Beer enthusiasts in the Valley, it's time for another celebration of hops and barley. The now-annual AZ Craft Beer Festival is slated to take over Centerpoint Plaza in Tempe this October 19, 2024. The event, which unites Arizona's beer aficionados in a hoppy embrace, is the backdraft of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild's meticulous planning and support of the local craft beer scene.
According to the Phoenix New Times, the festival isn't just a casual beer tasting—it's a spectacle that showcases the complexity of Arizona's brewing prowess. Andrew Bauman, the guild’s deputy director, emphasized the exceptional growth of the U.S. brewing industry since the mid-'80s, which has burgeoned to about 10,000 breweries today. Bauman underlined the importance of local craft beer, characterizing these breweries as "family-run and -owned businesses" and an "amazing part of our community."
Beer connoisseurs will have the chance to sample from over 200 beers, across categories such as IPAs, hazy beers, and ambers. This impressive lineup will be judged prior to the public event, with awards doled out for various accolades including Industry Leader and Brewery of the Year—a title last snagged by Pedal Haus Brewery thanks to their gold-winning pilsner, Beach Cruiser and Desert Classic.
This year sees a shift in venue for the anticipating beer lovers. Phoenix magazine reports the festival is moving to Tempe's Centerpoint Plaza. The event promises to follow suit, with previous years offering general admission and VIP tickets and featuring a list of perks for early entrants, including additional drink tickets and VIP-only wristband pickup. Meanwhile, general ticket holders will have access to 15 drink tickets, with each ticket good for a 4-ounce pour.
We can't forget the participating vendors and local breweries that will mark their presence at the festival. Names like 8-Bit Aleworks, Huss Brewing, and Pedal Haus Brewery are only a few of the crafters pouring their passion into glasses for festival-goers. Phoenix magazine also noted that an array of vendors are joining the event, ensuring that attendees have plenty of grub to pair with their brews, with offerings ranging from gourmet popcorn to mac & cheese and even axe throwing for a bit of non-alcoholic fun. Clear bags, no outside food with the exception of pretzel-necklaces, and a valid ID are part of the need-to-know for attendees.
For those interested in pacing their palates and planning ahead, tickets are already on sale—don't forget, prices go up after August 31, 2024. With the festival set to spotlight the best of Arizona's breweries, whether amber or IPA enthusiast, it's sure to be an event for the books in the local craft beer community.
