What was once being heavily considered is now a reality. Mary Kay Greer, the chairperson of the Bridgeport Arts Council has confirmed that the first-ever craft beer festival – Soundwaves and IPAs – will take place in the summer of 2016.

 

“It should be a great event,” said Mary Kay.

 

Earlier this year, Bridgeport Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer, who is the husband of Mary Kay Greer and also involved with the Arts Council, told City Council about the proposed one-day event during a work session of the city’s governing body. Now, it’s no longer a proposal.

 

The event will take place June 25 at Bridgeport City Park. It will begin at 2 p.m. for those with VIP passes and at 3 p.m. for general admission. Ticket prices have not yet been determined.

 

As the name of the festival indicates, the festival will focus largely on the ever-growing craft beer genre. The concept, he said, is to invite vendors specializing in craft beers to come to the city and showcase their wares. Along with those that specialize in it, there is also hundreds of home craft beer makers across the state and thousands nationwide in what is already a huge and growing industry in the United States.

  

The event would provide those that pay to get in with what Greer called a “four ounce” cup. That cup would be used to sample the craft beers.

 

“It’s an adults-only event,” said Bob Greer. “Law enforcement will be there to make sure everyone is at least 21 that enters.”

 

The event isn’t simply just craft beer. Mary Kay Greer said that at least three bands and perhaps four will be playing from the start of the festival until it ends. The beer sampling will be complete at 5 p.m. with the music going until roughly 7 p.m.

 

“We’ll have food vendors and we’re also looking for craft vendors, particularly those related to the craft beer industry,” she said.

 

A big reason for the event is to help raise funds for the Arts Council. And this type of festival has drawn huge crowds and raised tens of thousands of dollars in other venues, the mayor said.

 

“I think this is an event that will appeal to younger and older adults alike. It’s going to be an evening of music and relaxation and one where we believe we’ll be drawing people not just from Bridgeport, but  from other part of the county, the region and the state,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see people from out of state coming into Bridgeport.”

 

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund activities of the Arts Council. The main focus in recent years has been the Council’s “Concerts in the Park” series during the warm weather months. This would help fund that and perhaps provide the ability to even draw bigger acts as well as do additional activities if the event goes as planned.

 

“It’s important that the Arts Council has a good stream of revenue because artists needs to be paid too,” said Bob Greer. “We hope this provides a pool of funds that will allow the Arts Council to more easily be able to secure events for the city and others.”

 

While many will come to sample the beer, you don’t have to like beer to enjoy the day. Bob Greer said there are reasons to come beyond that.

 

“While the beer tasting is going on the bands will be playing. If you’re a fan of live music this is an event you might want to attend as well. We also plan to have plenty of food vendors to make this a well-rounded event. I can assure you that the goal of a festival like this, which are common throughout the country, isn’t to get toasted,” he said. “It’s a social opportunity and a chance to enjoy the afternoon with friends and fellowship with the in an adult setting.”

 

Greer said there has been plenty of feedback after media reports about the planned festival. He said that he anticipates plenty of participants and a large crowd.

 

As for who will be there from a vendor standpoint, what bands are performing and acquiring tickets – as well as the cost of those tickets – those details are being worked out.  To check out updates on the event, visit the Bridgeport Arts Council’s Web site and the page showing the event for updates.There is also information on sponsorships and how to register as a vendor. You can do that by clicking HERE.