America's Backyard Throws Second-Annual American Brew Fest May 16

If you're planning on drinking beer this weekend, America's Backyard should be high on your list of possible destinations.

For a long time now, this downtown Fort Lauderdale establishment has been known for its party-style atmosphere. The pool (AKA the main bar) is a tiled fortress of smiles and cocktails and the centerpiece of this open-air shindig.

On Wednesday, it's ladies' night — when bevies of beautiful women drink free after 9 p.m. Come Thursday, it's College Night, where the cool kids fill up on $1 drinks and $1 drafts all night — and maybe a round or two of beer pong (a $10 fee lets you play unlimited all night). That's usually when the alcohol starts flowing, the dance music gets pumping, and otherwise respectable young professionals get down and dirty.

But all this pales in comparison to what will go down this Saturday, when America's Backyard hosts its second-annual American Brew Fest. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. and feature more than 30 brew brands. This year, big-name participating breweries include Abita, Lagunitas, Blue Moon, Angry Orchard, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Samuel Adams.

If you don't fill up on suds first, you'll be able to top off the tank with some food as well. The event will feature four local food trucks: Box of Chacos, Da Burger Shack, Mr. PB&J, and Ms. Cheezious.

The American Beer Fest will take place Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25 per person for unlimited beer and can be purchased on Ticketmaster or at the Revolution Live Box Office. Call 954-449-9569, or visit myamericasbackyard.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.