Sip Through Time: Annual Odessa Brewfest Unites History and Hops

The Historic Odessa Foundation (HOF) and Cantwell’s Tavern present the 11th annual Historic Odessa Brewfest, one of the region’s premier celebrations of craft beer, on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 12 to 5:30 p.m.

This year's Odessa Brewfest, HOF’s signature fundraising event of the year, promises a hoppy celebration of craft brews, live music, local gourmet food provided by Odessa’s popular farm-to-table gastropub Cantwell’s Tavern, located in HOF’s historic 202-year-old Brick Hotel, and more, all set against the unique backdrop of the pastoral gardens and grounds of the foundation’s 255-year-old Wilson-Warner House, Delaware’s first house museum.

The 2024 edition of the Historic Odessa Brewfest will feature more than 50 breweries, showcasing a diverse range of craft beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers. Beer enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample distinctive brews from local favorites and renowned breweries from across the region and country.

Attendees to the 2024 Odessa Brewfest will receive a complimentary souvenir 2 oz. tasting mug upon admittance for unlimited craft beer sampling privileges for the duration of the day. The list of participating breweries is being updated regularly. For the current list, visit Odessa Brewfest’s homepage at www.odessabrewfest.com.

"We're thrilled to be able to bring the Odessa Brewfest back for another year," said Debbie Buckson, HOF’s executive director. "This event not only brings people together in celebration of the art of brewing and the many excellent brewers in our region and beyond, but it also helps to support our historic conservation efforts, the upkeep of our site, and the foundation’s diverse educational programming.”

In addition to the impressive selection of beers, attendees will enjoy:

• Live Music: Providing the perfect soundtrack to the day’s festivities will be a lineup of local bands and artists on two stages, including mainstage appearances by reggae evangelists Spokey Speaky, and new this year, the energetic folk, blues, and roots band J.D. Webb & the Good God Damn. Appearing on the garden stage will be acoustic jazz and blues artist Bruce Anthony, and acoustic performer Ryan Bacher.
• Colonial Brewing Demonstration: Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the colonial brewing process as historical interpreter, reenactor, and journeyman brewer Regimental Brewmeister Michael Carver makes beer on site, using historically accurate methods and materials, and shares the history of beer making in colonial America.
• Games and Activities: Fun lawn games and activities, as well as the return of the Fusion Beer Mile “beer race” presented by Fusion Racing will be available for festivalgoers to enjoy throughout the day.
• Artisan Vendors: Odessa Brewfest 2024 will feature a curated selection of vendors offering an array of handcrafted jewelry, soaps, gourmet foods, and cigars, among other locally sourced products.

This year, the Odessa Brewfest will once again include a Platinum experience, offering early access to the event, exclusive beer tastings, a reserved tented area with complimentary lunch provided by Cantwell’s Tavern, and more. A VIP experience is also available and includes early access to limited-quantity beers, and a glass tasting mug.

Tickets for the Historic Odessa Brewfest are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.odessabrewfest.com. Each ticket buyer will receive a free $24.95 print and online subscription to The Beer Connoisseur® magazine. General admission tickets are priced at $60 with Platinum tickets available for $125, and VIP tickets for $75. Designated driver tickets are also available at a reduced price of $15 to encourage responsible enjoyment.

For more information, please visit www.odessabrewfest.com or contact John Xuereb at [email protected] or 610-520-6140 x202.

At a Glance

WHAT: 11th Annual Historic Odessa Brewfest

WHEN:               Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, 12 to 5:30 p.m. (entry times vary per ticket)

WHERE:             Historic Odessa ­ 202 Main Street, Odessa, DE 19730

TICKETS:           Platinum, $125; VIP, $75; General Admission, $60 ($70 at the gate); Designated Driver, $15 Designated Driver tickets are only available at the gate, day of the event. Advance tickets www.odessabrewfest.com, or call 302-378-4119

Links

For general and ticket information, as well as news, photos, regular updates on participating brewers and ongoing 2024 Brewbracket, visit or follow the Historic Odessa Brewfest at:

Official website:           www.odessabrewfest.com.

Facebook:                        www.facebook.com/odessabrewfest

Instagram:                       www.instagram.com/odessabrewfest/

Twitter:                               www.twitter.com/OdessaBrewfest

Photo Gallery:             www.odessabrewfest.com/photos