A golden age is defined as a period of time when a specified art, skill, or activity is at its peak. In Delaware, and around the nation as a whole, we are very likely experiencing the gold age of craft beer. Options abound, new breweries are opening left and right, and festivals celebrate artisanal suds seemingly every weekend.
This weekend, the trend continues with the first annual Local Brews and Local Grooves festival at The Queen. Dubbed as “the ultimate craft beer and music festival,” this daylong celebration will feature the sounds of eight local bands and the offerings of 14 local breweries, all lined up outside the theater at 500 N. Market St.
“We really wanted to highlight what’s available in Delaware and let people know they don’t have to go outside the state to get top-notch beer,” says Zane Duffner, marketing manager of the theater. “Plus, so many local bands are from Delaware and the surrounding states, that we were able to craft a festival lineup with acts all within 50 or so miles from Wilmington.”
The bill features Delaware area bands like Treewalker (4:45 p.m.), Region (2:55 p.m.) and the Stone Shakers (2 p.m.), Philly rockers CHVNCE (5:40 p.m.), psychedelic/indie band The Naked Sun (6:30 p.m.). Wilmington’s own rowdy folk/blues quintet Apache Trails (3:50 p.m.) and Dover’s funk/soul quartet Hoochi Coochi (7:25 p.m.) round out the schedule, as well as solo artist Grace Vonderkuhn (8:15 p.m.), who has taken the local scene by storm thanks to a ton of air play on 88.5 WXPN and a legit spot at South by Southwest this past March.
But as much as the crowds will show up for the music, the beer might also steal some of the spotlight. A heavyweight list includes some of the best beer made in Delaware, and includes big hitters like Dogfish Head, Blue Earl, Twin Lakes, Stewart’s, 16 Mile, Revelation and Crooked Hammock, as well as local newcomers like Bellefonte Brewing, Stitch House, Liquid Alchemy, Midnight Oil, Big Oyster, Brick Works and Defy Gravity.
The main stage will be positioned outside the Queen along Market Street between 5th & 6th streets, with the beer stations also littered up and down the block. As of this posting, the weather looks promising, with sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s forecast.
VIP ticket holders can get started early at 1 p.m. for $60. The entry fee not only gets them early access to sample local brews first, but also an unlimited beer samples throughout the day, as well as a commemorative logo glass commemorating the first Local Brews & Local Grooves festival. General admission tickets are just $10 for entry at 2 p.m. and beer samples must be purchased additionally at $3 each or via a $12 wristband for five samples.
The Queen’s kitchen will also be open, so that festival-goers can pad their guts with plenty of carbs as they drink beer in the sun. Their standard menu includes chicken and steak tacos, boardwalk fries, hummus, Korean BBQ quesadillas, and various pizzas. Check out the event page or a look at the entire menu, more info, and to purchase tickets.
Don’t forget to share your photos at the fest with #inWilm!