The Four Corners’ favorite beer-tasting festival is the San Juan Brewfest. The Brewfest is your ticket to end of summer fun while supporting a great cause at the same time. This event is one of several that the Durango Business Improvement District manages every year.
The San Juan Brewfest is two days – 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23, with the event taking place both days at Buckley Park. The Brewfest is a beer-tasting festival with live music and it benefits Team Up (formerly United Way of Southwest Colorado). Huge thanks to Bank of the San Juans for being the presenting sponsor once again.
On both days, attendees can enjoy unlimited samples from 35 breweries, cideries, a distillery and even a canned cocktail maker. Each brings two or three different styles to the event, so there will be about 100 different beverages to try. Reminder that if you attend, make a plan in advance for how you will get home safely. Every city of Durango bus, including the Main Avenue Trolley, is free on both days of the Brewfest. Sunshine Rides taxi service will be on site. You can also book an on-demand ride for just $2 per rider through the city of Durango’s DuranGO! app. Or bring a designated driver, more on that below.
Animas City Theatre has booked three amazing bands for your listening and dancing pleasure this year. On Aug. 22, Float Like a Buffalo takes over the Brewfest stage. Float Like a Buffalo is a nine-piece, high-energy funk rock band from Denver. Aug. 23 is headlined by Rattlesnake Milk. The Brewfest appreciates KDUR for helping us get them on the stage. Rattlesnake Milk just played a sold-out show at Red Rocks and is blowing up right now. Aug. 23’s opening act is YOPE, from right here in Durango.
Tickets are flying out the door, so if you want to attend do not wait until the last minute. Get them today at SanJuanBrewfest.com. Aug. 22 tickets are discounted by 20% and only cost $40. Aug. 23 tickets are $50, and there is also a VIP ticket available for $85. VIPs get in one hour early, receive a meal from Grassburger and have access to the VIP tent with shaded seating.
Designated Driver tickets are also available at 50% discount. DDs get free mocktails and sodas in the DD lounge. This is the Brewfest’s way of saying thanks for getting others home safely.
Team Up is the charity beneficiary for this event. Team Up creates collaborative teams to tackle “unsolvable” community-identified issues. You might just recognize the team behind Team Up from their long-standing local collaborative work. Look for them at the gate when you check in.
Remember that the Brewfest is a rain or shine event and tickets are not refundable. The Brewfest is for people 21 and older only, so no infants or kids are allowed. Also, leave the pooch at home, no dogs or pets of any kind, please.
Check out SanJuanBrewfest.com for all the event information and to get your tickets. See you at the Brewfest!
Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him at timw@downtowndurango.org or 375-5068.
