With the 2nd annual Walleye Winter Brewfest taking place on Saturday, January 9, the Glass City will have little trouble keeping suds ice cold.
This year’s Brewfest will feature over 250 craft beers from 50 breweries. In addition to local favorites from Maumee Bay Brewing Company and Great Black Swamp, regional and national breweries including Bell’s Brewery, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, and Stone Brewing Co. will pour beers from their extensive portfolios. According to Michael Keedy, Walleye Manager of Special Events, this year’s Brewfest will be even better than the inaugural fest.
“Last year’s event was fantastic,” Keedy said. “There was overwhelming support with almost 2,500 people coming out to the event, which was our first event. This year, I can only think it is going to be much better and bigger. We have our first event under our belt and have been able to make improvements including having more space, more entertainment and a better setup. We’ve been able to listen to people’s feedback and more some improvements. It will be excellent.”
Winterfest highlights downtown Toledo’s best
Brewfest is part of the Toledo Walleye’s Winterfest, which is also in its second year. While there are a number of events during the month-long fest, Keedy said Brewfest is one of the signature events. According to Keedy, Brewfest is an opportunity to showcase the best downtown Toledo has to offer.
“We wanted to create an annual experience in downtown Toledo to feature and showcase all the great things that are going on in the winter months, especially during the holidays” Keedy said. “Winterfest is an annual showcase of our city and our community.”
An outdoor beer festival in January?
In addition to beer, the event will also feature live music on two different stages and other activities throughout the main concourse. This year will also feature VIP tickets that grant access to exclusive beer samples between 4-6pm in the club level of the ballpark. While the January temperatures may be ideal for keeping beers ice cold, Keedy said the concourse will allow attendees an escape from the winter elements.
“It’s a January 9th event, so we understand” Keedy said. “You will not be in the elements. We will have heaters throughout the concourse to keep people comfortable. It’s a novelty to be able to go to an outdoor beer festival in the middle of winter and is something special you don’t get to do all the time. People really enjoyed being able to do that last year.
General Admission: $35/in advance, $45/day of. 15 taste tickets, each good for a 3-ounce beer sample as well as a souvenir beer-sampling cup. Additional taste tickets and food will be available for purchase on the main course.
VIP Tickets: $55, 20 tasting tickets, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and access to exclusive beers
5-9pm Saturday, January 9 | Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. | toledowalleye.com
