Cold beverages and live music will once again be flowing, as BrewFest CK dates are now public.
BrewFest CK, a celebration of community, family, friends, and local craft beer, has events in four different Chatham-Kent communities, home to C-K’s four craft breweries.
Last year, BrewFest CK was named a finalist for Best Culinary Tourism Event in Ontario, something organizers said speaks volumes about the passion and collaboration behind the scenes.
“This honour reflects the incredible effort from all four participating breweries, each bringing their own unique flavour, creativity, and community spirit to the table,” Red Barn Brewing’s Denny Vervaet, mastermind of BrewFest, said in a media release. “From carefully curated beer lineups to unforgettable food pairings and vibrant entertainment, BrewFest CK continues to grow as one of the most anticipated events of the summer.”
The celebrations of local talent, flavour and the power of working together begins July 12 at Sons of Kent in Chatham with SummerFest.
Doug Hunter, co-owner of Sons of Kent, said his team is ready to kick off the season.
“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for BrewFest CK presented by TekSavvy this summer,” he said. “With the four local breweries joining forces again, it’s going to be an unforgettable season.”
Eaufest at Bayside in Erieau takes place Aug. 9.
Nancy Cowan, co-owner of Bayside Brewing, said her crew is happy to be involved again.
“We are proud to be a part of this extraordinary collaboration that celebrates the community spirit of Chatham-Kent,” she said. “This is what supporting local looks like: exciting events sponsored by local companies and individuals that highlight the talents of our brewing industry while supporting local community groups. Each event is unique, and showcases the diverse nature of Chatham Kent.”
Red Barn, located just north of Blenheim, hosts FarmFest Aug. 30,
Vervaet, co-owner of Red Barn Brewing, expressed his gratitude for last year’s support for all four breweries.
“Each year, BrewFest CK continues to grow, and being named a finalist in the Ontario Tourism Awards for Best Culinary Tourism Experience is a huge honour that speaks to the power of collaboration among our four local breweries,” he said. “This marks our fifth FarmFest as part of the Road to Five and our fifth anniversary at Red Barn – a milestone we’re proud to share with our community.”
RiverFest at Glasstown in Wallaceburg ends the season Sept. 13.
David Draper, head brewer with Glasstown, said the Wallaceburg team is glad to be part of BrewFest CK.
“Glasstown is excited too, for the third year, to be a part of this awesome festival. We look forward to hosting you on our beautiful riverside patio.”
In addition to celebrating local craft beer, BrewFest CK events will support local organizations and causes through designated charities which will be announced by each brewery leading up to their individual Fest.
Attendees can expect a diverse range of offerings, including live entertainment, food trucks, and exclusive beer releases, making each event a celebration of Chatham-Kent’s vibrant community.
Tickets can be purchased to attend each event at the gates for $10, which will include a drink ticket (children under 18 are free). A portion of each ticket will be donated towards the charities of choice as well.
Shannon Paiva, supervisor of tourism development for the municipality, said people flock to Chatham-Kent for these events.
“It’s incredible that we continue to see thousands of visitors from across the province travel to Chatham-Kent to take part in BrewFest CK celebrations at each of our four breweries. As one of the region’s fastest-growing events, BrewFest CK continues to shine a spotlight on the strength of local partnerships,” she said.
