'Brew'haha

The San Juan Brewfest returns to Buckley Park on Aug. 22-23 with big acts and more than 100 libations including microbrews, ciders, spirits and cocktails. 

And what brewfest is complete without tunes for your drinking pleasure? This year’s musical lineup, booked by the Animas City Theatre and KDUR, boasts Denver’s Float Like a Buffalo on Friday and Texas cow punkers Rattlesnake Milk headlining on Saturday. Local band YOPE opens.

“Animas City Theatre always knocks it out of the park when they book the bands, and this year KDUR assisted in landing a band that’s absolutely blowing up right now,” Tim Walsworth, BID Executive Director, said. “Rattlesnake Milk just played Red Rocks, so we’re excited to see them on our stage at Buckley Park.”

For those unfamiliar with either band, Float Like a Buffalo bills itself as a high-energy funk, ska, reggae, jam rock band.

And if the name Rattlesnake Milk isn’t intriguing enough, maybe their bio and video will be (view here).

Tanya Clegg, BID Director of Marketing, said Friday will have more of a mellow vibe, with a typically smaller crowd and shorter lines, and locals get discounted tickets that night. 

The Friday night festival goes from 5-8 p.m., and tickets are $40 general admission. Saturday’s festivities take place from 1-5p.m., with VIP tickets at $85, which gains holders a whole extra hour of drinking starting at noon. Saturday general admission tickets are $50. Designated Driver tickets are also available both days, at $20 and $25 respectively. (DD’s also get their own private shady spot to sit and watch the debauchery unfold– it’s the least they could do.) Attendees receive a souvenir 5-ounce tasting glass and unlimited tastings. Food will be available for purchase. 

The brewfest is a fund-raiser for Team Up Southwest (formerly United Way) which helps address community-identified needs in Southwest Colorado.

For tickets go to: sanjuanbrewfest.com.