The Baja Beer Festival is highlighting new, exclusive, and your favorite Arizona beers at downtown’s Armory Park from 1 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 6.
More than 40 of the Grand Canyon State’s best independent brewers are meeting up for a day full of artisan food from the Gastronomic Union of Tucson, live music, and local brews with a focus on the beloved IPA during its state-wide IPA competition.
Last year’s competition was a close one but a Tucson brewery came out on top.
“Winning the gold medal for our Ten55 IPA last year only makes it all the more exciting to be entering the IPA competition for a second time,” says Chris Squires from Ten55 Brewing and Sausage House. “Competition aside, each brewer brings a new twist to the table that deserves recognition.”
Tickets are $40 for General Admission, $70 if you prefer VIP, and $10 if you’ve taken the responsible role as the designated driver.
You can purchase your tickets at the gate but there’s always the risk of the event selling out before you get there. It’s wise to purchase your tickets online.
VIP Tickets ($70)
- Noon entry (60 extra minutes)
- 25 tasting tickets (one ticket per 4 ounce beer tasting)
- Food voucher
- Access to VIP Lounge
General Admission ($40)
- 1 p.m. entry
- 20 tasting tickets (one ticket per 4 ounce beer tasting)
- Food is available to purchase
Designated Drivers ($10)
- Entry to the festival at noon but without access to any alcohol
- Food is available to purchase
All tickets include live music and lawn games.
All profits from the festival will be donated back to the beer community through the non-profit, Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.
The list of participating Arizona breweries have yet to be announced but should be updated soon.
Another important thing to note is that your pets aren’t allowed at the Baja Beer Festival. You can tell your cat all about the beer you tasted once you get home.
Armory Park is located across the street from the Children’s Museum in downtown at 222 S. Fifth Ave. To purchase your tickets, visit chooseazbrews.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
