The 29th annual Kona Brewers Festival is returning with a new format and venue featuring 19 breweries from around the state, Alaska and the mainland.
The celebration of craft beer will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 9 in the parking lot behind Umeke’s and Willies Hot Chicken on Pawai Place.
Kona Brewers Festival Executive Director Maggie Stith said 3,000 people will be attending the event, including attendees, volunteers and sponsors. She said 2,400 tickets will be sold.
The decision to move the event from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to its new location was made to provide more people with the Brewers Festival experience.
“We wanted to make sure we had a location that we could make the ticket price more accessible so that more of our community could be involved and have a little more space, plus it brings the location closer to the pub where it originated,” said Stith. “Our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for the community, put on by the community, remains unwavering. This new location promises to elevate our festival to new heights.”
The festival is hosted by The Ke Kai Ala Foundation. The foundation’s vision is “brewing unity while crafting purpose in Kailua-Kona.”
“The original inspiration for the first Kona Brewers Festival held in 1996 was to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Kona Brewing selling its first beers” said Cameron Healy, president of the Ke Kai Ala Foundation and founder of Kona Brewing, in a prepared statement. “(And) to educate the community about craft beers and local chefs, increase awareness around environmental values, and raise money for local nonprofits. This is the 29th consecutive Brewfest, and it is great that the festival continues to remain true to its roots while being willing to adapt and change with a new venue location.”
General admission tickets for this year’s festival cost $50, substantially lower than previous years, and includes eight beer-tasting tokens and a commemorative glass. Food from 13 local restaurants will be available for purchase with a price point around $15.
Connoisseur Pass tickets for $150 will provide 10 beer-tasting tokens, tasting glass with lanyard koozie, exclusive food and beer samples, T-shirt or hat and priority entrance.
Entertainment includes Average Joes, Haunani, K-Town Station and, of course, the ever-popular trash fashion show featuring models wearing elaborate gowns and outfits made entirely out of discarded and recycled materials.
Since it’s inception in 1996, the Kona Brewers Festival showcased craft beer, food, entertainment and Hawaiian culture, with a portion of the proceeds going to area nonprofit organizations focusing on conservation, education and cultural preservation in Kona.
The festival has raised over $1.5 million for area organizations over the last 28 years. Each beneficiary provides much-needed volunteers to set up, serve and clean up the event.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” said Stith.
“We believe in more than just the good taste of craft beer and the variety of culinary flavors that grace our event. It’s about fostering an ethos of sustainability, celebrating community connections and contributing to a better tomorrow. With every drink, smile, and moment shared, the Kona Brewers Festival brings individuals together for one purpose, to have fun in a celebration of community,” Stith said.
Tickets are available at konabrewersfestival.com
•••
PARTICIPATING BREWERIES
Alaskan Brewing Company
Aloha Beer Company
Athletic Brewing
Big Island Brewhaus
Deschutes Brewery
Elyssian Brewing Company
Golden Road Brewing Company
Hanakoa Brewing Company
Honolulu Beer Works
Inu Island Ales
Kohola Brewery
Kona Brewing Hawaii
Lagunitas Brewing CompanyKanikai Brewing Company
Maui Brewing Company
Modern Times Beer
Ninkasi Brewing Company
Ola Brewing Company
Paradise Ciders
Wailuku Brew Works
New Belguim Brewing Company
•••
FOOD VENDORS
Adaptations
Big Island Organics
Gallery Cuisine
Drippy’s BBQ
Hana Hou-gies
Jill Ann’s
Jusgambing Catering
Kona Coffee and Tea
Ko Pizza
Poi Dog Deli
Sojuicy Hawaii
Umeke’s
Willie’s Hot Chicken
•••
BENEFICIARIES
Kai Opua Canoe Club
Hawaii Wildlife Fund
Ke Kai Ola: Saving the Hawaiian Monk Seal
Family Support Hawaii
Ke Kula ‘o ‘Ehunuikamalino
Society for Kona’s Education and Art (SKEA)
Na Wai Iwi Ola Foundation
Innovations Public Charter School
Honaunau Elementary School
Explorations Foundation
Ahuena Heiau
ACF Chefs de Cuisine Kona Kohala Chapter
Hawaii Keiki Museum
West Hawaii Mediation
Kona Choral Society