Fresh Fest Beer Fest
Fresh Fest Beer Fest is a beer festival held annually in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania since 2018. Geared towards increasing diversity in the craft beer industry, Fresh Fest is the nation's first festival for Black-owned breweries.[2]
| Fresh Fest Beer Fest | |
|---|---|
 Publicity poster for Fresh Fest 2019 | |
| Begins | August |
| Ends | August |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Years active | Since 2018 |
| Participants | more than 1,200 (2018)[1] |
Origins
Fresh Fest was conceived by podcast hosts Day Bracey and Ed Bailey of the Drinking Partners Podcast, and entrepreneur Mike Potter of Black Brew Culture. Citing a lack of diversity in craft beer brewers and consumers, the creators sought both to bring together Black-owned breweries and provide and inclusive space to connect beer drinkers. In addition to Black-owned breweries nationwide, Fresh Fest also showcases Pittsburgh-area breweries through partnerships with local Black businesses, entrepreneurs, politicians, and other personalities.
Location
The 2018 and 2019 Fresh Fests were held at Nova Place on Pittsburgh's North Shore. In 2021, Fresh Fest will be a block party in Pittsburgh's Allentown neighborhood. The COVID-19 pandemic caused 2020's cancellation of most events, and some will go virtual.
References
- Culgan, Rossilynne. "Fresh Fest, the nation's first and only black beer festival, is coming back to Pittsburgh". The Incline. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
- Jeremy. "Fresh Fest Review – The Nation's First Festival for Black Breweries". Discover the Burgh. Jeremy and Angie. Retrieved 22 February 2020.