Lorain BrewFest returns to Black River Landing

LORAIN — A new company will take charge of this year's BrewFest at Black River Landing. This year marks the beer festival's 10th in the International City, but its anniversary was in jeopardy. A couple of weeks ago, Lorain Port and Finance Authority Executive Director Tom Brown said the port was notified that Brewfest Waterfront District, which organized it, was not moving forward with this year's event. That prompted Brown to "cold email" another company, Festivals Unlimited, to see if it was interested in hosting this year's festivities. Festivals Unlimited hosts the Cleveland Beerfest at Progressive Field and similar events in the state. The next day Festivals Unlimited co-founder and event director Craig Johnson and others from his staff made the trip up from Cincinnati to see the site and met with Brown to get the event underway, Brown said. Brown and Johnson announced the change at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Bascule Brewing Co. and Public House on the city's east side. Bascule Brewing Co. is the city's first brewery. Johnson said attendees this year will notice a change in how ticketing works, and the addition of entertainment and some other booths with wine, cocktails and nonalcoholic beers. There will also be vendors, food options and a cigar lounge. "This year we're going to just try to throw the best party we can," Johnson said. "We have a lot of brewery contacts as well, but this is going to be Lorain focused. … The idea is to really promote Lorain County and Lorain County breweries." He said attendees will still get 25 sample tickets and expects there to be about 150 beers on tap, alongside the seltzers, mixed drinks, wines and nonalcoholic options. He said the nonalcoholic beers have been one of the fastest-growing categories at festivals. Johnson said the group plans to expand the 2025 festival after having more than six weeks to plan it. The festival will benefit local animal rescues, Johnson said. Festivals Unlimited partners with Animal Rescue Partners Inc., a Cincinnati-based nonprofit to hold its events, and award grants to local nonprofit animal rescues. Animal rescues interested in partnering with the festival can contact ben@beerfestinfo.com for more information, including volunteer opportunities, Johnson said. Tickets are on sale now at beerfesttickets.com. Regular admission starts at $30 and increases as the festival nears. Early admission, tickets for designated drivers and VIP parking passes are also available. Vendors interested in space can email sara@beerfestinfo.com. Breweries interested in participating can email craig@beerfestinfo.com. The festival purchases all of the beer and there are no table fees for breweries. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.