A year ago an interesting concept in the craft beer community came to fruition. Brew Hub, an idea conceived of by a former Anhueser-Busch executive, opened for business. Billed as a “Where Craft Brewers Go to Grow,” Brew Hub was founded to provide brewers who are operating at or above capacity additional facilities to meet their expanding needs.
To celebrate their first year of collaborative brewing, Brew Hub is planning an inaugural craft beer fest om Saturday, October 3 at its Lakeland, Fla. brewery. The event is dubbed Harbinger Fest and will feature more than 100 craft beers from across the country. In addition, guests will enjoy live music, food trucks and local retail vendors.
“We are fortunate to be a part of the Florida craft beer community, and Harbinger Fest will be a celebration of all things craft beer,” said Harbinger Fest director Bayé Perry. “We have an amazing lineup of craft beer from Florida and from brewers across the country, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
The festival begins at noon for VIP ticket holders and at 1 p.m. for general admission ticket holders. VIP tickets cost $75 ($80 day of) and will give participants unlimited sampling of more than 100 beers, access to the indoor Tasting Room and bottle-share event, light appetizers, a festival t-shirt and the ability to purchase limited release beers. General admission tickets cost $35 ($40 day of) and include unlimited sampling of more than 100 craft beers and access to the festival grounds. Designated driver tickets are available for $10. General admission/transportation tickets that include chartered bus transportation to and from Tampa Bay along with general admission to the festival are available for $60.
More than 25 local and national breweries will attend, including Cigar City, Orange Blossom Brewing, Toppling Goliath and Green Man Brewing. Live music will be performed by local bands The Dan Signor Project, Shevonne Philidor and Ben Prestage. Beer-themed concessions will be available for purchase from a variety of local food trucks, including Trucktoberfest, Mobile Munchiez and LizzieCakes.
A “harbinger” is someone who initiates a major change or a signal foreshadowing the future. The festival aims to be an annual event for beer enthusiasts and a harbinger of America’s next great beers and the brewers behind them.
Tickets are available at the fest’s official website: http://harbingerfest.com/
