CARBONDALE – The City of Carbondale invites the region to celebrate the 10th annual CarbondALE Brew Fest, the weekend of May 2-3! This long-running festival, a partnership between Carbondale Main Street and the Fermentation Science Institute at SIU, is expanding this year to a two-day event at the Town Square Pavilion with live entertainment, plus participation opportunities with local bars and restaurants the week prior.
April 28 – May 2, eat or drink at just three of these participating venues- Underground Public House, Booby’s, Tres Hombres, Mary Lou’s Grill, Rip’s Brick oven Pizza, and Global Gourmet – to get your Brew Fest card marked! Then, come to the Town Square Pavilion on Friday, May 2, from 4-7 p.m. to pick up a special 10th anniversary mug. There will be a live DJ (River to River Community Records) and yard games set up for participants to enjoy as they turn in their Brew Fest cards. This portion of the event is free and open to everyone. Note that beer will not be sold as part of the event on Friday evening, but participants can bring and enjoy beverages of their choice within our Downtown Entertainment District.
The main event takes place Saturday, May 3, with early entry for VIP guests beginning at 11 a.m., and general admission from 12-5 p.m. Several breweries will be represented at this year’s festival, with a focus on regional beers, and representation from local home brewers, offering samples of their home-crafted beers. This year’s event will be heightened with live entertainment from three local bands. The lineup includes Lucas Wayne & the Cottonmouths (3-5 p.m.), The Whiskey Chicks (12:30-2:30 p.m.), and Tess Brummer (11:15-12:15 p.m.).
Tickets can be purchased at https://carbondalebrewfest.com. General admission tickets are $30 at the gate or $25 when purchased in advance. VIP tickets are $50 at the gate or $45 when purchased in advance. VIP tickets provide guests with early entry at 11 a.m., special samples, large tasting glass, and special food. Guests must be 21+ (including designated drivers) to enter the CarbondALE Brew Fest.
Interested in volunteering? Here are the volunteer opportunities for the CarbondALE Brew Fest:
Friday May 2nd:
•Help set up the day before the CarbondALE Brew Fest. Late afternoon shifts are available.
Saturday May 3rd:
•Help set up before the Brew Fest
•BASSET trained volunteers that are 21+ to pour, and help with tear down after the Brew Fest. There are multiple shifts available throughout the day.
All Brew Fest Volunteers receive: a T-shirt, Free entry into CarbondALE Brew Fest, and a small taster glass with tastes, and 1 free merch item!
For those interested in volunteering the CarbondALE Brew Fest sign up by reaching out to eseanti@carbondalemainstreet.com or click here.
“We’re thrilled to expand this event in celebration of our 10th anniversary,” said CMS Executive Director Matt Collinsworth. “Attendees should note that the ticketed festival will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 3, with only preliminary activities occurring on Friday evening. This year we’ve worked to incorporate more local businesses and add a lot of great live music. We invite the region to come to Carbondale for the weekend.”
Proceeds from CarbondALE Brew Fest support the programs and services of Carbondale Main Street and The Fermentation Science Institute at SIU (FSI). FSI supports student activities, community outreach and fermentation related to economic development and tourism. Carbondale Main Street is a nationally affiliated Main Street program that follows the Four- Point Approach to downtown revitalization.
For more information, please visit carbondalebrewfest.com or call 618-529-8040.