Birmingham has the largest population in Alabama with over 210,000 residents, and it’s the perfect destination for a traditional Southern getaway. Visitors will love the wide variety of things to do such as golfing at championship level golf courses, checking out unique architecture downtown, and eating at world-class restaurants. Whether you’re trekking into the wilderness for an outdoor adventure or checking out cutting edge artwork at one of the dozens of galleries scattered throughout the city, you’ll quickly realize why Birmingham is referred to as the “The Magic City.”
The Magic City Brewfest has showcased the finest beers in America for more than a decade, and this year’s event will take place June 9-10 at Sloss Furnaces, in the Central City neighborhood. It’s the ideal event for beer enthusiasts featuring more than 250 beers for sampling from breweries across Alabama and around the country. Attendees will also encounter some of the city's finest food trucks and restaurants, which will be serving up a variety of meals and snacks to pair with the beers. Great local music acts will perform throughout the event, and many of the beer makers will be answering questions from patrons. From groups of friends to aficionados, this event has something for every beer lover. We got the opportunity to interview Linda Rummell, a representative of the event, to talk about this unique showcase of beer.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
LR: The Magic City Brewfest is entering its 11th year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
LR: We expect around 5,000 attendees this year.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
LR: We primarily see couples, singles, and groups of friends, all of which are adults over the age of 21.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
LR: We offer samples of 250 national and local beers. Many of the beers are one-of-a-kind offerings.
RAL: What activities will attendees find during a typical day?
LR: Here is a list:
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Beer Sampling
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Beer and Food Pairing
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Live Music
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Talking With Beer Makers
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Meeting Other Craft Beer Enthusiasts
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
LR: Yes, our biggest guests appearances are the unique beers that you can't find anywhere else.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
LR: There will be local food trucks as well as restaurants providing beer and food pairings. We have something to eat for almost everyone!
RAL: What is the environment like?
LR: It’s relaxed and fun. Sloss Furnace is a National Historic Landmark, and its network of pipes, towers, smokestacks, and buildings provide a one-of-a-kind setting for our event.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
LR: The best place to check for local lodging is the Birmingham Convention Bureau. Follow the link to see their website.
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
LR: This event has helped educate the public about craft beers, and since it started 11 years ago, the Birmingham local brewing scene has grown. Travelers can visit any of the Birmingham breweries for a memorable experience.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
LR: Yes, our attendees spend money at various businesses around town, from gas stations to hotels.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
LR: Yes, we help to increase education about the craft brewing process, and bring awareness to local small scale craft breweries. It’s a great hobby/industry for people to get interested in and we encourage anyone interested to give it a try.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
LR: We have been around 11 years. It's a fun event that brings people together in a relaxed atmosphere. Birmingham is not only known for its craft beers, but also for its food culture and many new restaurants.
For more information about the Magic City Brewfest, please visit the event website.