One of the events most missed on Kennett Square’s events calendar last year was Historic Kennett Square’s annual Kennett Brewfest. While the nonprofit’s “Backyard Brewfest” pivot was well received, with specially curated mixed cases to enjoy at home, beer- and fun-loving participants and breweries alike are more than ready to come back together safely for the signature event, in person, on Saturday, October 2nd.
“It’s an important event in the life of our community,” says HKS Executive Director Bo Wright, “and we’re looking forward to the return of the Kennett Brewfest and to celebrating these breweries that have made it through this challenging time.”
The Brewfest community agrees. “For my husband and me, Brewfest is one of our favorite days of the year,” says Kennett Square resident and Brewfest Instagrammer RuthAnn Deveney. “I’m excited for the event to be in person again, especially because we can chat with the brewers and spend time with friends.”
The 2021 Kennett Brewfest, which is now in its 24th year, will be held in its usual location at 600 South Broad Street. It will be a smaller crowd, however, and ticket numbers are limited. “We’re being cautious with the numbers to allow plenty of space,” says Wright. “We know many people are eager to be back to in-person events and we’re encouraging people to buy tickets now to avoid disappointment.”
Very limited tickets are available for the 17th year of the exclusive Connoisseur Session, which will run from noon to 1:30pm and will showcase 31 breweries along with food pairings from Talula’s Table. “Ticket holders will once again get to vote for the Best of Connoisseur brewery,” says Jeff Norman, creator of the Brewfest. “Although the ‘Best of Connoisseur’ tap handle is only in its third year, it has become a coveted trophy. The breweries bring the best of the best to the Connoisseur Session as they vie for this award.” The regular Brewfest session, featuring beer from over 70 local and regional breweries, will run from 1:30pm to 5pm and will also feature live music by Carl Filipiak and the Jimmy Jazz Band, food trucks including Natalie’s Fine Food, vendors with beer-centric merchandise—and the quintessential bacon-on-a-stick.
2SP Brewing Company has partnered with HKS as the Brewfest 2021 Tasting Mug Sponsor. “Since joining the KSQ community in 2013, we have always welcomed the opportunity to be a key sponsor,” says Michael Stiglitz, owner and Director of Operations at 2SP Brewing Company. “We were saddened at the missed opportunity last year for the usual fest but are elated to once again make 2SP Brewing and Two Stones Pub part of such an amazing event!” Two Stones Pub has locations in Kennett and Jennersville as well as four brewpubs in Delaware.
Brewfest ticket-holders will be able to sample great new beers from 2SP Brewing and dozens of other local and regional breweries who will once again come together in Kennett Square to showcase the best of their brewing talents. Local neighborhood favorites and Brewfest stalwarts including Kennett Brewing Company and Braeloch Brewing will join first-time Kennett Brewfest brewers Human Robot Brewery from Philadelphia, Wrong Crowd Beer Co. from West Chester, Animated Brewing Co. from Coatesville, McCallister Brewing from North Wales, Cartel Brewing from Lancaster, and First State Brewing Co. from Middletown, Delaware . “We’re always amazed by the number of new breweries that want to be part of the Kennett Brewfest,” says Norman. Ticket-holders will also be able to enjoy unique beers from Pittsburgh favorites Brew Gentlemen and Hitchhiker Brewing as well as other crowd-pleasing brewers including Levante Brewing, Rotunda Brewing, Iron Hill Brewing, Singlecut Beersmiths, Hidden River, East Branch Brewing, and Burlington Beer Company from Vermont. “The lineup is stellar once again,” Norman says, “and everyone is thrilled to be back in person.”
“The community wholeheartedly embraced our curated mixed cases last year,” says Wright, “and we were grateful for the continued support of both participants and brewers during a challenging time. But I know I speak for all of us when I say that we’re looking forward to gathering again for the in-person event.”
Limited tickets are available now at https://kennettbrewfest.com. All proceeds benefit Historic Kennett Square, the nonprofit that makes Kennett thrive. Historic Kennett Square intentionally creates programs and events that help Kennett become a more beautiful and welcoming community where all can belong and prosper.
