The 22nd Annual Garden City BrewFest will take place Saturday, May 3, 2014 in Caras Park from noon to 8 pm. The Garden City BrewFest again serves as the culminating event of the 3rd annual Missoula Craft Beer Week. Garden City BrewFest is proudly sponsored by Bayern Brewing Company, Five on Black, Headwall Magazine, the Missoula Independent, Exact Image, and the Montana Radio Company.
The event will also feature many of Missoula’s favorite musicians and bands. Miller Creek kicks off the event from 12-2:30 pm followed by Kevin Van Dort from 3:00-5:30 pm. Shakewell will wrap up the event from 6-8 pm.
“Garden City BrewFest has become a spring institution in Missoula,” says Ellen Buchanan, the Garden City BrewFest committee chair. “We are extremely fortunate to live in a community that strongly supports Downtown by enjoying this annual event. Under the Missoula Downtown Association’s direction, the event has grown to attract nearly 6,000 people.”
The year’s Garden City BrewFest will feature over 70 draft beers, a wine bar, live music, and food vendors. Nearly half of the beer selection will draw from the State of Montana while the remainder comes hand-picked from around the country. As always, the greatest variety of beer will be available early in the day, since some beers are limited release.
As in the past, admission to the event is free. Those who want to sample beer must purchase a 7-ounce commemorative glass, wristband, and two beer tokens for $12. Additional beer tokens are $1 each. Designated Drivers receive free water and soda for the duration of the event and a designated driver wristband available at the entrance. Patrons are encouraged to park in the Park Place and Central Park structures, which offer free parking on Saturdays. Mountain Line also provides free transit service on all routes for the entire day.
The beer selection will be complemented by a great lineup of food vendors, including El Cazador and the Sentinel Kiwanis’ Brats. Up-and-comers like Burn Street Bistro’s “The Beast” food trailer and Bow Choa’s delicious Chinese-style steamed buns will also serve.
All of the beers in BrewFest will be judged by the discerning palates of the Zoo City Zymurgists, Missoula’s local home brew club. The Zymurgists will select a varietal winner from which they pick a “best in show” beer. Keep a keen eye out for the Community Brew keg that showcases the best home brew of the year. The Zymurgists hold an annual Community Brew competition with the proceeds from the winning beer donated to a local non-profit selected by club members.
More information can be found online at the MDA’s website, or by contacting the MDA staff via phone (543-4238) or email .
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