By Heather Madsen
August might be one of the best times of the year in Utah. Not only because the weather starts to cool but because it means that it’s time for Utah’s annual Beer Festival! You might not have known this, but our state is actually brimming with brewery history. Before prohibition, in the 1800s, Utah relied on breweries and their beer to keep the miners hydrated and full of calories while they did the back breaking work of keeping Utah’s mines going.
Once the LDS Word of Wisdom was published, banning the consumption of alcohol for its members, and prohibition was put in place, the brewers and their craft began to dwindle. However, it’s been making a come-back ever since. The first Beer Festival was held in 2010 and hosted 10 breweries. It was a humble start but the interest grew quickly and today the festival boasts over 50 breweries, including most of Utah’s own 32 breweries, out of state participants, and even a few international ones.
The festival will be held at the Gateway on August 20th and 21st from 2 – 8pm. Ticket price includes your beer punch pass and a 5oz sample mug. There will be over 200 different beers and ciders for you to try, so make sure you come thirsty!
If all of that isn’t enough to convince you to go, then you should also know that this year the festival has also paired with Colors of Cancer Utah. They’re a part of the American Cancer Society and are focused on saving LGBTQ+ lives which are more heavily impacted by cancer and who face unique challenges to accessing healthcare. Supporting the Utah Beer Festival will help support the cause, and you’ll have fun while you’re doing it. So come to the Gateway to sample beer, support the community, and join a great cause.
Tickets and more information can be found at www.utahbeerfestival.com