Returning this year to the delight of local arts and beer fans is the 2015 Brews Art Festival. Put on by the Hammond Regional Arts Center, this years’ festival is Friday, September 25 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

This year’s festival is the sixth Brews Art Festival in the event’s history and will feature beer tasting, food, arts and crafts. Benefits from the festival will go towards the HRAC.

Beer is nothing unfamiliar to college students, but the festival offers all who attend an alternate way to appreciate their favorite bubbly adult beverage. Brewers view the making of beer as more than just a way to get a mug of their favorite brew. Much like a painter puts consideration into each and every brush stroke, brewers weigh the same decisions when adding hops and other ingredients into their brews. 

“The Brews Art Festival is a great way for people to see brewing as an art form,” said HRAC Operations Manager Daphne Hebert.

Famous Louisiana beer Abita and Hammond original Gnarly Barley are just some of the 40 plus beers available for festival goers to sample. Locals will not have to stick to familiar brews as the festival will also have international beers available for sampling. Guests attending must be 21 or older and have a valid I.D. in order to participate in brew tasting.

Although beer tasting plays a large role in the Brews Art Festival, artists of all mediums will be at the festival displaying their art. Local vendors will also be in attendance to display their goods and crafts. Homemade crafts being sold range anywhere from jewelry to soap to alcohol scented candles. The combination of beer, arts and crafts has helped make the event become bigger each year since its conception. 

“Brews has been growing every year and people enjoy it,” said Hebert. “The festival will be happening rain or shine.”

Brews Art Festival will be moved inside of the HRAC in the event of bad weather. All those interested in being an art vendor at the Brews Art Festival may go to the HRAC website and fill an application. Vendor booths are on a first come, first served basis as space is limited. Tickets for the Brews Art Festival are currently on sale for 25 dollars each. Visit the HRAC website at hammondarts.org for more information on the 2015 Brews Art Festival and other HRAC events.

The Lion's Roar/Megan Ferrando
Vendors showed off their variety of beers during Brews Art Festival of 2014.
Attendees can taste many local and foreign delights.