Empire Brewfest Is Back At The NYS Fairgrounds This Saturday

It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend weather wise in Central New York. If you're like me and like to plan everything for your weekend in advance, here's an idea for you: this Saturday from 2 to 8 pm at the New York State Fairgrounds is the Empire Brewfest! Hire a sitter for the afternoon/evening and head out with your best friends!

I've personally never been, but one of my friends mentioned it to me and I wanted to check out what it was all about.

Empire Brewfest is a day of not only some of the best craft beer options around, but it also is a day of fun! If you don't drink beer, no worries! They have options for ciders AND wine. You have to be over the age of 21 to attend, even for designated drivers.

The following breweries are going to be in attendance, but this list is only just some of them!

Pressure Drop
IBU Syracuse
Fiddlehead Brewing Company
Rohrbach Brewing Company
Artisanal Brew Works
Galaxy Brewing Co.
K2 Bros. Brewing
Fleur De Lis Brew Works
Good Shepherds Brewing Company
Ballast Point Brewing Company
Sierra Nevada
OSB Ciderworks
Empire Brewing company
Mack Jack
Ithaca Beer Co.
Long Trail Brewing Co.
Otter Creek Brewing Co.
1911 Established
Adirondack Brewery
Ellicottville Brewing Company
Fishers Island Lemonade
Brewdog
The Canton Brewing Company
Cigar City Brewing
Collective Arts Brewing
Doc's Draft Hard Cider
DownEast Unfiltered
Thin Man Brewery
Southern Tier Brewing Company

This isn't any ordinary tasting event. They also have awesome entertainment options. According to their website, they'll have Beer Pong, Corn Hole, Can Jam, Giant Jenga and Yard Scrabble to play (side note, I am pretty stellar at can jam so that's where you'll find me!) On top of those games, you can form a team and play some volleyball. If sports aren't your thing, you'll even be able to sit down at your own easel and participate in a group painting or color - like you would for a paint and sip!

Lots of live music and lots of food will also be available. In addition to this, many vendors will be on site if you want to do some shopping!

Tickets are available online and at the door, and there's multiple options for you to purchase:

BREWFEST TICKET - $36 ($41 at the door)
This ticket gets the bearer admission to the Empire Brewfest on Saturday, July 14th beginning at 2pm and ending at 8pm. It includes a commemorative sampling glass and beer samples. All sales are final.
VIP BREWFEST TICKET - $50 ($60 at the door)
This ticket gets the bearer admission to the Empire Brewfest on Saturday, July 14th beginning at 2pm and ending at 8pm. It includes a commemorative laminate, exclusive tastings of spirits, beers, unlimited bottled water, a special sampling glass and all beer samples. All sales are final.

DESIGNATED DRIVER TICKET - $10
This ticket is for a non-drinking attendee only. As required by NY State Law, any persons attending the event on this ticket and decides to consume alcoholic beverages, will be required to purchase a beer ticket (in addition to your already purchased DD ticket) or will be asked to leave the festival immediately. MUST BE 21+

PAY AS YOU GO TICKET - $10 ($20 at the door)
This tickets allows a casual connoisseur to enter the festival and sample beer on a more budget friendly style by purchasing $1 tickets for 2oz. samples. Tickets will be sold at the festival.

Camping Pass - $31
For those that want to hang out after and camp, this pass allows for one campsite/camping vehicle and includes water and electric hook up. Festival tickets will still be required for admission however.

Get more details here, and maybe I'll see you there!