“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.”
David Rains Wallace
Key West’s Sunrise Rotary Club will celebrate that discovery — and its golden results — at its biggest fundraiser of the year — Key West Brewfest.
Stretching out the Labor Day weekend, Brewfest events take place Thursday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 4.
The signature shindig, featuring more than 150 varieties of libations, happens Saturday, Sept. 2 from 3 to 8 p.m. Beer booths fill South Beach and thirsty revelers sample scores of ales, ciders, stouts, seltzers, lagers and more — all in the name of charity.
“It’s for the children,” one well-lubricated attendee said last year.
He wasn’t wrong. All proceeds from Brewfest events enable the Rotary Club to provide annual scholarships to local high school graduates. (To be clear, though, one must be 21 or older to partake in the sampling.)
The main tasting event on Saturday is bookended by pool parties and pairing dinners at local restaurants and resorts. (See the full schedule here.)
For more than 10 years, Brewfest attendees have selflessly sacrificed a Saturday afternoon, or an entire holiday weekend, for the betterment of young people in the community by drinking beer and eating exceptional cuisine and going swimming. (We didn’t say it was a painful sacrifice.)
The Rotary Club members and volunteers who coordinate Brewfest and other events are some of the most active and involved volunteers in any community.
“Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers,” states the organization’s website. “Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.”
Visit keywestbrewfest.com for tickets and more information.
BREWFEST EVENTS
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
5-9 p.m.: Havana Cabana Throwback Thursday Kick-Off Pool Party with Vera Cruz
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
1-4 p.m.: Pineapple Pool Party & Belly Flop Contest, sponsored by Islamorada Brewery & Distillery at Southernmost Beach Resort. Free admission.
6-10 p.m.: Nick Norman and The Marshall Morlock Band hosted by The Keys Collection, New Belgium Brewing, Sierra Nevada & 3 Daughters Brewing at Sunset Green Event Lawn
7 p.m.: Five Station Beer-Pairing Dinner with Florida Keys Brewing Co. at Southernmost Beach Resort
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
BrewFest Signature Tasting Festival at South Beach
3-5 p.m.: VIP Hours ($100 per person)
5-8 p.m.: General Admission ($45 per person)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
1-4 p.m.: Reggae Rehab Pool Party with Channel 3 and South Beach Brewing at The Marker Resort. Free admission.
1-4p.m.: Pool Party with Waterfront Brewery at Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina
6 p.m.: Beer Pairing Dinner with Cayo Hueso Brewing Co. at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar at The Perry.
MONDAY, SEPT. 4
7 p.m.: Bingo at The Green Parrot. Featuring lots of beer prizes.
