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Cheers! to Beer

Maui Brewers Festival will be ‘pitcher perfect’ outdoors at MACC

By Carla Tracy 4 min read

11th annual event showcases nearly 100 craft libations, food from 20 isle restaurants and lively entertainment

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

-- Benjamin Franklin

Leave the diamond-studded opera glasses at home. Or maybe you should bring them -- as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center will be putting on a spectacle -- only this one is casual, sudsy and outdoors.

In fact, it will be a "snap shot" of paradise on Maui as throngs of beer lovers chill out with pals, quench thirsts with cold craft brews, savor island grinds and dance to some sexy songs by local bands. Many dress in corny costumes, and that's where the opera glasses come into play. It's a "pitcher perfect" day.

One of MACC's signature fundraisers and a beer lover's favorite, the Maui Brewers Festival will open up for VIP access from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18. General admission follows from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

"Now in its 11th year, Maui Brewers Festival is excited to continue the tradition of bringing innovative beers from America's small and independent craft brewers for Maui's craft beer drinkers to enjoy," says Garrett Marrero, owner of Maui Brewing Co., and a big inspiration for the event. "We will have a bunch of first time appearances this year from breweries around the states so be sure to get your tickets early! Cheers and beers!"

First timers are Faction, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, Burgeon Beer Co., Urban Roots and Mason Ale Works.

"The popular 'Brews & Food' event, taking place in the MACC's A&B Amphitheater and Yokouchi Pavilion, will showcase nearly 100 craft brews from breweries in Hawaii and on the Mainland, including many rare beers, as well as a wide range of delicious food offerings from many of Maui's finest chefs, caterers and other food purveyors," says MACC Marketing Director Bob Burrichter.

"There's so much to look forward to at the 11th annual festival," adds MACC Development Events Coordinator Sarah Mitchel-Block. "Brews from our founding sponsors, Maui Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada, are sure to be crowd favorites again this year -- and thanks to their generous support, they'll be joined by 42 other outstanding craft breweries from across the country, including 13 from Hawaii. We're excited for our guests to have access to unique and rare beers that they might not otherwise have the chance to try if not for the festival. And we haven't forgotten about the non-beer drinkers -- they'll be able to help themselves to hard ciders along with Vitali-Tea Kombucha, coffee, water and refreshing Maui Brewing Co. Root Beer."

Entertainment will be plentiful. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes.

"We've got a great lineup of live music this year, including returning favorites Yum Yum Beast and Riddum Station, along with new headliner, Flat Jackson. This group describes themselves 'like Mumford and Sons [got] hit in the face with an iron skillet swung by Earl Scruggs.' We really think everyone is going to have a blast!" she continues.

As for the food, it will be plentiful, too. So do bring your appetites.

"Lots of incredible food offerings are brewing for this year's festival," says MACC Food & Beverage Manager Lisa Haole. "We're really happy to be welcoming two new food trucks to our festival food lineup including Sea Salt Maui with its Pastrami Brewben Sandwich with beer mustard. And also new for this year is Just Put In with their signature dish ... poutine! Festival goers can also check out the return of Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar with Koji seared flank steak with crispy rice and nori aioli. This year is extra special with very well-rounded menus from our talented chefs from across Maui."

Cheers! to a good time. Remember -- be safe. Don't drink and drive.

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Maui Brewers Festival fast facts:

• What: The 11th annual Maui Brewers Festival at Maui Arts & Cultural Center's A&B Amphiteater and Yokouchi Pavilion in Kahului.

• When: Saturday, May 18. VIP ticket holders get in at 2 p.m. with access to rare pours. General admission hours are 3:30 to 7 p.m.

• How much: VIP tickets are $120 per adult. It includes 10 four-ounce pours and rare beers. General admission costs $65 in advance. Designated driver tickets are $55. All tickets are subject to applicable fees. Prices increase day of event.

• Highlights: 100 beers from 43 various brewers, food from 20 top Maui vendors, restaurants and caterers, music by Yum Yum Beast, Flat Jackson and Riddum Station.

• For more details: Visit www.maui arts.org, call 242-7469 or check out the MACC box office.

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