Your thirst for fun times in (and around) Delaware will be quenched this fall in epic fashion with an outpouring of beer and wine festivals, including one that’s world famous.
Here are seven foamy festivals to sip on through October.
Historic Odessa Brewfest
Parched lips will find relief with samplings from 58-plus participating breweries in this milestone event. There are also live performances, lawn games, tasty food, artisan vendors and extra fun.
This year marks the 10th annual Historic Odessa Brewfest and it features firs timers Fiddlehead Brewing Company and Maine Beer Company. Some of the region’s favorite breweries on the lineup include Dogfish Head, Evil Genius, Iron Hill and Twisted Irons.
Historic Odessa (202 Main St., Odessa) from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. General admission $60 ($70 at the gate); designated driver $15. Visit odessabrewfest.com or (302) 378-4119.
Southern Delaware Wine, Food, & Music Festival, Lewes
Folks can toast to unlimited drink samples from more than 75 beverages and all the food you can indulge in from over 20 top chefs and restaurants on Saturday. Other festivities include a chef battle, silent auction and live music.
The 8th annual Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival will host drink distributors like Nassau Valley Vineyards, Plush Vodka, 375 Avenue Spirits and Big Oyster Brewery.
Featured restaurants/chefs include Paul Cullen, JD Shuckers, DiFebo’s Restaurants & Market, Sydney’s Restaurant & Lounge, Ballin’ On A Budget Barbeque, and more are on tap.
On Friday a separate ticket will get you into a pre-festival “wine dinner extravaganza.”
For $250 per person, guests can expect a multi-course dinner paired with wines, live music, a personalized experience, outdoor setting, and celebrity chefs such as Dru Trevis of SoDel Concepts (2022 winner of the Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship”) and Hari Cameron (James Beard finalist). There’s also fierce veteran chef Sean Corea of Lewes Oyster House, and culinary students from Cape Henlopen High School.
Additional surprises are promised to those who attend, organizers say.
Nassau Valley Vineyards (32165 Winery Way, Lewes) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 for pre-festival dinner: $250 per person (plus $25 fee); wine festival is noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. General admission $150 (plus $8 fee). Visit sodelfest.com.
Trap Pond Partners Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival, Laurel
Well over a dozen alcohol vendors are on tap to attend this Slower Lower event, including Painted Stave, Harvest Ridge Winery, Brimming Horn Meadery and Dogfish Head. More than 50 food venders, crafters and artisans will add to the fun.
Trap Pond State Park (33587 Bald Cypress Lane, Laurel) from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Tickets $35 advance; $45 door. Visit trappondpartners.com.
Philadelphia All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival
USA Today stamped this ambitious festival as one of the best in the world.
Held at the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, this event will give folks access to unlimited samples from over 250 craft beer, wine and cocktail options.
The Philadelphia All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival also features free parking, games, giveaways, music and more.
Citizens Bank Park (1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Saturday, Sept. 30. Day session: 1 to 4 p.m. (noon for VIPs); Night session: 6 to 9 p.m. (5 p.m. VIPs). Visit ballparkfestival.com.
Delaware Beer Fest, Wilmington
Folks can sample 100 tasty selections from 75-plus breweries, wineries and distilleries, as well as nibbles from local restaurants and food trucks. Guests also can enjoy a game of Giant Jenga, photo booth, cornhole, wares by local artisans and live music.
Participating beverage companies include Big Oyster Brewery, Bellefonte Brewing Company and Wagonhouse Winery.
Figure 8-Farm at Bellevue State Park (800 Carr Road, Wilmington) from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Tickets are $50-$70 (plus fees). Designated drivers $15 (plus fees). Visit delawarebeerfest.com.
Kent County R&B/Neo Soul Wine Festival, Maryland
Remember to bring a comfy blanket and chairs to this event, where you can sip Soca Wine paired with food and smooth live tunes.
Fun vendors also be on hand at the Kent County R&B/Neo Soul Wine Festival.
The festival is at (9155 American Legion Road, Chestertown, Maryland). Visit Kent County R&B/Neo Soul Wine Festival on Facebook or (202) 455-1388.
Wicked Brew Bash, Rehoboth Beach
If you’re scared of a fun time, then you probably shouldn’t swing by the Schellville’s Wicked Brew Bash.
The beer festival celebrates the region’s craft beers and wines on Halloween weekend. Your ticket will get you unlimited tastings. Adding spice to the event is the band Hot Sauce.
Schellville (36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach) from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Tickets $40. Free for Designated Drivers. Visit schellbrothers.com/promotions/schellville or (302) 226-1994.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
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