If absence makes the heart grow fonder, it might also make the heart grow warmer—at an outdoor beer festival in February, for instance. The warm heart of the Kennett Winterfest has always been found in the community gathering together to enjoy some of the region’s best craft beer and to meet and support local and regional brewers.

Beer lovers, brewers, and organizers are all delighted that Kennett Winterfest, a perennial bright spot on the winter calendar, will return in person to celebrate its tenth anniversary on Feb. 26.

“After a year of doing specialty cases for the ‘Backyard Winterfest Bonfires and Beers,’ we’re very excited that the 2022 Kennett Winterfest X will be back outdoors as a cold-weather gathering of friends and fantastic beers, just as it has always been intended!” said Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest organizer, local architect, and “Brewfest King” Jeff Norman.

Over 60 local, regional, and award-winning breweries will bring their best for Kennett Winterfest X participants to sample. 

“We’re pleased to welcome several newcomers to the Winterfest,” said Norman. “von C Brewing from Norristown, Wrong Crowd Beer Company from West Chester, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids from Waitsfield, Vermont will be joining local favorites including Kennett Brewing Company, Braeloch Brewing, Be Here Brewing, Levante Brewing Company, and East Branch Brewing Company.” On the Kennett Winterfest stage this year will be America's Got Talent sensation Dylan Zangwill (whose family owns Exton-based brewery Stolen Sun), and a variety of food trucks and vendors will also be on site.

The exclusive “Def Conn” session, featuring the 2021 Kennett Brewfest “Best of Connoisseur Brewery” Brew Gentlemen, sold out in a matter of minutes when the tickets went on sale. The great news for ticket holders is that they’ll still be able to sample beers from this award-winning Braddock, Pennsylvania brewery during the regular session.

Jim Adams, co-owner of Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, has fond memories of attending the Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest events long before Levante opened in 2015. From the perspectives of both attendee and brewer, he says, the events are some of the best and a staple in the tri-state community.

"Levante Brewing has participated in the Kennett Winterfest since our founding in 2015,” Adams said. “Our mission is to elevate the craft experience and by doing so, support programs that benefit the Chester County community. The Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest provide an opportunity for us to showcase our passion of making some of the finest beers in the area, while staying true to our mission of supporting others. Levante is excited for the return of this year’s Winterfest and grateful to those who organize the event as well as the many craft beer enthusiasts who attend each season.”

Find the complete list of breweries on the Kennett Winterfest website and stay tuned as brewers unveil their special Winterfest offerings over the next few weeks. “We always like to bring something special and something new,” said Adams.

All proceeds from the Kennett Winterfest support Kennett Collaborative, formerly Historic Kennett Square, the nonprofit that creates programs and events that help Kennett become a more beautiful and welcoming community where all can belong and prosper.

Kennett Winterfest tickets are limited and organizers recommend buying tickets early to avoid disappointment.