Grains Then Grapes: Two Festivals, Back To Back Weekends, One Location

Good Beer and Autumn Wine Festivals on the Horizon

Salisbury, MD - Summer has finally come to a close and the cool, crisp, autumn season is falling upon us.  The leaves are beginning to change creating the perfect atmosphere for fall festivals.  First on the horizon is the Good Beer Festival.  Delmarva’s largest craft beer event is on tap for Saturday, October 8^th and Sunday, October 9^th from 12:30pm-6:30pm each day. Just one week later, the Autumn Wine Festival ages into its ninth year and uncorks Saturday, October 15th from 11:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, October 16th from 12:30pm to 6:00pm.  Both festivals will be held at Salisbury’s Pemberton Historical Park.

The Good Beer festival features over 50 craft beers including local favorites EVO, 16 Mile, Burley Oak, Dogfish Head, and Eastern Shore Brewery along with many other unique, American craft beers. Adult admission includes a Good Beer Festival pint glass and unlimited samples.  Guests can also purchase full pints of their favorite craft brews as they stroll around.  The festival features two stages showcasing twelve different artists, including the nationally recognized Honor By August (presented by Ocean 98).  Sport fans need not worry about missing their favorite team play, as the Sports Zone will show the weekend’s big games.  This year, a VIP Meet the Brewer’s Package, which includes a meet and greet with brew-masters on Saturday is available.  For Sunday, folks can sign-up for the Hangover 5K.  Tickets must be purchased before 5pm on Friday, October 7^th for both the VIP package and Hangover 5K.  Advanced festival tickets are available for $20 per day or $35 for a two-day pass. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $30. Youth and Designated Driver tickets are also available for $5.  Learn more at http://www.goodbeerfestival.org/

The Autumn Wine Festival is produced in conjunction and sanctioned by the Maryland Wineries Association and is the only one of its kind in the Salisbury area. This event offers wine tastings (unlimited samples included with admission), wine by the glass and bottle purchases from the many Maryland wineries. Tickets include all day admission, a wine glass for sampling, all live entertainment and a free tour of Pemberton Hall.  Guests can indulge in their favorite wines while listening to a variety of live musical performances and visiting the many craft and tasty regional cuisine wares.  A unique, one of a kind, musical experience will conclude this fall festival on Sunday. Only performing 1:30-4pm, Howl at the Moon features two dueling pianos, centered around audience participation, and a variety of music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today. Learn more at http://www.autumnwinefestival.org/

Autumn Wine Festival advanced tickets are available for $20 per day or $30 for a two-day pass. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $25. Youth and Designated Drivers are also available for $5. All children under the age of 5 are free!

Both festivals will take place at the beautiful Pemberton Historical Park located in Salisbury, Maryland. This historic nature park hosts the 18th Century Pemberton Hall (open for free tours) as well as miles of hiking trails, water views and historic buildings. 

Proceeds from The Good Beer Festival will benefit Wicomico County’s Recreation and Parks Division and be used to help offset rising program costs.  Visit http://www.goodbeerfestival.org/ and http://www.autumnwinefestival.org/  for a complete festival schedule or to purchase tickets.