Winter Beer Festivals on LI
For a true beer lover, there’s nothing better than cracking open a cold one on a hot summer day and taking that first refreshing sip! But on Long Island, beer aficionados don’t have to wait until the weather breaks to enjoy their favorite beverage in a big way. Long Island is host to many indoor beer festivals and tastings during the cold winter months when there’s not as many festivities on the horizon. Instead of waiting for your favorite microbrewery to push open the doors to the outdoor deck to make plans with friends and enjoy a brewsky, grab your hat and scarf, and head out for some fun at a craft beer festival near you.
If you live on the south shore, T.J Finley’s in Bay Shore is hosting a Winter Bourbon Festival with an assortment of more than 30 whiskeys and 30 craft beers on January 24th. Taps will be flowing indoors and outside (for those that love the outdoors even in winter). This is a great opportunity to expand your circle of beer loving friends to those that prefer the taste of whiskey – you may even convert a few! Along with your favorite brews, including Dogfish Head, Long Ireland & Founders, BBQ fare will be available, complete with a pig roast. Tickets are available only through the link on the event website and are priced at $50 per person. Attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass for unlimited samples of whiskey and beer. And if you weren’t feeling good already, you can feel even better knowing that the event will help raise funds for a local charity called Gavin’s Got Heart, who’s mission is to help families affected by congenital heart defects.
If you live or like to hang further west, you will want to check out the Hops & Props Beer Fest being held in Garden City on February 7th. Appropriately named, this craft beer festival will take place at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and will feature over 100 craft beers from Long Island and around the world! Tickets are available online for advance purchase ($65 per person general admission) and will only be available at the door ($75 per person general admission) on the day of the event if they have not already sold out! The ticket price includes admission to the event, 2oz beer samples, and a souvenir tasting glass. And don’t forget the food sampling and live music. Special tickets are available for a pre-event VIP hour, and also for those designated drivers who want to join in on the fun but won’t be partaking in the beer sampling. With over 100 craft beers, including Fire Island Beer Co., Goose Island &Montauk Brewing Company, and so much cool aviation stuff to check out, it will surely be a good time for all who attend.
If you can’t make it to one of the upcoming beer festivals, there are plenty of small and large craft breweries on the Island offering tastings and growler fills, and an array of brew pubs to check out when you are ready to get your beer on!
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*Beer Festival events are 21+ only. Only those 21+ years of age with valid photo ID will be admitted.
