Downtown Brew Festival Draws Beer Lovers From Across Vegas Valley!

On Saturday, Sept. 21, more than 3,000 beer enthusiasts filled the Clark County Amphitheater for the second annual Downtown Brew Festival presented by Motley Brews. Beer lovers relished in tasty beer-themed treats, exclusive craft beer tastings, and non-stop live music during one of Las Vegas’ largest fall craft beer festivals. 

The breweries lured guests with an assortment of more than 200 tasting options from more than 60 local and regional breweries, introducing festival-goers to exclusive blends available for the first time. Four local Nevada craft brewers debuted specialty beers scheduled to be submitted in October’s Great American Beer Festival, the largest beer festival in the United States. Throughout the evening, guests sampled exclusive crafts such as a Smokin’ Poles Gratzer and JJ Smoked Wee Heavy brewed by Joseph James Brewing Co., Belgian Quad and Belgian Tripel crafted by Chicago Brewing Company, Baltic Porter and Scottish Ale from Tenaya Creek Brewing Co. and a Cherry Wit and Dunkel Weizenbock brewed by Big Dog’s Brewing Co. 

Expanding on all things craft beer, VIP ticket holders were treated to a specially designed beer-infused menu created by CutThroat Culinary Chef Christian Dolias. The menu offered Smoked Porter Braised Short Ribs stewed in Stone Smoked Porter, Citrus and Hefe Crab Louie Sliders made with Big Dog’s Tailwagger Hefeweizen, IPA Marinated Crispy Chicken Tacos blended with Joseph James’ Hop Box Imperial IPA and Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes infused with Tenaya Creek’s Hauling Oats Oatmeal Stout. 

Throughout the day, festival-goers enjoyed an intimate backyard party atmosphere while educating their palates with a variety of pale ales, lagers, stouts and IPAs made locally in Las Vegas. While exploring the depth of Nevada’s craft beer culture, food was available for purchase throughout the event from participating vendors including Todd English P.U.B, Sausagefest, Smoke’n Sam’s BBQ and Robo Duck. 

Creating the perfect pairing to hundreds of beers, Rusty Maples, Las Vegas’ rising indie group, headlined the evening with hits from the group’s album “Make Way.” In addition, Moondog and American Cream took center stage with enticing sets, creating non-stop entertainment until the last brew was poured. 

Credit: © Donoghue Photography, Inc