The San Juan Brewfest is back, and it starts today. The Brewfest is owned by United Way of Southwest Colorado and has become one of its best annual fundraisers.
The San Juan Brewfest is a two-day event this year, and Day One is today. Day Two is Sunday. Here are some tips for how to enjoy the event safely and responsibly, while supporting United Way at the same time.
The Brewfest is held at Buckley Park, and is a beer-tasting festival with up to 30 breweries participating and two live bands each day. Attendees receive a 5-ounce souvenir tasting glass and can enjoy tastes of close to 100 different beers that will be served. Food vendors will be on site with food available for purchase.
The San Juan Brewfest has partnered with the Ride Responsible program to make all city public transit free on both days of the Brewfest this year, including the Main Avenue Trolley. The Brewfest also sells designated driver tickets. DD’s are provided with an area just for them with shade, seating and mocktails from local bars and restaurants. Thank you, Ride Responsible and Four Corners Broadcasting, for providing safe options to get to and from the Brewfest. All attendees should make a plan in advance to get home safely.
Saturday’s hours are 1 to 5 p.m., and Sunday gates open at noon and close at 4 p.m. On Saturday, live music is provided by Profetic Calaveras and the Afrobeatniks. On Sunday, Profetic Calaveras plays again, and then DJ Calvin wraps up the event.
All attendees must be 21 or older and have a valid ID to enter. No children or anyone younger than 21 are admitted. Pets are not allowed either, so leave the kids and the dogs at home for this one. New this year are additional entry requirements to address the ongoing pandemic.
In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, all attendees are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result dated no more than two days before the event date, or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Full vaccination means two weeks have passed since the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or two weeks since the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Testing is available Saturday before the Brewfest starts from 8 a.m. to noon at Fort Lewis College. Test results are provided via text and email, which can be shown at the gate.
For vaccination status, the Brewfest will accept an original COVID-19 vaccine card, or a photo or print out of the card. Digital copies via apps like myColorado are also acceptable.
The name on the test result or the vaccine record must match the name on the ID presented for entry. An early check in is offered from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Buckley Park. Checking in early will allow attendees to enter the Brewfest faster when the gates open.
Visit SanJuanBrewfest.com for last minute tickets and other event information. Cheers!
Tim Walsworth is executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District. Contact him at timw@downtowndurango.org.
