Arizona may be known as The Grand Canyon State, but between the cacti and the desert sand, there’s a blossoming beer industry. From February 16 to 26, the 12th annual Arizona Beer Week will highlight local brews from north to south, east to west. Though supported by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild — which promotes the interests of over 100 breweries — Arizona Beer Week (which actually lasts 10 days) consists of individually hosted events across the state. The emphasis here is on all things local: Join the Tucson Foodie Team for its beer crawl through the city, or support the Arizona Humane Society at Uncle Bear’s Brewery. A complete guide to Guild approved events can be found here.
Arizona Beer Week festivities range far and wide, but the Strong Beer Festival — taking place on Saturday, February 18 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale — raises the bar. Bringing together a wide range of businesses and brews, the event allows beer enthusiasts to try Arizona creations they may not have otherwise had access to. Last year, Grand Canyon Brewing from Williams brought its Prickly Pear Wheat, while Flagstaff’s Dark Sky Brewing presented its Shake Shack Milkshake IPA. While you indulge in a sundry array of craft beers, you can also enjoy some local food and live music.
The Specs
- 10,000 people are expected to attend the Strong Beer Festival.
- Tickets for the Strong Beer Festival start at $70 for General Admission and $90 for VIP. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $20.
- Need a guide to Arizona? Fifty Grande has got you covered.
2020 Video
FAQs
How old do I have to be to attend the Strong Beer Festival?
You must be 21+ to enter the event.
How do I get my event to be approved by the Guild?
Adding an event to the Arizona Beer Week listing is free! Just fill out the form here.
What are the benefits of VIP tickets to the Strong Beer Festival?
VIP ticket holders enter the event 90 minutes early (at 11:30 am) and have access to extra tasting samples and a shaded VIP area.