Key West BrewFest Events ‘On Tap’ Aug. 29 Through Sept. 2

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Fans of beers and ales can sample more than 150 of them, while also discovering the flavors of the continental United States’ southernmost island, during a festival “brewed” especially for Labor Day weekend. 

The annual Key West BrewFest is scheduled Thursday through Monday, Aug. 29 through Sept. 2. Activities “on tap” include beer-focused dinners, pool parties, live music, the beachfront Key West BrewFest Signature Tasting Event and other enticements for thirsty attendees. 

The event, presented by the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic and hosted by the Southernmost Beach Resort, benefits local Rotary scholarships and charitable initiatives. 

Featured beers range from intriguingly named offerings such as Fat Tire Ale and Cat 5 Key Lime Lager to local favorites from Florida Keys Brewing Co., Waterfront Brewery, Cayo Hueso Brewing and Islamorada Beer Co. among others.

The 2024 BrewFest features new offerings including the Brews & Bites Bash at First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery, 301 Whitehead St.; and the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert and Cheeseburger Beach Battle at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 1319 Duval St., featuring the national touring tribute band Buffett’s Margaritaville. Both events are set for  Friday, Aug. 30, with ticket prices of $65 per person and $20/$30 per person, respectively. 

The undisputed festival highlight is the BrewFest Signature Tasting Event. Featuring more than 150 beers from leading, boutique and small-batch breweries, the tasting extravaganza is set for 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, on the beach at the Southernmost Beach Resort.  

While enjoying the evening beside the Atlantic Ocean, attendees can stroll from booth to booth, savoring live music and unlimited samples of beers, lagers and ales.  

General admission is $50 per person. Also available are VIP tickets for $100 per person that include early admission to a 3-5 p.m. VIP tasting with passed appetizers from the Southernmost Beach Café. 

Fans of brews and on-the-water adventures can participate in a sandbar trip with Beach Weekend Key West from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. The trip is limited to 28 people and includes complimentary beer. Tickets are $30 per person, available by calling Beach Weekend at 305-296-0364. 

Other festival events include brewery dining experiences, a “Biergarten” and a tap takeover. Activities conclude Monday, Sept. 2, with a lively evening bingo gathering at Key West’s iconic Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St. 

Event information, full schedule and ticketing: keywestbrewfest.com