Beer festivals nowadays have to differentiate themselves from the pack in some way. Some bring in superrare beers. Some bring unique food offerings to the party. The PGA National Resort & Spa's Craft Beer Bash going on Saturday, August 8, will not only have good beer and cool air but a ticket package that includes a hotel room.

The beer festival, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. (and an extra hour earlier for VIP ticket holders) will feature a crazy number of breweries like Brewery Ommegang, Coppertail, Avery, and Ace Cider, along with a PGA-specific package that includes an evening's stay at the resort. 

It's a unique opportunity that allows you to sample 120 different beers and ciders and then make your way to bed without setting foot in a car, a taxi, or an Uber. For $149, you get two general-admission tickets and luxury accommodations at the resort. Those reservations can be made at 855-896-4762.

For the rest of us, general admission costs $35 in advance and $45 at the door, with an extra cost of $15 per ticket for VIP, which include an "upgraded" tasting glass and a unique event T-shirt in addition to being able to walk in at 4 p.m. 

For homebrewers, there will be a competition judged by a panel of experts, including Patrick Fossett of the Palm Beach Draughtsman, Mike Ewart of Floribrew.com, and Blue Arauz, Yelp! community manager. He or she who creates the best technically produced beer will win a minivacation: a one-night stay at the PGA National, including a golf twosome and dinner for two at Ironwood Steak & Seafood. Snap! There's a King of Home Brews Trophy as well, but who cares... golf and dinner!

Besides the beer, one of the best features of the festival is that this will be indoors. It's a growing trend that we're excited to see spread. I mean, who likes sweaty summer beer fests? No one, that's who.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, or contact the resort directly at 855-896-4762.


Doug Fairall is a craft beer blogger who focuses on Florida beers, and has been a homebrewer since 2010. For beer things in your Twitter feed, follow him @DougFairall and find the latest beer pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.