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Raise a Stein with KC Festbier at the KC Oktoberfest at the Crown Center!

August 13, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Bier Company, the metro’s premier locally-owned brewery, is tapping into the Oktoberfest spirit with its celebrated Festbier and the lively KC Oktoberfest at Crown Center. Mark your calendars for October 3rd (5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) and October 4th (11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.) for a weekend packed with authentic German-style beer, delicious food, vibrant music, and family-friendly festivities.

Festbier: The Heart of KC Oktoberfest
Nothing says Oktoberfest like a crisp, flavorful Festbier, a Vienna-style lager crafted with traditional German brewing techniques. Expect rich notes of biscuit, caramel, and honey from imported Vienna and Pilsner malts, finished with decoction mashing, natural carbonation, and extended lagering for a smooth, refreshing sip. Available in 6-packs and on draft across Kansas and Missouri from August through October, Festbier is KC Bier Co.’s top-selling seasonal brew, with over 14,260 pints poured at last year’s festival!

KC Oktoberfest: A Bavarian Bash for All
Inspired by Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest, KC Oktoberfest at Crown Center drew nearly 16,000 attendees in 2024. This year’s festival promises an even bigger celebration with:

Beer and Wine: Sip on Festbier, plus year-round favorites like Dunkel, Hefeweizen, Helles Lager, and Never Say IPA. Gluten-free cider and three German wines will also be available, with a dedicated Wine Tent near the entrance.

Live Music: Dance to three stages of non-stop entertainment, from traditional polka in the north tent to high-energy rock in the south. Featuring acts like Die Schlauberger, The Polka Brothers, Über Cool, and Bram Wijnand’s Polka on Steroids, there’s music for every taste.

Food: Savor Bavarian classics like pretzels, Dunkel brats, schnitzel, goulash, and käsekuchen, alongside local festival favorites. Vendors accept cash and card for your convenience.

Games and Competitions: Test your skills with cornhole, giant Jenga, giant beer pong, and the traditional German Hammerschlagen. Don’t miss the Masskrugstemmen stein-holding contest or the Best Dressed Bavarian competition for a chance to shine.

Family Fun: Kids 12 and under enjoy free entry, carnival games (ring toss, cornhole, skeeball), crafts, and an inflatable obstacle course.

With seating for over 1,800 under the Crown Center terrace tent and a German Bierhalle-style tent, there’s plenty of room to Prost with friends and family.

Tickets and Details
Grab your Early Bird tickets for just $14 at kcoktoberfest.com until September 19th. Prices rise to $17 until 5:00 p.m. on October 3rd, and $20 at the door. Advance tickets mean faster entry, so plan ahead! Kids 12 and under get in free. Visit kcoktoberfest.com for the full schedule and details.
About Crown Center

Nestled in downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is a hub for dining, shopping, entertainment, and more, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. Home to Hallmark Cards’ international headquarters, it’s the perfect backdrop for KC Oktoberfest’s Bavarian revelry.

Join us for a weekend of beer, music, and gemütlichkeit at KC Oktoberfest! Prost!

About KC Bier Co.
Since its founding in 2014, KC Bier Co. has become Kansas City’s largest locally-owned brewery, dedicated to brewing authentic German-style beers with the same freshness and flavor found in Germany. Nestled in the Waldo neighborhood at 310 W. 79th St., the brewery was established by founders Steve Holle and Matt Moore, whose passion for Bavarian brewing traditions drives their mission. Using imported hops, barley, and yeast, along with time-honored techniques like decoction mashing and extended lagering, KC Bier Co. delivers crisp, flavorful beers served in their inviting Bierhalle and Biergarten. From year-round favorites like Hefeweizen and Dunkel to seasonal stars like the award-winning Festbier, their brews are available in bottles and on draft across Kansas City, Kansas, and western Missouri.

Led by head brewer Jürgen Hager, a German native with decades of expertise, KC Bier Co. combines tradition with innovation to craft beers that stand out in the Midwest. Their Festbier, a Vienna-style lager with biscuit, caramel, and honey notes, is a seasonal highlight, selling over 14,260 pints at last year’s KC Oktoberfest. Other standouts include the refreshing Helles Lager, the hoppy Never Say IPA, and the gluten-free cider for diverse palates. With a commitment to quality and community, KC Bier Co. hosts events like KC Oktoberfest at Crown Center, celebrating German culture with music, food, and family-friendly fun. Visit kcbier.com to explore their story and sip the taste of Bavaria in Kansas City.

kcbier.com.

About Crown Center
Nestled in downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is a hub for dining, shopping, entertainment, and more, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. Home to Hallmark Cards’ international headquarters, it’s the perfect backdrop for KC Oktoberfest’s Bavarian revelry.

Join us for a weekend of beer, music, and gemütlichkeit at KC Oktoberfest! Prost!

