You’ve heard of letting the good times roll. Organizers of an upcoming beerfest-plus are hoping that people will let the good times flow.
In fact, they’re promising an ale of a time, and expect some 1,200 to 1,400 people.
Therein lies the heart of the inaugural Columbus On Tap Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest, presented by the Office of Downtown Development, Hog Molly Brewing Co., and Indiana on Tap. The event will unfold from 1 to 5 p.m. May 11 at Custer-Nugent Amphitheatre and Festival Field at Mill Race Park in downtown Columbus. The Columbus Area Visitors Center also already has been a key player.
And advance ticket sales have been healthy, according to Ike DeClue, executive director at the Office of Downtown Development.
“They’ve probably been a little higher than what we projected,” DeClue said.
This first-year, rain-or-shine event will feature unlimited pours from an estimated 50-plus craft breweries, distilleries & wineries from all over the state. All told, more than 250 different beers, wines and spirits are expected to be available to sample that day. Plus, a range of local retailers will host booths and market their wares.
The rock band Password Reset that has shared the bill with acts such as Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, Poison and others, will provide live music.
Five food trucks will provide eats. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to a charity or cause of the city’s choice.
The Columbus Craft Beerfest that began in 2016 was among the first of such events larger to get a foothold in the beerfest bonanza, along with 450 North Brewing Company’s huge corn maze launched the same year.
Leaders at the Indianapolis-based Indiana On Tap say attendance numbers for such events continue to grow. And those at the craft beer and spirits media, marketing and events company for the past decade or so should know. They handle ticket sales for many of these events statewide, from 600-person fests to those attracting 6,000.
Justin Knepp, founder and managing partner of Indiana On Tap, knows.
“I can say that attendance has grown for every major event (in Indiana),” he said.
He added, though, that attendance at first-year gatherings “can be hard to exactly predict.”
The organization currently has a three-year contract with the Office of Downtown Development for the event.
“We believe that Mill Race Park is a perfect venue,” Knepp said. “And we already know that Columbus is a great market.”
Because Indiana On Tap boosts publicity for such fests statewide, organizers believe this will attract regional ticket buyers. Plus, Knepp mentioned that it includes liquor vendors from all over the state.
About the event
What: Columbus On Tap Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest, rain or shine. Featuring craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries plus a variety of local merchant and retail booths. Also live music and food.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. May 11.
Where: Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Drive in downtown Columbus.
Food: Five food trucks.
Music: Rock cover band Password Reset that has shared bills with Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, Poison, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, and others.
Free parking: The Cummins Inc. lot on Lindsey Street across from the park.
After-party: 5 to 10 p.m. afterward at Hog Molly Brewing, with live music, a food truck, and a small giveaway for people that show up with their event wristband (while supplies last).
Information and tickets: $50 in advance at columbusontap.com. $60 at the gate.
