Wild West Brew Fest returns to Katy this weekend with 500 beer vendors
Wild West Brew Fest, one of Katy’s largest philanthropic events, will return for its 12th year this weekend. The charity festival, rated the No. 1 beer event in North America by BeerYeti.com, will take place at Typhoon Texas Waterpark.
The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Katy, and all the funds from Wild West Brew Fest go to local charities. Since its inception, Wild West Brew Fest has generated the funds to donate more than $1 million to local charities, said event coordinator Chris Garcia.
This year’s event will feature more than 500 beer vendors and is expected to draw a crowd of 9,000 visitors, according to event founder David Loesch.
The live music artists include Nathan Quick Blues Band, Brodie Lane, Katy-native Hayden Baker and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The event kicks off Thursday with “K-Town Throwdown,” a night with no cover and $5 beers.
“Here is your opportunity to taste some great beers — listen to some fantastic music — eat some terrific foods from the top food trucks around and hang out with your friends all while giving back to our community,” a statement from the Katy Rotary Club said. The evening runs from 6-9 p.m.
The launch party takes place from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, March 24. Visitors can enjoy a smaller, more intimate beer drinking experience at Typhoon Texas’ Hop House. Patrons will also get a first glimpse of the full beer selection at the main festival.
Wild West Brew Fest’s main event is from 3-9 p.m. on Saturday. Saturday’s festivities include “over 500 different brews in separate areas under shade where you will find one or two brews you can’t live without,” the press release said. “Our ‘purveyors of intoxicating liquid’ stewards travel the country tasting individualized brews.”
Tickets range from $40 general admission to $175 for VIP access. VIP tickets, Loesch noted, are almost sold out.
Rotary Club of Katy founded the Wild West Brew Fest on the principle of giving back, and last year, the Rotary Club of Katy was able to donate $135,000.
The beneficiaries included Katy ISD FFA Projects, Auction and Special Rodeo, Katy ISD Fine Arts and Band, Katy ISD Education Foundation, Christ Clinic of Katy, The Ballard House, Katy Christian Ministries, MADD and Special Olympics Texas.
Because the event is run by volunteers, every dollar raised from the festival goes directly back to local charities.
“(Loesch) had a dream many years ago to say, “Let’s do something that we all enjoy, but can also impact our community,” said Garcia. “So we’re here to give back to our Katy community, and we’re touching lives.”