Apr. 18—Following on from a wine festival earlier this month, beer will now become the celebratory beverage of choice at the upcoming Lodi Grape Festival.

The Lodi Beer Fest and State BBQ Championship of 2024 is set to make a reappearance at the Ole Mettler Grape Pavilion come Saturday, April 27, from 1-5 p.m., boasting an array of over 40 local and national breweries showing off their top signature craft beers.

According to Grape Festival director, Mark Armstrong, “The beer fest shares many similarities with the wine fest. Despite the changing beer selections, this year we’re also introducing alcohol-infused seltzers. These are currently quite the hit, and we even have a dedicated section for them.”

The seltzers that are scheduled to be showcased next week include names like Nutrl, Beatbox, