In the 19 years since its inception, the Brewgrass beer festival in Asheville, N.C. has made quite a name for itself. The combination of exceptional craft beers, bluegrass music and clear, cool mountain air makes it a magical experience for all who attend. And, as is often the case with beer festivals, the proceeds benefit a very good cause. Brewgrass Festival is the largest fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. Proceeds from this event go directly to this great organization.
Billed as Asheville’s original beer festival, this year’s festivities will take place Saturday, September 19 at Memorial Stadium in Asheville. This year’s festival will feature over 50 brewers from local, regional, and national breweries including Catawba Brewing Co., Asheville Brewing Company, Rogue Ales, The Duck-Rabbit Brewery, Samuel Adams, and more. Organizers advise those interested in keeping up with the list of participating brewers to visit their website as the list changes often. But, at the time of this article the list included:
Asheville Brewing Co.
Aviator Brewing Co.
Big Boss Brewing Co.
Blind Squirrel Brewery
Bold Rock Hard Cider
Boojum Brewing Co.
Catawba Brewing Co.
Crazy Mountain Brewing Co.
Duck Rabbit Brewing Co.
Florida Brewing Co.
Granite Falls Brewing Co.
Hi-wire Brewing Co.
Howard Brewing
Lexington Avenue Brewery
Lost Province Brewing Co.
Mother Earth Brewing
Naked Apple Hard Cider
New Belgium Brewing Co.
One World Brewing
Oskar Blues Brewing Co.
Pigpounder.com Craft Brewery
Quest Brewing Co.
R.J. Rockers Brewing Co.
Rogue Brewing Co.
Samuel Adams Brewery
Terrapin Beer Co.
Thomas Creek Brewery
Sweetwater Brewing Co.
But, the beer lineup is not the only reason to attend the festival. Organizers have also announced an impressive lineup of musical talent for fest-goers to enjoy along with their brews. Jeff Austin Band, featuring mandolinist Jeff Austin formerly of Yonder Mountain String Band with band members Danny Barnes, Ross Martin and Eric Thorin, will headline the event. Attendees will enjoy additional performances from Truth and Salvage Co., Big Daddy Love, and Packway Handle Band. Music begins at 1 p.m.
Tickets for the festival are $55 and may be purchased at: http://www.brewgrassfestival.com/tickets-1/.
