Be Sure Not To Miss These Upcoming Nevada Beer Events
BOB BARNES Posted On August 14, 2018 
Now that summer is winding down beer fest season in Nevada is about to get underway.
Although the name suggests an October date, traditional Oktoberfest celebrations begin in September, and Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas‘ festivities will run from September14 through October 31. Celebrating their 15th year of Oktoberfest, the Vegas Hofbräuhaus is the only authentic replica of the brewhaus in Munich, Germany. A highlight is the unveiling of the Oktoberfestbier, the very same beer brewed by the Hofbräu brewery for the Munich Oktoberfest. Celebrity guest keg tappings take place every Friday and Saturday night and bands from Germany and Austria are imported, providing nightly entertainment.
CraftHaus Brewery will celebrate its 4th anniversary with its Fourth Splosion Fest, held in front of the brewery in the Booze District in Henderson on September 15 from 5-10 p.m. The block party-style event will include the unveiling of CraftHaus’ Dry Heat-NE IPA anniversary beer, rare out of market and local guest beers, live music from local bands and food trucks. Ticket includes keeper glass and unlimited pours and VIP also includes early entry, admittance to the brewery lounge and small bites. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit 4thsplosion.brownpapertickets.com.
Big Dog’s Brewing is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Draft House location Sept. 27-30 with beer and food specials, live music, beer releases and an anniversary party with an authentic Wisconsin perch fish fry, entertainment and games for the whole family on Sept. 29 from noon-6 p.m. For more info visit bigdogsbrews.com/festivals/drafthouse30. A month later, on October 27, the brewery will host its annual DOG-tober Beer Fest & Brat Party combining traditions of Oktoberfest celebrations with the charm of an old Wisconsin brat cookout along with live bands and more than 40 local, regional and international beers including several from the host brewery. As usual, it will be held in the outdoor area of the Draft House at Craig Rd. and Rancho Dr. in northwest Las Vegas. For more info and the line-up of beers visit dogtoberbeerfest.com.
On Sept. 29 in downtown Reno, the Nevada Craft Brewers Association will present Nevada Fest: a Celebration of Nevada Craft Beer, held at Wingfield Park from noon-5 p.m. The 2nd annual event will feature one-stop shopping for local beer, with unlimited beer tasting from 20+ Nevada craft breweries including some never before seen collaboration brews; live music; and several food trucks. Participating breweries include nearly all of the Reno area breweries and a few from Southern Nevada. For the complete list of breweries, more info and to purchase tickets visit nvfest.com.
The annual Grapes and Hops Festival at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve on September 29 gives a reason for wine lovers and beer lovers to hang out together, as both drinks are given equal time. Held from 5-9 p.m. (VIP early entry at 4), admission includes bites from local restaurants El Segundo Sol, Stripburger, Mon Ami Gabi, Top of the World, TAO Asian Bistro and Divine Cafe. For more info and to purchase tickets visit springspreserve.org/events.
Time to mark your calendar for the Motley Brews 7th Annual Downtown Brew Festival, set for October 20 from 5-9 p.m. (early entry at 4). The fest will again be held at the Clark County Amphitheater in Downtown Las Vegas, and you can expect a wide range of beer styles with more than 200 beer choices from 60 breweries, including several from Nevada. Motley Brews fests typically sell out, and purchasing in advance gets you a reduced rate, as well as availability of VIP and early admission tickets, so consider purchasing your tickets at downtownbrewfestival.com, where you’ll also find the line-up of breweries that will be pouring.
What began as a small niche event has grown to one of the largest sour-only beer festivals in the nation and it happens to occur at Atomic Liquors in downtown Las Vegas. This year will mark the 6th annual Sour Saturday on November 10 from 2-5 p.m. (VIP entry is at 1). Last year’s gathering featured more than 75 beers ranging from the slightly tangy to mouthpuckeringly sour, and this year will likely offer the same amount, if not more. Tickets can be purchased at Atomic Liquors and at a handful of local craft beer bars. For more info and to purchase tickets online visit atomiccitybrews.com/sour-saturday.
