Beer lovers will get a chance to exercise their taste buds from 6-10 p.m. Jan. 2 with Walleye Winter Brewfest, a beer festival offering more than 250 beers.
The inaugural event, part of the Walleye Winterfest activities, will feature offerings from more than 50 breweries, including Toledo’s own Maumee Bay Brewing Co. and Great Black Swamp Brewing Co.
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“We’d looked into doing this at other times in the last year, in other seasons, but this looked like a good time to do it with everything going on with Winterfest and bring some more focus to it,” said Joe Welker, catering manager for the Mud Hens.
Organizers expect about 2,000 people at the event, which Welker said will likely take place in the fall in future years.
Other Ohio brewers scheduled to be in attendance are TLC Brew Kettle, Strongsville; Catawba Island Brewing Co., Port Clinton; Cellar Rats Brewery, Madison; Fat Head’s Brewery, North Olmsted; Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland; Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, Athens; Rivertown Brewing Co., Lockland; Rockmill Brewery, Lancaster; and Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., Akron.
“We’re excited to be involved with Brewfest,” said Paul Traver of Great Black Swamp Brewing Co. “It’s always great to see new craft beer events in Toledo.”
Advance tickets are $35 or $25 for a designated driver ticket. Day-of regular tickets are $45. Each admission includes 15 taste tickets, each good for a 3-ounce beer sample. Additional taste tickets are also available for purchase.
Brewfest VIP tickets are available for $55. These tickets include 20 taste tickets, grazing stations and access to exclusive beer drafts. Designated driver VIP tickets, which include early access to the grazing stations, are $45. Doors open to VIP ticket holders at 5:30 p.m., with regular admission beginning at 6 p.m.
The Bradberries will perform in the VIP area, while Zak Ward & Co. and Black Swamp Rebels will play on two stages set up on the main concourse.
Tickets may be purchased at toledowalleye.com/winterfest or at the Fifth Third Field box office.
