St. Augustine hosts Country Festival & Craft Beer Fest
St. Augustine’s Country & Craft Festival & Craft Beer Fest will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in downtown’s St. Francis Field. Described as two events in one, this festival within a festival, offers something for every - even kids!
Touting all things country living, this rain or shine jam-packed day covers the gambit from music to food and family-filled activities. Country crafts, fashions, food and of course, craft beer are all up for grabs - depending upon the type of ticket pruchased. There will also be a section for families to enjoy family-themed activities and contests including a kid’s corner.
The Craft Beer Fest offers a multitude of wines, ciders and more than 90 flavored beers. Varieties include Ancient City Brewing from St. Augustine; Cigar City Brewery and Coppertail Brewery, both from Tampa; First Magnitude Brewing Company from Gainesville; Bold City Brewery, Veterans United Craft Brewery and Intuition Ale Works, both from Jacksonville; Dogfish Head Brewery from Delaware; Sweetwater Brewery from Atlanta.
Other beers touting fun names include Harpoon Dunkin Dozen Variety; Dogfish Head 60 Minute, Coppertail Night Swim; Green Bench Sunshine City; and Cigar City Maragrita Rose. There’s even an Ace Pink Guava Cider.
Spearheaded by Mario Pi, President of Festivals and Events, the inaugural event is described as having something for everyone. When asked to acknowledge the brainchild behind the idea, Pi responded with the words, “my pillow.”
“This was an idea to not only offer the tourists of St. Augustine a fun day, but to give something back to the local community,” he said.
Pi admits that the success of this year’s event will determine in launching an even bigger festival next year.
“We have something to offer everyone,” he said. “So there’s no hesitation in taking this idea and making it even bigger next year.”
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Admission to the Beer Fest is $29 in advance and $39 on event day. This is a beverage only ticket that provides an unlimited sampling of beer, wine and spirits with food for sale. A VIP ticket is available for $79 in advance and $99 on event day. This offers an unlimited sampling of food, beer, wine and spirits with food included one hour early entry. VIP guests will enjoy unlimited food samples, craft beer, wine, and spirits.
Both tickets also gives guests full access to the St. Augustine Country Festival.
The Country Fest is open for admission from 11:00 a.m. to sunset — around 8:30 p.m. and the Craft Beer Fest runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Francis Field is located at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Live music and entertainment begins at 12:15 p.m. with the St. Augustine local band The Bridge Street Vibe, followed by Wild Connection, Anthony Edwards, Terry Cassidy, Headin’ Home Bluegrass, The Bourbon Brothers and headliner Billy Lord.
Performing schedule for the St. Augustine Country & Craft Festival.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m./Wild Connection
3:20 – 4:20 p.m./Terry Cassidy
4:30 – 5:45 p.m./Heading Home Blue Grass Band
5:55 – 7:10 p.m./The Bourbon Brothers
7:20 – 8:30 p.m./Billy Lord
