By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The Kennett Brewfest turns 21 next month, and loyal beer fans will be turning out to celebrate the big event in downtown Kennett Square.

On Oct. 13 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., beer lovers will be able to sample the specialties of more than 100 breweries from near and far while enjoying live music, foods provided by several food trucks, vendors, and a gaming area.

Discovering new favorite beers is a big part of the annual event, which has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages discussion with brewers and visitors alike. Small samples are served to encourage visitors to taste a variety of beers and new ciders during the day.

For true devotees, the Connoisseur Session, which is held at noon, before the event officially opens, features special two-ounce pourings from 50 brewers showcasing different, rare, exclusive, limited or seasonal beers. Connoisseur ticket holders also get food parings prepared by Talula’s Table plus admission to the regular festival.

Spotlighted out-of-town craft breweries include Melvin Brewing, Singlecut Beersmiths of New York City, Hitchhiker Brewing Company of Pittsburgh, Brew Gentlemen of Braddock, Pa., and Transmitter Brewing of New York City.

Local and regional favorites include 2SP Brewing Company, Bellefonte Brewing Company, Bog Turtle Brewing, Dogfish Head, Hollow Earth, Kennett Brewing Company, McKenzie Brew House, Mispillion River, Twin Lakes, Victory and Wilmington Brew Works.

Sometimes, just the name of the beer or the brewery is enough to draw you in, and some of the more interesting names this year are Abomination Brewing Company, Crime and Punishment, Evil Genius, Foreign Objects, Mad Chef Craft Brewing, Odd Logic, and the straight-ahead Well Crafted Beer Company.

Of course, with all that beer, you need some food, so more than a dozen food trucks will be on hand, including 2 Fat Guys, Abuelita's Empanadas, Bespoke Bacon, The Cow and the Curd, Herr's Chips, Righteous Pretzel and others.

Live music during the afternoon will be provided by the Sin City Band, along with Carl Filipak and the Jimi Jazz Band.

Parking is available downtown, and at the Kennett High School parking lot beginning at 1 p.m. A free shuttle will take visitors from the parking lot to the event on Broad Street from noon to 6:30 p.m. Parking is also free on all levels of the Kennett parking garage. Parking meters are not enforced on Saturdays in the garage.

General admission tickets are $50, Connoisseur Session tickets are $85, and designated driver tickets are $15. No one under 21 will be admitted, and no pets are allowed. The event is tented, so will be held rain or shine. Proceeds benefit Historic Kennett Square, a nonprofit that promotes the borough. For tickets through etix.com and more information, visit www.kennettbrewfest.com.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].