The Durango Business Improvement District is proud to partner with United Way of Southwest Colorado every year to manage the San Juan Brewfest. The Brewfest is a beer-tasting festival with live music, food for purchase, and it benefits our local United Way. It is well attended by both locals and out-of-town visitors. This year’s Brewfest is presented by Bank of the San Juans.
This year’s Brewfest is a two-day affair. Day One is 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23, and Day Two is 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 24. Both days are at Buckley Park.
Three live bands will play this year, thanks to our friends at Animas City Theatre. Aug. 23 will feature two sets from Denver-based band The Magic Beans. Aug. 24 is headlined by Dragondeer, who return to the Brewfest after first playing back in 2017. Local favorites Little Wilderness will kick things off Aug. 24.
Forty breweries, cideries and more from around the nation are bringing some of their best products for attendees to sample. Just about every style of beer you can imagine will be available for you to try, along with ciders, hard kombucha, canned cocktails and even some nonalcoholic offerings. The Brewfest provides all attendees with a 5-ounce tasting glass at the entry, and then unlimited tastings during the event.
The Brewfest strongly encourages everyone to make a plan in advance for a safe ride home. Thanks to funding from the city of Durango’s lodgers tax collections, every bus route in the city is free during June, July and August. That includes the Main Avenue Trolley. The Brewfest sells designated driver tickets at a 50% discount, and provides designated drivers with free mocktails and their own shaded seating area, thanks to our partnership with Four Corners Broadcasting.
Two food vendors will be on site Aug. 23, and three on Aug. 24. Attendees will be able to select their favorite brewery by entering the People’s Choice Award voting, sponsored by Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley. The past two years, this award has been won by Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. from Albuquerque. Will they have a threepeat?
Tickets only cost $40 to attend on Aug. 23. Only 500 will be sold, so Aug. 23 is the day to attend if you don’t want to wait in any lines. On Aug. 24, tickets are $50, so this is the day to attend if you like the big party. A VIP ticket is also sold for Aug. 24. VIPs receive a one-hour early entry at noon, a meal from Perbacco Cucina Italiana, access to shaded seating in the VIP tent and a VIP goody bag. The VIP experience is sponsored by Ting, a new fiber internet provider in our area.
The Brewfest also thanks WJ Doyle Wine & Spirits and Renewal by Andersen for sponsoring, and Well on Wheels for the water station
You can learn more about the Brewfest, transportation options, hotels and buy your tickets today at SanJuanBrewfest.com. Help us support the good work of our local United Way and learn about amazing craft beer at the same time. See you at the Brewfest!
Tim Walsworth is executive director at Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him at timw@downtowndurango.org or 375-5068.
