Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest Competition July 25; Register Now to Be "King of the Home Brew"

When it's hot outside, the last thing you want to do is attend another outdoor food festival, which might be why the third-annual Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest happening later this month is indoors.

The day-long event will take place July 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. and will feature an array of national and local craft beer for a summer-worthy beer festival held in the air-conditioned Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

This year, event-goers can get two-ounce samples of more than 150 craft beers. The event also features live music, including two local acts and a Saltwater Brewery-sponsored act, Parachute, playing on the main stage.

Sponsored by 103.1 WIRK Country radio, the beer bash includes Delray’s Saltwater Brewery, Cigar City, Funky Buddha, New Belgium, Brooklyn Brewery, Abita, Ommegang, Terrapin, Holy Mackerel, Magic Hat, Newcastle, Guinness, Sweetwater, Kona, Rooney’s, Duvel, Sierra Nevada, and many other breweries.

And home brewers, listen up: There are still a few spots left to compete in the event's "King of the Home Brew" competition. Only 20 participants will be selected to compete for the title of best home-brewed beer, the top three of which are chosen by a panel of local judges based on taste and appearance, including aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, label design, and overall originality. Entrants must be registered before July 17. Awards include a $500 first-place cash prize and trophy for best brew, and a $200 cash prize and medal for the first-place label winner. There is no fee to participate. Register online.

The Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest will take place July 25 at the South Florida Fairgrounds (inside the Expo Center East) at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. Advance general-admission tickets cost $40 per person; advance VIP tickets cost $75 and include food, a special beer selection, and VIP swag; and designated-driver admission is $10. Tickets cost $55 general admission the day of the event, and $100 for VIP. To purchase advance tickets visit PalmBeachSummerBeerFest.com. 

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.