Saturday, October 5, 2024, 1:30–5 pm
Tickets on sale at kennettbrewfest.com
For 27 years and counting, Kennett Brewfest has been bringing the best people together to enjoy some of the best beers in the best town, Kennett Square. We love it!
We asked our brewers and loyal fans to share what this festival means to them and why they keep coming back year after year. Turns out, it’s more than just unlimited tastings of more than 175 beers from 80+ craft brewers, and it’s more than the live music or collection of novel food trucks and vendors. It’s the community, the connection, and something kinda magical that’s hard to define. Here’s what our friends had to say about it.
Love Beer.
The 2024 Kennett Brewfest poster was designed by Kees Holterman. Limited edition screen prints will be for sale at the festival.
“We circle the date of the Kennett Brewfest on our calendar each year. It’s one of my favorite beer events,” says John Fusco of Wilmington Brew Works. “I can directly trace my craft beer awakening to attending the Kennett Brewfest in 2006. Returning as a brewer is such a privilege! It’s the best run event in the area, with amazing breweries and fantastic food options.”
At its core, Brewfest is a beer-lovers festival. Each of the 80+ brewers are carefully selected and personally invited to attend. These are coveted spots, and we’re choosy! You won’t find big distribution or box store brands here. We’ve got a curated selection of craft beers representing small batches, local breweries, and quality establishments.
“East Branch attends Kennett every year, because, simply put, it is the most well-organized and thoughtfully curated festival around. Everything is top-notch, from the breweries, various vendors, to the wonderful volunteers. You can’t ask for more out of a festival,” says Kevin McGovern, owner of East Branch Brewing Company.
“The amount of breweries that bring their A-game is what builds so much momentum, adds Scott Slesinski, owner of Lolev Beer. “As far as festivals go, this one’s at the top of my list, year after year.”
The quality is about pride. “Kennett Brewfest is everything that’s right about our industry,” adds Seth Mathlery, Iron Hill Brewery Sales Manager. “Beginning with the Connoisseur session you get to sample the innovation and creativity that exists right here in our region.”
Forty of our most prestigious brewers compete during the Connoisseur session to be voted the best of Brewfest. More than just bragging rights, the winner is invited to serve exclusively at Kennett Winterfest during the DefConn session. But even during the regular session, you’re going to be experiencing the best our brewers have to offer. The secret? At Kennett Brewfest, we buy the beer from the brewers. These aren’t free samples, this is quality product!
“The general session layout allows us, as industry professionals, the unique opportunity for one-on-one conversation with our customers and each other, which in turn furthers the growth of the industry,” continues Mathlery. “Come have a great time with your brothers and sisters in beer…oh, and bacon on a stick!”
Brewfest fan and volunteer Alex M with friends and family.
Love People.
At the end of the day, it’s the people that set Kennett Brewfest apart from other festivals. There’s just something about this crowd of 3,000 people that blends locals, Kennett expats, and visitors from all over and makes them instant friends.
“We LOVE attending Brewfest together every year along with our family and friends. We even planned our wedding date so we wouldn’t miss it! It’s such a fun event where we get to enjoy some of our favorite things together—a variety of beers, meeting new breweries, live music, and good food. And right in our own backyard,” says Patrick and Taylor L.
Budding relationships. Proposals. Family traditions. Sibling rivalries. High school reunions. We’ve seen all sorts of gatherings at Brewfest!
“Whether celebrating birthdays, friendships, or family, there is no better place to raise a glass to those important people in our lives than at Kennett Brewfest! The craft beer community in Kennett is one of love,” says Brewfest fan Alex M.
We don’t know why everybody seems to like each other here. Maybe it’s the beer. Maybe it’s the volunteers.
“Breweries and attendees alike always feel cared for at this event,” describes Matt Katase, founder of Brew Gentlemen. “Kennett is one of our favorite festivals. Well organized, incredible crowd, standout beers … Driving from Pittsburgh through the state to get there has become a fall ritual we cherish!”
Jeff Norman, the “Brewfest King,” has been leading the committee that organizes Kennett’s beloved festival for nearly 30 years! Photo by Dylan Francis.
Love Kennett.
We keep doing Kennett Brewfest because we love this town. Kennett Square is a gem nestled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley. It’s full of stunning natural beauty, historic buildings revisioned, charming shops, foodie restaurants, and a personality that packs a big punch for a little town.
From the very beginning, Brewfest has been about showcasing Kennett Square—and giving back to support our community. The proceeds of this event are the single largest source of income for Kennett Collaborative, the nonprofit organization that brings the things you love about Kennett to life through its popular events, programs, and beautification initiatives, promoting Kennett Square as a thriving place for everyone to live, work, and play.
Simply put, our beloved community programming—including the KSQ Farmer’s Market, Third Thursdays on State Street, the decorations in town and the Holiday Light Parade—could not exist without Brewfest. Your ticket buys you a quality craft beer experience with friends, and it puts another ornament on the tree for everyone in Kennett. We mean this sincerely—thank you for your support.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Kennett Brewfest on October 5. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait. Get yours at kennettbrewfest.com.
Oh, and bacon on a stick! ❤️
Brewfest has helped to establish Kennett Square as a great place to grab a quality beer. Come back to enjoy our local breweries, beer gardens, and restaurants! Photo by Dylan Francis.
