2nd Annual Phoenix Brewers Invitational – December 7, 2013
(Phoenix, AZ) — The brewers are coming to Heritage Square on Saturday, December 7, 2013 and they’re bringing more than 60 different lagers, ales, porters and stouts for the second annual Phoenix Brewers Invitational – Get Crafty 2013.
The Phoenix Brewers Invitational was the brain child of the late Greg “Fretzy” Fretz. His vision was to create a signature craft beer event in downtown Phoenix that celebrates the vast array of styles and flavors of craft beer. In May, 2013, Fretzy lost his battle with throat cancer. His passing struck the Phoenix beer community as it seemed just about everyone had shared a special fondness for his generous and outgoing personality.
With the support of his wife, Stacey Fretz, the Phoenix Brewers Invitational will feature a special tribute to Fretzy. “Greg was very passionate about starting an annual festival with local breweries. I want to make sure his passion for beer and vision for the festival continues,” said Stacie Fretz.
Benefiting the Children in Need Foundation, the Phoenix Brewers Invitational will feature more than 60 craft beers, live entertainment, beer-related vendors, beer memorabilia, home brewing demonstrations and a wide variety of local foods from some of Arizona’s best food trucks. For minors and designated drivers, there will be a craft root beer garden offering complimentary handcrafted sodas.
“We’re going to continue to fulfill Greg’s mission and share his lifetime love of all things crafty with the Phoenix community,” said Landon Evans, event coordinator.
Beer enthusiasts, including home brewers, consumers and novices, will have a chance to sample and learn about more than 25 styles of craft brews from some of the best brewers from Arizona and across the country.
Admission into the festival grounds is FREE, however in order to consume beer, all 21-and-over patrons must purchase the 2013 souvenir mug which comes with 12- 4oz beer samples. Pre-sale online purchase price is $25. Day of purchase is $35. Purchase your pre-sale tickets online at www.phoenixbrewfest.com. Additional beer samples will be available as well, priced at $2 each for a 4 oz sample or $6 for a full 12 oz serving.
In addition, there is going to be a VIP admission price that includes an invitation to an open house preview party hosted at Phoenix Ale Brewery on Friday, December 6, from 7-11 p.m. with food provided, beer samples and live entertainment. On Saturday, December 7, the VIP admission includes exclusive access to the VIP beer garden with catered food and treats, private bathrooms, bocce ball playground and a meet and greet with brewers. The VIP ticket is available through presale purchase ONLY online for $125 per person. Purchase your VIP tickets online at www.phoenixbrewfest.com.
The Phoenix Brewers Invitational will be located at the Phoenix Heritage & Science Park, 115 N 6th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, December 7th. Visit www.phoenixbrewfest.com for more information, to purchase tickets and for a schedule of events.
The Phoenix Brewers Invitational encourages people to drink responsibly and urges patrons to take advantage of the Valley Metro Light Rail, located just blocks away from the festival.
A percentage of the proceeds from this event benefit The Children In Need Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization created and maintained by current and past members of the Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix. The Children In Need Foundation supports dozens of local groups that benefit Arizona community children including the Boys & Girls Club, American Cancer Society, Crisis Nursery Phoenix, Valley of the Sun School, Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters and much more. For more information about the Children In Need Foundation, visit www.phoenix2030.com/foundation.
