I have been involved with the San Juan Brewfest event since 2008. Over the past 15 years, this event has grown into a major fundraiser for United Way of Southwest Colorado and an event with positive economic benefit for businesses in the heart of Durango.
This year, the Brewfest will be a two-day event, held at Buckley Park in downtown Durango on Aug. 26 and Aug. 27. Friday is VIP-only day and Saturday is general admission. All proceeds benefit our local United Way. Tickets are on sale now at SanJuanBrewfest.com.
The San Juan Brewfest is the best beer tasting festival in the Four Corners. All attendees receive a 5 ounce souvenir tasting glass and unlimited tastings from 35 breweries and cideries. There will be 100 beers, ciders and even hard kombucha to sample to find something that you like. Live music is offered both days by our friends at Animas City Theatre.
Friday is an exclusive event only for VIPs, from 5 to 8 p.m.. Only 500 tickets will be sold, so no waiting in long lines. In addition to the unlimited tastings from 35 breweries and cideries, VIPs receive a meal with their ticket from 2nd Deli and Spirits and Cream Bean Berry. Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts will entertain us. VIPs also get some Brewfest merchandise. If you want to talk with the brewers attending to really learn about their products, this is the day for you.
Saturday is general admission day from 1 to 5 p.m., with 1,500 tickets sold. Attendees will be entertained by The Crags and Warsaw Poland Bros. Food will be available for purchase from Gosar Sausage and The Crazy Coop food truck. Unlimited tastings are included from the 35 breweries and cideries that are pouring.
A designated driver ticket is also offered for both days. DDs can hang out at the DD-only booth, brought to you by Four Corners Broadcasting, where mocktails will be served and shaded seating provided. We encourage everyone to make a plan advance for a safe ride home. Bring a DD, or ride any city bus free, including the Main Avenue trolley. Have fun, but be safe!
The San Juan Brewfest is strictly for people 21 and older. No children are allowed. Also, no dogs or pets of any kind are allowed. Leave the kids and the pooch home for the Brewfest.
Sponsors help make the San Juan Brewfest happen. Bank of the San Juans is the presenting sponsor for Saturday. The water station is sponsored by Well on Wheels. BCI Media is the stage sponsor for Saturday. Title Durango is the wristband sponsor. Visit Durango is also a sponsor through its event marketing grant.
VIP and general admission tickets are on sale now at SanJuanBrewfest.com. You can also find all the details about the event on the site, including an FAQ, early entry procedures to get in faster, all the breweries and the event’s policies for all attendees. I hope to see you at the Brewfest in late August. Cheers!
Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him by email at timw@downtowndurango.org or by calling 375-5068.
