Course, Some Beer
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2012) — From more than 100 brews to hot air balloon rides, the inaugural Palm Beach Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, July 28 will offer something both beer lovers and visitors in search of other exciting activities will enjoy. The environmentally conscious event at the Meyer Amphitheatre in Downtown West Palm Beach will offer a beer sampling from more than 30 brewers to benefit two local charities, the Surfrider Foundation and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
More than 100 craft beers will be featured with selections from local businesses like Tequesta Brewery, Cigar City and Due South, as well as from international brands. There will also be a “home brew contest” with a grand prize of $500 for the maker of the winning beer. Sponsored in part by Whole Foods Market, the contest will award gift cards to other winners.
For attendees age 21 and older, a general admission wristband includes a five-ounce souvenir tasting glass and the option to sample all varieties during the event hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For those who are looking for something extra, VIP wristbands include early admission for the sampling starting at 3 p.m. with a complimentary glass “beer stein” and commemorative T-shirt to take home. VIP guests will also have access to a designated lounge and private bar area, plus the cigar garden, sponsored by Smoke Inn. To keep with the “green” theme, patrons are encouraged to use their new, reusable glasses at “rinsing stations” located throughout the event.
Beyond the beer, exciting attractions for the whole family include an inflatable surf simulator and rides on the hot air balloon for elevated views of the downtown district. Live music by Ketchy Shuby, Guy Harvey, the Resolvers and Papa E will keep guests entertained throughout the event, as well as a dunk tank to soak local celebrities. Food trucks and other local restaurants will be on site with a variety of delicious dining options.
Sponsors of the festival include Respectable Street Café, LongBoards, Brown Distributing, Whole Foods Market and the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority.
General admission wristbands are $30 in advance and $40 the day of the event. VIP wristbands are $70 in advance and $80 when on the day of the festival. To purchase wristbands or find out more information about the Palm Beach Craft Beer Festival and its home brew contest, visit pbcraftbeerfestival.com or the festival’s Facebook page, or call Susanne Alexander at (561) 441-3489.
For more about Downtown West Palm Beach, contact the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority at (561) 833-8873 or visit WPBGO.com or westpalmbeachdda.com.