Morristown hosting Big Brew Beer Festival
Bottoms up! The Big Brew Beer Festival is returning to the Morristown Armory this Saturday.
The event features an assortment of craft brews from around the state and all over the world. The first session runs from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and session two will take place from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
General admission is $60, or visitors may purchase a VIP ticket for $90 that will provide them with one-hour early entry to their session, and access to exclusive beer tastings and food in a special VIP lounge. A designated driver ticket is available for $15.
All tickets include unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass to use for sampling 275 styles of beer from more than 100 breweries, including several New Jersey breweries.
“This event is all about exposing people to craft beer, and keeping the focus on our state,” said Allison Kohler, president of JMK Events, the event organizer.
Among the state’s local breweries include Angry Erik Brewing in Lafayette; Flounder Brewing Company in Hillsborough; Bolero Snort Brewery in Ridgefield Park; Tuckahoe Brewing in Ocean View; and Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale.
The Big Brew Beer Festival has been running since 2012, and JMK Events holds the event twice each year.
“We try to improve every year, and always ask ourselves what can we do to make it an even better experience for our attendees,” she said.
This year, the event organizers have teamed up with My Limo to provide free shuttle service.
The shuttles will run every 15 minutes during the event, and transport attendees between the Morristown courthouse and the armory. Event attendees also have access to discounted sedan rates.
Throughout the festival, attendees can visit local food and restaurant vendors: Morris Tap and Grill of Randolph, Nicole’s Ten of Randolph, Hot Rods Real Pit BBQ of Wharton, and the Village Food Garden at the ShopRite of Greater Morristown.
“The food in Morris County is fantastic, so we’re thrilled to host a beer festival that also offers some really delicious food options,” she said.
Morris Tap and Grill will present the VIP Lounge; VIP ticket holders will have an opportunity to enjoyan extra hour of tasting and more than 25 rare VIP-only beers during the event.
Visitors to the festival can do some shopping with an assortment of vendors selling everything from jewelry to T-shirts to beer-centric items.
Attendees also will be prompted to vote on the People’s Choice Award for best beer at the festival. “A brewery from New Jersey always wins,” she said. “People appreciate knowing what they’re drinking and where it came from, and it’s really all about celebrating our state.”
A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Morris Rugby, which raises funds and awareness for youth rugby throughout the region.
“People love this event not only because of the beer, but because of the opportunity to talk to brewery representatives who can tell them all about how the beer is made … Everyone walks away with a better appreciation of craft beer, and what local breweries are doing right here in New Jersey,” she said.
BIG BREW BEER FESTIVAL
WHEN: 1 to 4:30 p.m. and
7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday,
Oct. 11
WHERE: Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave., Morristown
COST: $90 for VIP, $60 for general admission and $15 for designated drivers
INFORMATION: Email Jmkevents@aol.com or call 973-927-2794
ALLENTOWN FALL FESTIVAL BEER GARDEN
WHAT: Another craft beer-centric event in Monmouth County
WHEN: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12
WHERE: 19 Main St., Allentown
COST: $5 per 16-ounce pour
INFORMATION: Allentown Lions Club, www.allentownlions.com