American Craft Beer Hall of Fame Launches “Landmark Craft Beers” Program to Celebrate Iconic Brews That Shaped U.S. Beer History

August 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

CHICAGO, Illinois — The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, the nation’s foremost institution dedicated to celebrating the legacy and impact of craft brewing in the United States, is proud to announce the launch of its newest initiative: Landmark Craft Beers.

This program, created to honor individual beers that have left a lasting mark on American brewing and drinking culture, will recognize those singular brews that have helped define, advance, or transform the craft beer movement in the U.S. “In the story of American craft beer, certain individual beers stand out not just as commercial successes, but as cultural and historical milestones,” explained Marty Nachel, Founder and President of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. “Landmark Craft Beers is our way of shining a spotlight on those truly pivotal creations—beers that helped start revolutions, inspired brewers, and changed how Americans think about what beer can be.”

The inaugural class of Landmark Craft Beers includes five foundational brews, as voted on by the Hall’s distinguished group of electors and advisors:

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – The beer that brought Cascade hops to national prominence and helped define the American Pale Ale style.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager – An icon that helped to bring full-flavored beer to mainstream audiences in the 1980s and put American craft beer on the global map.

Anchor Steam Beer – The resurrection of a truly American beer style, and one that helped define the image and concept of craft beer for decades to come.

Celis White (Witbier) – A revival of a nearly extinct Belgian style that brought traditional wheat beer to American craft drinkers.

Anchor Liberty Ale – An early pioneer in the creation of the modern concept of American IPA, and an early standard bearer for what would become the country’s most important style of beer.

Each beer in the Landmark Craft Beers program will be featured on the Hall of Fame’s website along with historical context and reflections on their cultural impact. Additional inductees will be announced annually, with nominations open to the public and evaluated by a panel of beer historians, brewers, writers, and industry veterans.

“This program isn’t about nostalgia. It is about looking to the past for inspiration for the future,” said Aaron MJ Gore, the Hall’s Vice-President. “By reflecting on the beers that helped to move the needle forward for an entire industry, today’s brewers can find the catalyst for the Landmark Beers of today.”

To learn more about the Landmark Craft Beers program, the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, or to donate in support of its mission to recognize and celebrate those who helped to build the American craft beer industry, visit the Hall online.

American Craft Beer Hall of Fame
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, established to honor the pioneers and visionaries of the U.S. craft brewing movement, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of American craft beer. Through initiatives like the Landmark Craft Beers program, the Hall recognizes iconic brews and influential figures that have shaped the industry’s growth and cultural impact. By showcasing these milestones on its website and engaging the public through nominations, the Hall fosters a deeper appreciation for craft beer’s history while inspiring future innovation. Visit the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame online to learn more about its mission and how to support its efforts.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Lakewood Brewing Toasts 13 Years with a Epic Bash!

August 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Garland, Texas – Lakewood Brewing Company will officially enter its teens this month and is celebrating with beer, music, food, and fun on Saturday, August 16. Marking a lucky 13 years of craft beer in true Lakewood style the family-owned brewery will bring back OG favorites like Hopochondria, Till & Toll, and debut this year’s annual limited release Lion’s Share XIII.

Guests are invited to grab a tasting card, a commemorative collectible coin sticker, and this year’s Lion’s Share glass to sample their way through the tap list, including Lion’s Share vertical tastings, special releases, and other fan favorites.

The 13th Anniversary Bash event will also include a Beer Poking and conversation with Wim and Lakewood Brewing’s Brewer Ashton Guerrero a Martin’s Italian Ice Truck flash tattoos from Inked by Cherry live music by The Jacob Price Band Dead Wax Records spinning and selling vinyl all day and a pop-up from Sweet Dol-ings featuring baked goods made with Temptress and Temptress Blonde.

Beyond its Temptress lineup, Lakewood’s portfolio includes year-round IPAs, Pony Pils, lagers, and popular seasonal releases, all drawing beer lovers to its Taproom and Beer Garden.

WHEN: Saturday, August 16 from 12 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Lakewood Brewing Company 2302 Executive Drive Garland 75041

Lakewood Brewing Company
Founded in 2012 by Wim Bens in Garland, Texas, Lakewood Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery that exploded onto the DFW scene with its bold, innovative beers. Known for its Temptress Imperial Milk Stout, the best-selling craft stout in Texas, Lakewood has built a loyal following with a diverse portfolio including year-round IPAs, Pony Pils, lagers, and sought-after seasonal and limited releases like Lion’s Share. The brewery’s taproom and beer garden serve as a vibrant hub for beer lovers, offering Seriously Fun Beer that blends creativity with quality, reflecting Wim’s vision of pushing craft brewing boundaries while staying true to Texas roots.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

True North Ales Launches Season of the Witch

August 6, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

True North Ale Company introduces its fall seasonal, Season of the Witch, a double dry hopped hazy and juicy IPA. Featuring Citra, Vic Secret, and Strata hops, this beer bursts with vibrant flavors and aromas of passion fruit, mango, pineapple, and melon. With a modest 5.9% ABV, it’s crafted for easy drinking, boasting a soft mouthfeel and full body.

