Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

Drink Up at the Midwest Beerfest

Enjoy a big city with a charming Midwestern flair when you travel to Wichita, Kansas! Enter the city where the Keeper of the Plains stands tall, and watch as the Ring of Fire light up the evening at the statue’s feet. Unique shopping exists on every corner, with large outdoor malls including New Market Square and Bradley Fair. Avenue Art Days fill the streets with colorful murals during the fall, and there’s plenty of tours for those who want to enjoy the amazing foodie scene in Wichita. On top of amazing family attractions, such as the interactive Exploration Place, Wichita has everything you could want in a midwestern getaway.

 

While you’re visiting, enjoy the annual Midwest Beerfest on October 12 and 13! This celebration has everything for the beer enthusiast, from local and nationally renowned beer makers to wing competitions and a beer stein hoisting competition. The event begins with a festive bag pipe and drum performance, continues with a showcase from amazing local food trucks, and offers a wonderful time for all connoisseurs of beer!  ResortsandLodges.com had a chance to sit down with Guy Bower, a Certified Sommelier, for more information about the Midwest Beerfest.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

GB: Since September of 2001.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

GB: This is the largest beer event in the Midwest! We have been rated in the top ten of summer events by the Beer Advocate magazine. The Grand Tasting, which will be held on Saturday, will feature more than 350 craft beers from local, state, and national breweries, so there is plenty of amazing beer to pick from.

 

RAL: What is the atmosphere like?

GB: Exciting, upbeat, and fun! We want everyone to have a good time here and celebrate the start of autumn with some fantastic beer.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

GB: The doors will open with a professional drum and bag pipe parade. Numerous booths will be representing each of the breweries, and they will be sampling anywhere from four to 12 different beers. A food truck roundup will be outside of the main venue with plenty of food, and there will be live music on the patio.

 

RAL: Any special events?

GB: We host the annual Midwest Wingfest. This is a judged contest that allows attendees to purchase entry and sample eight to ten different wings prepared by competing restaurants. The attendees will vote for the people’s choice, and a panel of judges selects the overall best for originality, flavor, and presentation. This event is a favorite of all attendees!

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

GB: There are a few bed & breakfast locations near the venue, as well as Airbnb options. Many great hotels are available in Wichita and south towards the casino.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

GB: We have used Beerfest to donate to several different charities. This year, we are donating to the Kansas Rails-to-Trails bike path group. The American Institute of Wine & Food also contributes proceeds to an annual scholarship fund to offer money to deserving culinary and beverage students to attend accredited training programs.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

GB: The Midwest Beerfest is the perfect entertaining getaway weekend for the beer enthusiast. Guests here will get to experience great Midwestern hospitality, meet friendly people, and enjoy the opportunity to taste several types of local and national brews while contributing to a worthy charity and a local scholarship fund.

 

For more information about the festival, visit the event website for Midwest Beerfest.