This year’s Spring Craft Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, April 27 to coincide with the opening weekend of Belmont Park Racetrack. Local and national craft breweries will be in attendance, pouring samples of their finest brews — more than 100 beers in all.
New this year, festival ticketholders can enjoy live horse racing from the new location of the beer festival, trackside, at the final turn of the homestretch. Tickets for the festival are on sale now at the event website, www.SpringCraftBeerFestival.com. Tickets for this event are limited since a sell-out is expected. The event is for those 21 years and over.
“This could very well be our very best Spring Craft Beer Fest yet,” said Andy Calimano, owner of event producer, Starfish Junction. “Not only will attendees be able to grab samples of some amazing beers, but they’ll be able to watch live horseracing from the best seat in the house, trackside, along the homestretch of the final turn. Betting windows will be open as well for those who are interested. This is a unique experience, different from our previous fests, tickets will go fast for this special event.”
Against the picturesque backdrop of the racetrack will be a variety of breweries — local favorites like Blue Point Brewing Co. (Patchogue), Long Ireland Beer Company (Riverhead), and Gun Hill Brewing Company (Bronx); national brands like Sam Adams (Boston) and Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego); and international, well-respected brands like Guinness (Ireland). Food trucks will be selling a variety of delicious items that pair well with beer, including cheesesteaks, empanadas, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, brick oven pizza, and more.
The Spring Craft Beer Festival will offer two ticket options for beer lovers, VIP ($75), from 12:30 to 5 p.m., and general admission ($50), from 1:30 to 5 p.m. — each includes unlimited two-ounce beer tastings.
The VIP ticket experience includes a souvenir glass taster plus a bonus hour-early admission to meet and greet brewers and try specialty beers only served during this session and in the designated VIP area. A limited number of tickets will be sold. Food will be available for purchase from a variety of local food trucks. Designated driver tickets are also available for $12 each. No one under 21, including designated drivers, will be admitted and photo ID is required for entry. Parking is $3 per car.
Belmont Park Racetrack, home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, is located at 2150 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont. Tickets and information for the beer festival is available at www.SpringCraftBeerFestival.com. The event is sponsored in part by www.LIBeerEvents.com, Long Island’s local beer calendar.
