Mmmm… Nothing quite goes with Texas barbecue like a cold Texas craft brew, and the best place to find this combination is at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival in Austin. These days, Austin counts as the place in the state to be when you want to try a craft brew.
It turns out that attendees of the Texas Craft Brewers Festival have about 200 beers from 60+ craft breweries, including Melvin Brewing to choose from.
It’s always a party at the Fiesta Gardens this time of year. The festival is the Lone Star State’s biggest beer fest, and of course, has plenty to offer besides beer.
But First the Beer
What’s popular with craft-beer drinkers changes. In years past, sour beer was a big draw among festival-goers. Other popular beers included barrel-aged beers and ales, Belgian beers, and fruity saisons. Who knows? Perhaps this year, a new beer offering will become the flavor of the month, so to speak.
Festival-goers will appreciate tasting these beers against the backdrop of Lady Bird Lake and in the company of other craft beer enthusiasts. It’s important to remember that this festival isn’t just about getting the opportunity to sample some great craft beers.
It is that to be sure. However, it’s also about giving craft brew fans a chance to connect with the breweries represented here.
At this Texas beer festival, brew aficionados have the opportunity to find out more about the brewing process and to talk with each of the brewers about their company’s philosophies.
Food, Food, and More Food
While the star of this show may be the breweries and their craft beers, that doesn’t mean that foodies won’t find their place in the sun if they visit this festival. Visitors to the festival can find plenty to nosh on, including some ice cream for dessert.
There’s seating available, so you don’t have to bring your own chairs to be comfortable while you’re eating. That said, visitors can bring blankets to site on if they want to hang out on Lady Bird Lake’s slopeside and have a picnic.
Other Attractions
Aside from being able to grab a brew from Melvin Brewing, Texas Craft Brewers Festival attendees have the opportunity to interact with local artisans. There’s also a line-up of musical artists ready to entertain the crowds with live music offerings. And of course, the festival gives Austin locals a chance to get out and enjoy Austin’s beautiful outdoor scene.
What’s the Best Way to Get to the Festival
The festival grounds and the lake area have parking. It doesn’t cost to park near the venue. That said, it’s more comfortable for a variety of reasons to find alternative transportation to the event. Public transit goes that way as do Uber or Lyft. You can also ride your bike. Carpooling is an option, too.
Please be mindful that the venue is near a neighborhood/s. Taking public transportation, Uber, or a bike keeps traffic in this area to a minimum and prevents festival attendees from blocking driveways. The additional advantage of these modes of transportation is that people leaving the festival will be safe on their way home, even if they don’t have an official designated driver.
Ticket Information
The price of general admission ($40) includes 10 sample tickets, plus a commemorative tasting cup. The VIP package ($75) comes with 10 sample tickets, the commemorative tasting cup, and a limited edition VIP gift. VIP ticket-holders also get in the door two hours earlier than everyone else.
Buying a TCBF designated driver ticket is a ticket held by someone accompanying a VIP ticket-holder. This package comes with food and non-alcoholic drinks. (Other packages are available.