Summer in Scottsdale means lounging around at pool parties, setting off on sunset desert hikes and cooling off afterward with a mug of tasty local beer.
And what better way to kick off summer than by joining hundreds of fellow beer-lovers for a celebration of all things craft beer?
Explore Arizona's impressive craft brew scene at the annual Scottsdale's Beer Palooza, scheduled in 2015 for Saturday, June 20, at the WestWorld of Scottsdale event center.
More than 30 breweries will gather for a celebration of local craft beer at Scottsdale's WestWorld for Scottsdale Beer Palooza — Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Beer Palooza
The air-conditioned event features more than 30 regional breweries showing off their best new summer brews, along with old favorites. You can talk to the brewmasters, taste test popular varieties and socialize with local beer aficionados.
Event organizers say that Scottsdale Beer Palooza is "a gateway drug to craft beer." Casual beer drinkers can easily taste dozens of different beers and discover new favorites – all under one roof.
Some of the popular breweries that will be in attendance include SanTan Brewery from Chandler; Nimbus Brewery from Tucson; Mike Hess from San Diego; and Four Peaks from Tempe.
Although the focus is on locally crafted beer, many top brewers from around the world also share their brews at Beer Palooza. Some of the big names scheduled to attend this year's event include Woodchuck Cider from Vermont; Sierra Nevada from Chico, Calif.; Guinness from Dublin; and Sam Adams from Boston.
One special guest at the 2015 Beer Palooza is actor Kerr Smith (Dawson's Creek, The Fosters), who owns a Southern California microbrewery called the Venice Beach Beer Company. Guests can meet him and sample his beer at the event.
Of course, you'll need some tasty snacks to complement all the beer you'll be drinking. Food vendors will be on hand to feed the masses, including the popular Mustache Pretzels food truck.
M Culinary, a local catering company, will have multiple food stations, too, with nachos, sausages, burgers, pizza, desserts, fries and other party snacks.
Along with excellent beer and tasty eats, event organizers will have lawn games for guests. Enjoy playing horse shoes, throw the bean bag in a game of corn hole or kick a ball around on a life-size foosball table.
Tickets to the Scottsdale Beer Palooza cost $30 for general admission, which includes a custom four-ounce mug and 20 drink samples.
VIP admissions are available for $50 and include the custom four-ounce mug for 25 beer tastings. VIP guests also gain early access to the event and taste specialty beers that are only available during the early VIP hour.
There's also a special $10 admission for designated drivers.
