Beer festival returns to the Ranch

EAST COUNTY — After hosting the Lakewood Ranch Beer Festival on Main Street for three years, Patrick Green is uprooting the event to embody the carnival atmosphere he has wanted since he launched the festival.

From 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27, the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, will host the beer festival.

Tickets cost $65 for VIP level and $35 for early general admission. General admission at the gate is $45.
Admission prices include two 16-ounce draft beers and five carnival game tokens. The VIP option includes the same perks as general admission, along with a pre-party at the Polo Club pavilion. The party will feature tastings of beers that won’t be available at the festival, along with a custom pint glass and a T-shirt by the event’s sponsor — Brewed Life.

This year, there also is a new option: a $10 admission fee for attendees who don’t want to sample beer.

“We’re trying to really make this event for everyone, even if you’re not a craft beer enthusiast,” said Green, noting 80 craft beers will be available for sampling. “It’s going to be more diverse with the games and carnival.”

This year, the festival will feature myriad first-time happenings, including beer pong, corn hole and a range of other carnival-style games. Other outdoor activities include a 70-foot obstacle course, blowup horse race and tricycle race.

Nine local restaurants will participate in a Best Dish Competition, as well. The audience will taste-test the results of the competition, which is included in admission.

Green said demand for the event required a larger venue. The number of people who attended the event jumped from 700 in 2010 to 2,500 in 2013.

Green credits the event’s popularity with the growing number of local breweries, such as Bradenton-based Darwin Brewing Co. and Motorworks Brewing.

As a craft beer enthusiast who enjoys a bold and unique taste, Green hopes the range of beers offered steal the show, along with the event’s musical entertainment — rock ‘n’ roll band Pitbull Toddler.

“This event is open to everyone, but it’s especially for those who just love craft beers,” Green said.

IF YOU GO
Lakewood Ranch Beer Festival
When: 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27

Where: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota

Cost: $10 for carnival admission/no beer tastings; $35 early general admission; $45 day-of admission and $65 VIP

Parking: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota

Info: The event will feature more than 80 craft beer tastings, carnival games, obstacle and tricycle courses, music by Pitbull Toddler and other entertainment. Lakewoodranchbeerfestival.com

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].