This story is brought to you by the San Antonio Beer Festival. Follow the San Antonio Beer Festival for updates, more beer-related stories and events.
The craft beer industry in San Antonio is booming like never before. The city is home to a thriving brewery culture, with several outstanding examples located in the downtown area. It was with this in mind that Centro San Antonio organized the first ever Craft Beer Congress.
“This event kind of evolved as we in San Antonio and in Downtown have evolved,” said Centro San Antonio President & CEO Pat DiGiovanni. “I think there will be something at this event for anyone, regardless of their level of experience or expertise in the craft beer industry.”
On Thursday, July 15, the La Villita Historic Arts Village will be the home of the event, which will bring together a panel of many of greater downtown’s craft beer titans. The Craft Beer Congress will be held from 6 to 9:00pm.
“Our goal is to enrich the experience of everyone in Downtown San Antonio,” DiGiovanni explained. “The heart of San Antonio is Downtown, and for so many of these innovative entrepreneurs to be located in the greater Downtown area speaks to the nature of the area and its tremendous growth. It is a great area for culture and tourism and business, and these breweries all feed into that.”
A Pecha Kucha-style presentation will take place featuring some of the “new kids” on the beer block, including Dorcol Distilling, San Antonio Brewing Company and Black Laboratory Brewing. On hand for a panel discussion will be representatives from Freetail Brewing Co., Alamo Beer Company, Blue Star Brewing Co., and Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery. Each will tell their unique story and hopefully serve as examples and inspirations to other potential brewmasters.
“With a decade of regrowth Downtown, we are seeing business that relates to beer becoming an integral part of this growth,” said Southerleigh Brewmaster Les Locke. “Not only are they in the production and consumption area, but locally owned and operated breweries are actively occupying or looking for space Downtown. This represents what has been long discussed in that a strong city center means a strong city, and with our city’s beer heritage being very rich, we are adding a new wave of growth and community education with how beer is being represented and adding to an already vibrant culture Downtown.”
As the craft beer scene and the city’s downtown both continue to grow and evolve, the sky is the limit for the Craft Beer Congress. Plenty of samples of the ice cold craft beer will be available and food trucks will be on hand. This promises to be a truly one of a kind event. Tickets start at $15 per person and are on sale now.
“This event should be inspiring,” said DiGiovanni. “Our job is to create a spark and watch it grow. We have a good feeling about this type of event and think it can grow into something really special for the city.”
