Chatham-Kent’s craft breweries have once again joined forces for the summer to slake the thirst of local citizens, as well as provide food and entertainment for BrewFest CK.
The summer series, which will feature an event at all four local breweries – Red Barn, Bayside, Sons of Kent and Glasstown – will feature a lineup of activities and new additions including the new Mainstreet’s Credit Union Stage at FarmFest this year, more bands, live entertainment, giveaways and more.
Local brewers are eagerly anticipating the events.
“Once again we are super excited to kick off Brewfest CK in our backyard venue on July 13,” Doug Hunter, co-owner of Sons of Kent, said in a media release. “We have some great bands playing, some awesome food trucks four great breweries coming together again to serve our fans.”
BrewFest CK originated as FarmFest at Red Barn Brewing in 2021, marking that brewery’s official grand opening after being unable to celebrate due to pandemic-related restrictions on public gatherings.
Red Barn ownership wanted this opportunity to properly launch their brewing company while at the same time establish a strong bond within the Chatham-Kent brewing community. As a result, beer from all three breweries was available at FarmFest.
Inspired by their success, the brewers decided to create BrewFest CK, an event that brings together the best of Chatham-Kent’s local craft beer scene.
Last year the BrewFest team welcomed newest C-K brewery Glasstown Brewing in Wallaceburg for its inaugural RiverFest.
The dates for this year’s BrewFest CK events are as follows:
- MoonFest at Sons of Kent: July 13; doors open at 3 p.m.
- Eaufest at Bayside Brewing: Aug. 10; doors open at 2 p.m.
- FarmFest at Red Barn Brewing: Aug. 31; doors open at noon.
- RiverFest at Glasstown: Sept. 14; doors open at 11 a.m.
In addition to celebrating local craft beer, BrewFest CK events will support local organizations and causes through designated charities at the gate, including Santa for Seniors, Blenheim Health Foundation, Erieau Community Association and Community Living Wallaceburg.
Nancy Cowan, co-owner of Bayside Brewing said collaboration is important.
“Building on the success of the past two years, Bayside Brewing is delighted to once again be participating in this C-K collaborative filled with great music, food and drinks. These events are examples of ‘locals supporting locals,’ with sponsorships from locals and fundraising proceeds from these events going to support local community groups dedicated to improving Chatham-Kent,” she said.
Attendees to BrewFest CK can expect a diverse range of offerings, including live entertainment, food trucks, farmers’ markets, and exclusive beer releases, making each event a celebration of Chatham-Kent’s vibrant community.
Denny Vervaet, co-owner of Red Barn Brewing, expressed his gratitude for last year’s support for the BrewFest events.
“Last year, we welcomed Glasstown as part of the BrewFest CK team. It’s great that we have four awesome breweries in CK that all have a different vibes and offerings. Our close-knit relationship with the brewing companies in C-K allows us to collaborate and create these unique fests, showcasing our special community,” he said.
Tickets can be purchased to attend each event at the gates. A portion of each ticket will be donated towards the charities of choice as well.
David Draper, head brewer with Glasstown said his team is happy to be involved again.
“Glasstown is excited too, for the second year, to be a part of this awesome festival. We look forward to hosting you on our beautiful riverside patio,” he said.
Shannon Paiva, supervisor of tourism development for the municipality said BrewFest is a great festival.
“BrewFest CK is quickly becoming one of Chatham-Kent’s premier events. It’s wonderful to see thousands of people flock from across the province to visit each of our four breweries for their respective celebrations,” she said. “This unique collaboration showcases how important partnerships and collaborations are, as each brewery supports one another. Not only do our breweries benefit, but tourism attractions across the municipality benefit in economic spin-off at a time when they need it most.”
