Live bands and more than 50 craft beers at Odessa Brewfest Sept. 9

Held on the grounds of the 247-year-old Wilson-Warner House at 202 Main St., the Historic Odessa Brewfest features new and favorite craft brews from more than 50 breweries to benefit the preservation, conservation and education efforts of the Historic Odessa Foundation.

The Historic Odessa Brewfest is back for its fourth round Saturday, Sept. 9 with more than 50 local, regional and national craft breweries on tap for this year, as well as live music on two stages, local gourmet food, colonial reenactors/beer brewers, and artisans.

The Historic Odessa Foundation and Cantwell’s Tavern are presenting the festival to benefit the preservation, conservation and education efforts of the Historic Odessa Foundation, and its historic museum properties collectively known as the Historic Houses of Odessa – some of the best examples of Georgian architecture in Delaware, and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Held on the grounds of the 247-year-old Wilson-Warner House at 202 Main St., the Historic Odessa Brewfest will feature new and favorite craft brews from more than 50 breweries including Mispillion, Big Oyster, Rar, Dogfish Head, Revelation, Blue Earl, and Burley Oak. New this year will be Founders Brewing of Michigan, SweetWater Brewing of Georgia, and Devil’s Backbone of Virginia.

Visitors can also experience the colonial brewing process as reenactors and colonial brew masters Rich and Anna Wagner make beer on site, using historically accurate methods and materials—copper kettles, wooden barrels, hops and grains.

This year’s live musical entertainment will be presented on two stages. Performing on the Main Stage from 12 to 3 p.m. will be up-and-coming country singer/songwriter Adam Yarger. Taking the stage from 3 to 6 p.m. will be perennial favorite, reggae evangelists Spokey Speaky.

Performing on the Garden Stage from 12 to 3 p.m. will be acoustic jazz and blues artist Bruce Anthony, followed by versatile solo performer Tony Mowen from 3 to 6 p.m.

VIP tastings will be held from 12-2 p.m., with general admission at 2 p.m. Taps close at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $70 for VIPs which includes a limited glass tasting mug, access to limited-quantity beers, and a food voucher. VIP tickets can also be redeemed for future tours of the Historic Houses of Odessa.

Tickets are $50 for general admission and $15 for designated drivers which includes free soft drinks. Designated driver tickets are only available at the gate the day of the event.

For ticket information, see the website www.odessabrewfest.com or call 302-378-4119.

The presenting sponsor for the fourth annual Odessa Brewfest is Wilmington Trust. Event sponsors include Crouse Brothers, National HVAC Service, Village at Bayberry/Blenheim Homes, Patterson Schwartz, State Farm/Chuck Montgomery, Cochran Liquors, and BCP Smyrna. Sponsorship opportunities are available and interested parties should contact the Historic Odessa Foundation for more information.

Since not every brewery will be able to send a representative to pour beer, and help will be needed to keep the historic site clean, HOF and Cantwell’s Tavern are looking for volunteers for the day’s festivities. Prospective volunteers can call Cantwell’s at 302-376-0600.