Asheville, NC may be known as Beer City USA, but Charleston is giving them a run for their money with the 8th annual Charleston Beer Fest. The brews will be pouring and the suds flying this Saturday, May 18th from noon till 7:00 p.m., and it looks to be a frosty good time. In fact, they’ve seriously upped the ante and cranked up the action from last year’s event. They’ve changed the name (from Charleston Beer Garden to Charleston Beer Fest) as well as the venue. This year, organizers have booked five times the live music offerings. A dozen different bands will play Charleston Beer Fest. The Dubplates’ own Dave “Big Hair” Brisacher curated the cool lineup. It includes:
- High Tide - Charleston party band;
- Karoline Rhett - pop-country;
- Keys and Company - rock;
- Molly Durnin - singer/songwriter;
- Nocturnal Kernalz - jam band;
- Red Cedar Review - Folk/bluegrass;
- Seitu Solomon - steelpan;
- Super Reggae Man;
- Samba Charleston - Brazilian;
- A hip assortment of DJs and MCs between sets.
As for the beer, 41 different breweries from both Carolinas will be serving over 80 different brews. The venue is a much better one this year - Riverfront Park in North Charleston, which has been hosting some very successful (and LARGE) music and beverage events lately. Never fear, it’s not just music and beer. Charleston Beer Fest also boasts Beer Games. I’m talking “pony hops” (races for adults on inflatable horses), beer stein hoisting, arm wrestling, and a pizza-eating contest - hands-free, to make it more entertaining. There will also be a slew of food trucks for your noshing pleasure.
Here’s the scoop on ticket prices for Charleston Beer Fest...
General admission - $25, includes 5 beer tickets and a commemorative mug; VIP (limited number) - $50, includes 15 beer tickets, a swag bar, seating in the shade, special activities and snacks; Designated driver ticket - $15; Parking is free. You can read more about it at the official Charleston Beer Fest website. So celebrate all things beer and check out Charleston Beer Fest this Saturday. And when you are searching for the best in beach rentals Charleston, be sure to give EP a call. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger