Fifth Annual Festival Features Craft Brewers from New England and Beyond, Music, Food and More

On August 18, 2012, just steps from the shore of WebsterLake, Indian Ranch will host its annual Summer Brewfest.  In a setting that normally offers music lovers a chance to see some of the greatest country, classic rock and pop bands, on this day only, music will take a back seat to beer. From 2 pm ~ 6 pm, attendees at the Indian Ranch Summer Brewfest will have the opportunity to sample some of the finest local, regional, national and international micro-brews, craft beers and malt beverages.

While brands like Harpoon, Sam Adams, Shocktop and Red Hook are staples to the Brewfest, the event has become well-known as the place to discover local and regional craft beers.   Massachusetts breweries are well represented at this year’s festival; Worcester’s own Wormtown Brewery will be joined by Wachusett Brewing Company, Watch City Brewing Company, Blue Hills Brewery, Berkshire Brewing, 50 Back American Lager and Paper City Brewery as well as festival newcomers the Somerville Brewing Company (makers of Slumbrew) and Notch Session Beers out of Ipswich.

Making their mark as the first craft brewery in New England to can its entire line of beers, Maine’s Baxter Brewing Co will make their Indian Ranch Summer Brewfest debut this year. They will be joined by and Peak Organic and Geary Brewing from Maine as well as Magic Hat and Long Trail Brewery from Vermont, and Woodstock Inn from New Hampshire.

The beer doesn’t stop there ~ breweries from around the country taking part in Brewfest include Wild Blue Lager and Ithaca Beer Company from New York state, Leine’s Lemon Berry from Chippewa Falls, WI and Boulevard Brewing from Kansas City, Missouri, Widmer Brothers from Oregon, and Kona Brewing Company from Hawaii. International brands include Hoegaarden and Leffe fromBelgium,Worthington’s from theUK, and Beck’s fromGermany. Malt beverages including Woodchuck Cider will also be available at Brewfest. Additional breweries are being added daily.

 The afternoon affair will also feature performances from Worcester’s Chyldz Play and the beachfront will be alive with beach volleyball and other games and activities. And what is a beer festival without food? Voted one of the Top Ten BBQ Joints in New Englandby the Boston Globe, BT’s Smokehouse of Sturbridge will once again serve up their award-winning Southern Style BBQ. From pulled pork to brisket and rib tips, BT’s Smokehouse provides the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon of beer sampling.

Tickets for Summer Brewfest at Indian Ranch are $25 until August 11 and $30 after and available online at www.indianranch.com or by visiting the Indian Ranch box office.  Summer Brewfest is a 21+ event. Indian Ranch, less than an hour’s drive from Boston, Providence, and Springfield, is located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA. 

For more information, visit www.indianranch.com.

Photo courtesy of bostonmusicspotlight.com