International Beer Fest set for Saturday
Take an inexpensive beer tour around the world this weekend without ever leaving Florida.
The annual South Cape International Beer Fest will take place Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations, the event will feature international brews and appetizers from 12 participating bars and restaurants, with live entertainment and trolley service.
David Delli Paoli, of the South Cape group, said the festival has been going on for several years.
“Every place features in international beer and an appetizer,” he said.
For example, Ralph’s Place picked Ireland and will serve up an Irish custom blend beer with Reuben egg rolls. The Monkey Bar & Steakhouse choose Colombia and will have on hand Cerveza Aguila with empanadas, while the Dixie Roadhouse selected Belgium and will offer up Stella Artois and pierogis.
England, Mexico, Italy and Germany will also be represented, along with other countries.
For the first time, the soon-to-open Cape Coral Brewing Company will also take part.
Delli Paoli explained that the city’s first-ever microbrewery will have space set up on the outside patio of Rack’em Billiards. It will serve up its Burrowing Owl Brown Ale to represent the United States.
The Cape Coral Brewing Company will be at 839 Miramar St. when it officially opens.
On Saturday, a fleet of five trolleys will whisk attendees between the participating venues. Along with the featured beer and appetizer, drinks specials will be available, with live entertainment possible.
“Most of these places have live music going on,” he said.
There will be two check-in booths for attendees – one located in the Big John’s parking lot and the second one located behind BackStreets Sports Bar, in front of the Miloff Aubuchon building.
Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event.
At the check-in booths, attendees will receive an event wristband and a passport.
Delli Paoli recommended that people park where they want the final trolley to drop them off.
“Pre-plan what you’re doing and end up where you park your car,” he said.
This is only one of two beer-related festivals that the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations host. The second celebration is the organization’s annual Red, White and Brew.
“It’s just a cool theme,” Delli Paoli said of Saturday’s event. “You get to bring in different cultures.”
Attendees must be at least 21 years of age to participate.
Advance tickets are available at the venues.
For more information, contact the group at SouthCapeHEA@gmail.com.