“First brewed for our Salem, Massachusetts fans in 2019, Season of the Witch has grown into a fan favorite,” said Jake Rogers, Founder & Chief of Brewery Operations at True North Ales. “Its low ABV makes it perfect for enjoying multiple rounds on a patio. While fall beers often lean toward pumpkin and spice, this IPA offers a unique, crowd-pleasing alternative.”

The can’s striking artwork, designed by Marblehead artist Amy Hourihan, complements the beer’s bold character. Available in kegs and cans, Season of the Witch can be found in stores and restaurants across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as at True North Ales’ Ipswich Taproom, through October 31.

About True North Ale Company

Located in Ipswich, Massachusetts, True North Ale Company opened in 2017 and now distributes to over 2,000 bars, restaurants, and stores across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The brewery has earned prestigious accolades, including a Gold Award at the 2018 World Beer Cup, a Gold Medal at the 2023 Great American Beer Fest, Gold and Bronze Medals at the 2021 Great American Beer Fest, a Silver Medal at the 2024 World Beer Cup, and a Silver Medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Fest. Voted Best Brewery on Boston’s North Shore for four consecutive years, True North offers a 150+ seat open-air and tented patio, 150+ seat indoor taproom, and a North Side events venue accommodating over 250 guests.

For more information please visit https://www.truenorthales.com/

Public Coast Brewing Debuts Four Refreshing Summer Beers

August 6, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

CANNON BEACH, Ore. – Public Coast Brewing Co. is marking the late-summer season with the release of four new seasonal beers: Jasmine Smash-It Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, Hibiscus Pom Gose, and Blueberry Wheat Ale. The Jasmine Smash-It Ale, crafted in collaboration with Smith Teamaker, highlights the brewery’s continued commitment to creative, locally inspired brews.

“Summer is the perfect time to explore new flavors and showcase seasonal ingredients from our sister property, Public Coast Farm,” said Ben Christianson, brewer at Public Coast Brewing. “Oregon’s summer bounty—especially its fruits and berries—is something we love to celebrate in our beers whenever we can.”

Jasmine Smash-It Ale is a single malt and single hop style beer with a twist–instead of hops, the Smash-It Ale features Smith Teamaker’s Jasmine Pearls green tea, resulting in a crisp and refreshing bubbly beverage with light floral notes.

Hazy Pale Ale is a low-ABV hazy pale ale with a tropical punch. Featuring notes of citrus, peach, and mango, it’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day on the coast. Featured ingredients include malted wheat, malted oats, El Dorado hops, Riwaka Hops, and Cashmere Hops.

Hibiscus Pom Gose is a part of Public Coast’s “Sour Series,” and is a fruit and floral-forward sour ale with bursts of hibiscus, juicy pomegranates, and a touch of sea salt. Featured ingredients include malted wheat, lemon drop hops, Jacobsen Sea Salt, hibiscus flowers, and pomegranate juice.

Blueberry Wheat Ale spotlights Public Coast Farms’ blueberries, combining everything Public Coast loves: beermaking, fresh and local produce, and hops. This ale is described as an “easy drinking” wheat ale with a hint of ripe blueberry and hops.

All four beers will be available for purchase in 16 oz single cans and four-packs at the Public Coast Farmstand in Banks and on tap at the brewpub in Cannon Beach for a limited time.

About Public Coast Brewing

Located just 70 miles west of Portland in Cannon Beach, Ore., Public Coast Brewing is named after the only true public coastlines in America: the Oregon Coast. The brewery features a 10bbl Brewhouse with two 30-barrel fermenters, two 20-barrel fermenters, and four 10-barrel fermenters. Public Coast Brewing also offers fresh and delicious fare from local farms and ranches, including their own – Public Coast Farm. Boasting a large pet-friendly patio, large community-style outdoor fire pit, and an open brewhouse easily viewed from the bar, Public Coast Brewing offers a relaxed and welcoming spot for the whole family.

About Public Coast Farm

Oregon’s historic Route 26, known to Portlanders as the Sunset Highway, has welcomed generations of families traveling to and from the coast on its forested byway. Now Public Coast Farm sits on that very route, straddling West Dairy Creek at the base of the Coastal Range, on a 40-acre site lush with blueberry bushes, beehives, fruit orchards and hops. The farm is fertile ground for the farm’s sister properties – the Stephanie Inn and Public Coast Brewing Co. – each of which incorporate Public Coast Farm’s fresh ingredients into delicious dishes and seasonal beers.

For more information please visit https://publiccoastbrewing.com/