The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) manages a handful of events each year that benefit Downtown and North Main Avenue businesses.
We just wrapped a successful Fourth of July, with events all day long from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Next up is one of our favorite events each year, the San Juan Brewfest.
The San Juan Brewfest is the biggest beer tasting festival in the Four Corners, and it benefits United Way of Southwest Colorado. I am proud to say that under BID’s management the past three years, we have raised $52,000 for our local United Way.
The San Juan Brewfest will be held on Saturday Aug. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. in downtown Durango at Buckley Park. This year the Brewfest features a record number of craft breweries, with 54 participating in the event. If you like craft beer or are craft beer curious, this event is for you. A full list of the breweries attending can be found at SanJuanBrewfest.com/breweries.
The Brewfest is a tasting event, so all attendees receive a souvenir five-ounce tasting glass at the event. There are unlimited tastings of the available beers, and each brewery will bring at least two beers so there will be over 100 to sample. We encourage everyone attending to plan in advance for a safe ride home. To that end, we offer a discounted designated driver ticket for only $15, and all city of Durango buses will be free to ride on this day. We are also working on other transportation options.
Tickets are on sale now, and there are four types of tickets available. As noted, a designated driver ticket costs just $15. Designated drivers will be rewarded for helping others get home safe with a couple of free non-alcoholic drink tickets.
A general admission ticket costs $30. General admission ticket holders can enter the event from 1 to 5 p.m. and receive the five-ounce tasting glass. New this year is an upgraded general admission ticket for $45. These ticket holders get in 30 minutes early at 12:30 p.m., plus they receive an event T-shirt.
The Brewfest also offers a VIP ticket. VIPs receive an early entry one hour early at noon, an event T-shirt, and they have access to the VIP Lounge during the Brewfest, which features a meal from Zia Taqueria and shaded seating. VIPs are also invited to a private party the night before the Brewfest with the participating breweries at Steamworks. The VIP and Brewer’s party features the award winning beers from last year’s event and food from 5 to 7 p.m. VIP tickets cost $70.
The San Juan Brewfest has sold out for the past two years, and I expect it to sell out again this year. Don’t wait to get your tickets, visit the website today to guarantee your spot at this fun event at SanJuanBrewfest.com
timw@downtowndurango.org. Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District.
