If there is anything that is very obvious about me, it is the fact that I love beer. Of course, I love drinking it, but I also like understanding it. As a bartender, helping someone find a delicious beer when they haven’t particularly cared for beer or helping someone expand their palette are things I find as important as enjoying a beer myself. While exploring the Newfields Harvest Festival, Anthony and I heard about the Broad Ripple Beer Fest happening later in the month. We immediately knew it was the event for us.
The Brewer’s of Indiana Guild, which also hosts other Indianapolis Beer Festivals, such as Winterfest and Indiana Microbrewers Festival, sponsored the 4th annual Broad Ripple Beer Festival. This festival, centered in Broad Ripple’s Opti-Park, features over 40 local breweries and over 100 Indiana brewed beers. The weather in mid-October was perfect for this outdoor event, and attendees were even encouraged to wear Halloween costumes (with various prizes awarded in a few different categories). Anthony and I did not dress up, but we plan to next year.
The Brewer’s of Indiana Guild, which also hosts other Indianapolis Beer Festivals, such as Winterfest and Indiana Microbrewers Festival, sponsored the 4th annual Broad Ripple Beer Festival. This festival, centered in Broad Ripple’s Opti-Park, features over 40 local breweries and over 100 Indiana brewed beers. The weather in mid-October was perfect for this outdoor event, and attendees were even encouraged to wear Halloween costumes (with various prizes awarded in a few different categories). Anthony and I did not dress up, but we plan to next year.
Along with the obviously delicious beer, there were also a handful of vendors, selling anything from hand crafted beer steins and mugs to vintage clothing to 4-and-6-packs of local beers. Pumpkin bowling and keg tossing events were towards the back of the park, and with a small donation, festival goers had their chance to partake in the drunken games and win small prizes.
Our day consisted of tent hopping and trying as many different beers as we possibly could. When it came time for the Halloween costume contests, we made our way to the live DJ tent to watch the reveal of the winners. The Group Costume category had some tough competition between the Lego people, the entire cast from The Wizard of Oz (including the yellow brick road), and 80’s party people (who won, which was kind of lame).
Our day consisted of tent hopping and trying as many different beers as we possibly could. When it came time for the Halloween costume contests, we made our way to the live DJ tent to watch the reveal of the winners. The Group Costume category had some tough competition between the Lego people, the entire cast from The Wizard of Oz (including the yellow brick road), and 80’s party people (who won, which was kind of lame).
After a long four hours of sipping all of the beers we possibly could, it was time to leave. Post-festival festivities included trying to look as sober as possible while walking to a nearby restaurant, HopCat, and taking a few pictures along the way. The Broad Ripple strip, where HopCat is located, is also home to the town’s bars and other restaurants, and The Vogue, a concert and event hall.
Tickets last year were $40 in advance and $50 at the event. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $10 in advance or at the door. Group package deals started at a minimum of 10 people with an admission of $30 each.
If you enjoy local beers, socializing, and throwing a ridiculously heavy object for fun, this is the beer festival for you. With so many options, I guarantee there is a beer here for everyone. In times like right now, everything is up in the air, but I plan on being at the 5th Annual Broad Ripple Beer Fest and cannot wait!
Tickets last year were $40 in advance and $50 at the event. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $10 in advance or at the door. Group package deals started at a minimum of 10 people with an admission of $30 each.
If you enjoy local beers, socializing, and throwing a ridiculously heavy object for fun, this is the beer festival for you. With so many options, I guarantee there is a beer here for everyone. In times like right now, everything is up in the air, but I plan on being at the 5th Annual Broad Ripple Beer Fest and cannot wait!