It’s true. This is the year Martha’s Vineyard gets its own beer festival, and not just a beer festival, a craft beer festival! If you are a beer fan, then you are already excited at the prospect of this. If you’re not, then let me help.
Over 50 breweries will bring over 150 brews (ciders and beers) to the shores of Martha’s Vineyard on September 24th.
What’s On Tap
The list is too big to include them all. Here are a few just to get you excited. Clown Shoes, Stoneface, Foolproof , Wash Ashore Ale (born on the Vineyard, brewed in Maine), Sam Adams, Dogfish, Ballast Point, Jack’s Abbey, Wormtown Brewery, DownEast, Lord Hobo Brewing Co., and so many more.
Note that there’s a big representation of Massachusetts which is very cool. Of course, our local favs — in addition to Washahore — Offshore Ale and Bad Martha will be there to represent, and show off their amazing locally crafted beers.
In addition to all the amazing beers, there will be a raw bar hosted by Oak Bluffs Fish Market, featuring local bounty. Also, the incredible food from Grill Billy’s Southern BBQ to keep your stomach happy. With all that beer you have to eat!
Why You Should Go
Yes, there’s lots of craft beers all under one tent, it’s like a candy store for adults, but the really cool thing is that a number of breweries are making special beers for the event. Even Guiness is premiering its Antwerpen Stout to New England at this festival!
Also, this is the festival where you will meet to the brewers and owners of your favorite craft beers. This is one festival the beer community is excited about. It’s on Martha’s Vineyard, and this Island is someplace almost everyone wants to go. So, you’ll be dazzled by the folks you’ll meet.
I have to mention the music as well. There will be 5 bands and a DJ to keep the festival fresh and fun. You’ll see some of our local favs and more, including Crooked Coast, The Chandler Blues Band (pictured above), Mike Martin y Los Root Sticks, Neil Howl (who just released his new CD,Run Run) On the Fritz, DJ AP
To VIP or Not
General admission tickets are $65. This includes 3 hours of tasting — including beer, cider and more — and a commemorative tasting glass & beer guide.
Now if you VIP for $85, you get to enter the tent an hour early, so 4 hours of tasting — including beer ciders and more — access to VIP Tent featuring exclusive brewery releases, and a commemorative tasting glass and beer guide.
To me it’s a no brainer, VIP baby! The festival is from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. but VIP is from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and that VIP tent sounds like a good idea. INSIDER TIP – save 10%, so VIP would be only be $76.50, click here and enter code POINTB. But don’t wait too long! THIS CODE HAS EXPIRED – sorry. Hope you got your tickets already!
A number of tickets have been already sold, so don’t wait. You don’t want to be the one who misses this event when you’re friends are all going.
Additional Events
Martha’s Vineyard Craft Beer Festival has been so well received that there are additional events in the works, with more details to come on the events website soon.
Thursday night, its the unofficial kick-off with a special Martha’s Vineyard Craft Beer Festival beer pairing dinner and brewery tour at Offshore Ale. Space is limited to 25 guests, you can get your tickets here.
On Friday night, September 23rd, there is a pub crawl. This pub crawl, including 20 By Nine, Offshore, the Lampost, Coop de Ville, and more, will get you access to special beer tastings, light bites, and more.
Saturday night, there is an after party at the Lampost, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be more beer tastings and a well stocked buffet.
The Brew Master
Of the festival that is! The Martha’s Vineyard Craft Beer Festival is the brainchild of Island resident, Erin Bayer Santos. Erin is a liquor and beer rep here. She has been thinking of ways to offer a more exciting brand experience, and she knows a lot of people in the business.
This festival seemed to be something locals would love. It’s the shoulder season. They may actually be able to come since things have slowed down a bit, and we all know that there are a lot of beer fans on the Island. However, it also appeals to all beer enthusiast – novice and seasoned, whether they live here or not.
It’s like a beer lover’s dream. All these amazing craft, specialty beers, their brewers, all at one location , all on beautiful Martha’s Vineyard.
Erin had to make it happen. Once she began talking with the Town of Oak Bluffs and businesses, there was a lot of support. So many people and businesses have been supporting this inaugural event.
A location was chosen Washington Park, Oak Bluffs (across the street from Our Market). This spot is ideal for people coming for the day. It’s close to the Island Queen, Steamship Authority, Seastreak, and the Hy-Line. It’s a hop skip and a jump. Also, it enables people the chance to enjoy downtown Oak Bluffs if they want.
Well, I bet you’re ready to go. Just click here and experience craft beer in a whole new way. Tickets are also available for sale at the Oak Bluffs Fish Market and Offshore Ale. Cheers! Look for my follow-up blog on the grand tasting. This is one event I am not missing.
You can learn more about the Martha’s Vineyard Craft Beer Festival on Facebook. And don’t forget to “Like” Point B Realty on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Google+, Pinterest and Youtube.