BrewFest celebration ready to return

Event is Aug. 14 at Black River Landing

It’s almost time for Lorain’s annual celebration of a tall cold one.

BrewFest Waterfront District craft beer festival returns for 2021 on Aug. 14 at Black River Landing in downtown Lorain.

BrewFest started in 2014 on West Seventh Street in downtown Lorain.

The festival has grown every year since, except for 2020, when BrewFest went on hold due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s back this year, so I think there’s a lot of excitement in the air, both from the patrons, from the brewers and from the committee, that we’re back and able to put the event on,” said Howard

Ross, event chairman.

Ross coordinates the festival with Chris Nabakowski, son of BrewFest co-founder, the late Ron Nabakowski, who started it with Bob McDonald.

The event has become another summer tradition in Lorain, now drawing guests from as far as Sandusky, Medina and Mentor.

The 2021 festival returns with about 50 craft brewers, including the five based in Lorain County.

There is a new presenting sponsor: Uncle Bo’s Slow-n-Low BBQ & Bar of Elyria.

Ross also operates Elyriabased Franklin Brewing Co. Ltd. and Uncle Bo’s carries the company’s beers on tap.

“He’s the real deal,” Ross said. “He’s not buying some food and throwing some Liquid Smoke on it and calling it a smokehouse.

“He’s got a smokehouse out back, and it’s the real deal.”

There will be a number of other food options.

There are 10 home brewers entered in the Home Brew Brew Off.

The winner will have their beer brewed by a local brewery and served on draft at that establishment.

BrewFest celebrates the talents and artistry of professional brewers, but home hobbyists have skills worth noting, Nabakowski said.

Musical performers include Austin Walkin’ Cane, Marinah Strah and Pittsburgh-based Buffalo Rose, an acoustic six-piece band.

As a musician, Ross said he looks for performers with good songwriting, online availability of music, clean production on recordings and how the players act on stage and engage a live audience.

In keeping with the BrewFest spirit of discovering new flavors and craft beer, the bands play original music.

BrewFest Waterfront District is for patrons age 21 and older.

Early-entry VIP tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets remain available for online sales through Aug. 13.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Designated driver tickets cost $6.

The price remains a bargain thanks to event sponsors, Ross said.

Admission can run $40 to $65 for entry to other craft beer festivals around Ohio, he said.

“This is a great event, a highquality event at a great venue at an extremely affordable ticket price,” Ross said.

There will be great beer, wine, cider, mead, food and music, Nabakowski said.

“If you’re coming down to BrewFest, expect a great time because that’s what we’re trying to give you,” he said.

BrewFest happens rain or shine.

Weather does not affect it much because Black River Landing has pavilions for shade from sun and shelter from rain, Ross said.