Tybee Island’s Wine Festival has been going strong for four years. And now it’s inspiring the Friends of Tybee Theater — the nonprofit behind the Tybee Post Theater — to bring America’s craft beer movement to the beach.
The organization “was looking to do a fun fall event, something to help raise funds for the renovation and restoration of the Tybee Post Theater, and something that would help bring people to Tybee Island,” explains Amy Kagan, the theater’s director of operations.
A craft beer party seems like a smart bet considering the overwhelming success of the Savannah Craft Brew Fest on Labor Day weekend, the city’s inaugural “beerathon” on Nov. 10, and the new World of Beer that opened its doors earlier this year. The increasing popularity of beer dinners at restaurants like Blue Turtle Bistro and Taco Abajo, along with plans for Southbound Brewing Co. to open in 2013 and a new beer garden adjacent to Moon River Brewing Co., also indicate the Tybee Beach Brew Fest will be a welcome addition to the region’s offerings.
“The popularity of craft beer has exploded all over the world,” Kagan says, “and we decided to take advantage of this and offer our own unique craft brew experience.”
Seven breweries will be serving up 21 different beers over the course of the two-day event, with Friday dubbed “Brats, Bangers and Brew” night and the “Grand Brew Ha-Ha” taking place Saturday. Featured breweries include New Belgium, Lazy Magnolia, Anheuser-Busch, Kona, Redhook, Widmer Brothers and RJ Rockers.
“Whether you enjoy a Southern-style stout, crisp and clean pale ale or the juice of nature’s fruits fused with American and German hops, you will taste beers that are unique to this area, some that are only available seasonally and a few that will be making their premiere appearance,” Kagan promises. “We’re certain you’ll come away with a whole new appreciation of craft beer.”
Tybee Post Theater’s vision statement is to be “an integral part of the community that enhances our cultural experience, encourages and attracts visitors, and improves our quality of life.” They were also the organization behind 2012’s Tybee Polar Plunge, “where we broke a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing swim caps,” Kagan states proudly.
She’s excited to add this event to the island’s calendar.
“It will be two fun nights of craft beer samplings, specially paired with local cuisine to create a one-of-a-kind, palatable experience.”
IF YOU GO
What: Tybee Beach Brew Fest
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 2; 7-10 p.m. Nov. 3
Where: Marlin Monroe’s Surfside Grill, 404 Butler Ave., on Friday; Tybee Island Lighthouse, 30 Meddin Ave., on Saturday
Cost: $40 on Friday; $50 on Saturday; $20 for designated drivers
Info: tybeebeachbrewfest.com