A Sort of Beercoming

Sure, downtown Fort Lauderdale transforms into a fun drunk fest for major holidays such as St. Patty’s and Halloween, for any weekend, for post-Wednesday’s kickball practice. But at only one special juncture every year does the land of liquor and ladies turn into a smorgasbord of top-quality domestic and imported microbrews, specialty ales, and lagers. And that’s at New Times’ Beerfest.

It was born 13 years ago. And it’s always improving. This year, there will be more rest-rooms, more space, and most important, more beer. There will be live performances from Community Property, which won the New Times Battle of the Bands, and from the U2 tribute band UV. Free food will be provided by Moe’s Southwest Grill, Duffy’s Sports Bar, and Miller’s Ale House, among others. The VIP area will be in the Museum of Discovery and Science. This privilege comes with a view: VIP drinkers can roam a 5,000-square-foot balcony that overlooks the entirety of Beerfest.

For newbies, here are a few original beer commandments:

(1) You shall not bear door prices if you purchase tickets online beforehand — it’s $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For VIP, it’s $75 early and $85 at the door.

(2) You shall find Beerfest without difficulty. Esplanade Park is located at 20 N. New River Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Think toward where the historic Second Street meets SW Third Avenue.

(3) You shall not be late to Beerfest. You’ll drink from 7 to 11 p.m. — the whole time.

(4) You shall not make any plans the day after Beerfest — because at Beerfest, you won’t refuse any of the craft breweries. There are more than 50 of them.

(5) And if you happen to remember this Saturday, you’ll keep whatever memory of it holy.

More direction can be found at NewTimesBeerfest.com or by calling 954-233-1587 — but to purchase tickets over the phone, dial 888-877-8499.
Sat., April 17, 7 p.m., 2010