Brews-by-the-Bay Craft Beer Festival set in Lewes and Cape May Sept. 10
Attendees may sit back, relax and have a brew by the Delaware Bay Saturday, Sept. 10, when the Cape May-Lewes Ferry hosts the third annual bistate Brews-by-the-Bay Craft Beer Festival. Featuring over 40 breweries from two states, this festival, taking place on the grounds at both the Cape May and Lewes Ferry Terminals, is presented by the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild and the Delaware Brewers Guild.
The festival opens on the Cape May side at the Bayside Green at 11:30 a.m., allowing Delaware-based participants to take an early ferry over from Delaware to start the festivities in New Jersey, tasting New Jersey craft brews. Brews-by-the-Bay features a full experience combo ticket which allows participants to take an afternoon ferry over to Delaware for the 4-8 p.m. festivities featuring Delaware brews.
People who started on the New Jersey side then travel back on an early evening ferry as part of their combo package. Festival-goers have a choice of either celebrating on the one side of their choosing, or purchasing full-experience tickets to cruise on the ferry and enjoy the festivities on both sides.
"We're excited to be able to again join with our friends across the Delaware Bay to organize this incredible craft brewing event," said Ryan Krill, president of Garden State Craft Brewers Guild. "The ferry terminals are perfect locations to gather, enjoy a variety of craft brews, listen to music, and take in the beautiful scenic views of the Delaware Bay. Brews by the Bay is quickly becoming a must-do for locals, beer aficionados and tourists alike. Come join us for an event you'll always remember."
John Klein of Dogfish Head Brewing Company and head of the Delaware Brewers Guild echoed Krill's comments. "One day, two states, more than 40 craft brewing companies and a ferry to take you to the other side. What other craft beer festival can tout that?" Klein said. "Awesome craft beer, great food, live music and good company; I can't think of a better way to cap the summer season."
"The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is a unique way to visit two festivals in two states on the same day while relaxing in between events," said Rhona Bronson, director of ferry marketing. "This year, Cape May Brewing Company of New Jersey and Dogfish Head Brewery of Delaware will be taking over the taps on the Cape May-Lewes ferries. The two guilds have collaborated on a special brew, only available at Brews by the Bay on the 2:30 p.m. ferry ride to Delaware."
Full-experience ticketholders will receive a tasting of this exclusive concoction and an opportunity to purchase additional tastings while enjoying the ride over to the Delaware festival. This brew is a nod to the Dutch nautical history of both Cape May and Lewes. It's a Dutch golden ale featuring lemons, hibiscus, lemongrass and green cardamom.
A ticket to the Cape May side includes 15 4-oz. samples of New Jersey craft beer, with the option to purchase more, and a souvenir BBTB tasting glass. The cost of this ticket is $40 and the festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A ticket to the Lewes side includes samples of Delaware craft beer and a souvenir BBTB glass as well! The cost of this ticket is also $40 and the festival runs from 4 to 8 p.m.
The bargain and best experience, however, is in purchasing the full-experience combo ticket for $70 that includes both festivals and a round-trip ferry ride - that's $10 off the ticket price of both festivals, and nearly 30 percent off both festivals and ferry!
A designated driver's ticket costs $5 or $20 for both festivals with a round trip foot passenger ferry ride included. With the exception of the designated driver ticket, all ticket prices will be $5 higher if purchased at the door, and space is limited, so reserve a spot ahead of time!
To book space, go to www.brewsbythebay.ticketleap.com. The events will be held rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax on the green while listening to the live music.
