During a festival “crafted” for Labor Day weekend, attendees can sample nearly 200 beers and ales while also discovering the flavors of the continental United States’ southernmost city. The 10th annual Key West BrewFest is set for Thursday through Monday, Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, highlighted by a lavish oceanside tasting festival.
Featured beers range from the intriguingly named Monk in the Trunk, Funky Buddha and Andygator to local favorites from the Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Co.
BrewFest starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, with a kick-off party at Key West’s Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St., home of Crazy Lady blonde ale and other offerings crafted in-house.
Subsequent festival events include beer-focused brunches, pool parties featuring specialty beers, daytime tap takeovers and dinners pairing each course with brews that complement the cuisine.
The undisputed festival highlight is Saturday’s BrewFest Signature Tasting Festival. Featuring nearly 200 beers from around the world, the tasting extravaganza is set for 5-8 p.m. on Key West’s South Beach beside the Atlantic Ocean at 1405 Duval St. General admission is $40 per person in advance or $45 at the door.
Lager lovers also can choose to pay $90 per person in advance for admission to a 3-5 p.m. VIP tasting with passed appetizers from the Southernmost Beach Cafe. VIP attendees also receive exclusive 10th anniversary BrewFest memorabilia.
At 8 p.m. a Second Line March led by the New Orleans band Water Seed is scheduled to depart South Beach. Participants dance down Key West’s legendary Duval Street to a party at the funky Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St.
Presented by the Southernmost Beach Resort and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic, BrewFest benefits Rotary charitable initiatives.
The festival continues through Labor Day with events including a beer dinner at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St., and a lively evening of bingo at the Green Parrot.
