The Sarasota Beer Festival

Firkin Around...Sarasota, Florida.

The first (hopefully annual) Sarasota Beer Festival was held on Saturday, August 28th.  I can't remember a beer festival of this size ever, previously being hosted in Sarasota.  Of course, I don't get out much! Wink! Robarts Arena was the venue, on Ringling Blvd., just off Fruitville Road. Florida Beer Festivals was the promoter of this event.  They host many beer festivals in other Florida cities, some of which I have attended in the past. Beer, beer and more beer... A lot, make that a a whole lot of beer was available at this venue.  Over 110 different beers to sample. It would be way too long a list to write up, so I will leave it to your imagination.  It's enough to say that if you like hops, they were there and well represented.  Fancy a malty porter or stout?  Well there was enough to satisfy an Englishman.  Want an exotic or alternative brew?  Those were also well represented and in quantity.

Hungry?  Want some tunes, too?

There were many local food vendors serving up every manner of pizza and wings; the perfect food to go with beer!  One local eatery had deep fried hot dogs...oh, mama!  Served up with a mayo/mustard/horseradish sauce that was just - - - ooh la la!

Music was by the Paper Airplanes.  Great stuff!  Crowd engaging renditions of current and past favorites played for all.  The tunes kept everyone swaying through the hall all night.

You just can't go wrong with one of these local beer festivals.  Your entry price of $20/advance gets you plenty to eat, drink and otherwise enjoy.  Go to one the next time you get the chance.  Cheers!

Firkin Great Beerfest!

Robarts Sports Arena
3000 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL  34237




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