We like coffee. We love beer. Six years running now, the Great Coffee Beer Challenge is back yet again! This year our competitors are: Terrapin, Elysian, Founders, Epic and Parish Brewing Co. Grab the donuts and get ready to gorge yourself…. because it’s time to get wired yet once again!
Check out our segment where we chat with Preston Dollinger of Bayboro Brewing Company and try some of his award winning beers. Recently, Bayboro was honored with the Creative Loafing Best New Brewery Award. Congrats to Preston, James, and the staff!
We sat down with James and Preston of Bayboro Brewing Company to discuss the perils of opening a brewery during the pandemic. We might have also drank a beer…. or six. We kind of lost count because all of them were pretty damn good.
A rocking conversation with Matthew Juaire of Bay Cannons Beer Company about navigating COVID business rules, civil unrest, and haters and promoting good beer and diversity in beer.
Drink Local Florida℠ is a community and free source of information about the local craft brewery, winery and liquor distillery industry in the state of Florida, including the key features of each (pet friendly, tours, food trucks, growlers, etc.). In this re-visit segment we speak to the man himself, founder Justin McDonald.
The Brewer’s Ball is an event for Florida craft beer lovers. All of the Best Florida Beer Championship’s category winning commercial beers made in Florida are showcased during an afternoon of Florida’s best beers, music, awards, and one of the best beer raffles in Florida. This festival features over 100 of Florida’s Best Beers on tap!
Learn more about this great event and purchase a ticket by clicking here.
When: Sunday March 8th beginning at 12PM Ending at 5PM
Who: 21+ event, Community event
Where: Water Works Park, 1710 N Highland Ave Tampa, FL 33602
Cost: General Admission $75, VIP $100, One (1) Meal and 17 oz. Fest Cup included with ticket price.
Winners will be given medals and trophies for winning beers and for the best of show for the professional competition.
The kitchen will be serving food from 11:30am to 4:30pm. Each ticket comes with a food ticket which can be exchanged for one (1) meal and a 17 oz. B Cup sponsored by Bootleggers Brewworx and FermentedReality.com.
The event is rain or shine. Lawnchairs are allowed. No glass containers of any kind. Service animals are permitted, but other canine friends should be left at home.
For more details please visit: www.bestfloridabeer.org
Don’t drink and drive. Arrange a safe way to get home prior to coming to Brewer’s Ball.
BFB will have pre-paid codes for Uber/Lyft to enusre attendees get home safely. Please do not drive. Designated driver tickets are available at request.
Where is Waterworks Park? Where is the festival entrance?
This is a waterfront park is part of the Tampa Riverwalk project located at 1710 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602. The festival gates are located on Highland Avenue. Follow signs for entry for General Admission or VIP, please note there are separate entrances.
What is the inclement weather policy?
Event is rain or shine. This is a city park, so covered space is limited. Bring rain gear, sunscreen or whatever else you need to be comfortable.
Will I be able to buy tickets at the gate?
No, All tickets will be sold in advance. There will be no tickets available the day of the event.
What is included with a VIP ticket?
VIP attendees gain access to the event one hour early, starting at 11:00am and a swag bag with a Brewer’s Ball T-shirt, 17 oz. BCup (Fest Cup), event program, and a VIP lanyard which gives you access to our VIP area. The VIP tent will have extra food/snacks, a VIP concierge, and cooling fans. Don’t wait in line-VIP ENTRY IS LOCATED AT SIDE ENTRANCE – COMING FROM ULELE.
Where should I park?
Please consider not driving, but if you must, follow signs for parking. BFB will provide discount Uber/Lyft codes for Ball attendees to ensure safe passage home
Are there discounted Designated Driver tickets available?
The beer provided at this event is donated by the award winning breweries. Money collected from ticket fees covers the cost of hosting the Awards Ceremony. Designated drivers can still enjoy the bands, the park, and the Awards presentation. Designated Drivers will receive a food ticket and program, along with unlimited free access to non-alcoholic drinks available (soda, water, etc.)
Many activities (Channelside shopping, Ybor City, Tampa Bay History Museum, Gasparilla art show, Tampa Art Museum, etc) are located nearby if your driver does not want to attend the Brewers Ball.
Will there be food available for purchase?
Additional food will be available for purchase however a meal ticket is included in the ticket price. A vegan/vegetarian option will be available if pre-requested. Please send requests to laniece@polycreative.com.
What am I permitted to bring into the festival?
Lawn chairs, picnic blankets, umbrellas: You may bring items for personal comfort as long as you can carry them on your person. Keep in mind that the irrigation runs the length of the park, so ground stakes are not permitted. You are responsible for removing anything that you bring into the park.
Food: You may bring a packed lunch if you like.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please direct any questions to laniece@polycreative.com, brewersball@bestfloridabeer.org, or info@bestfloridabeer.org.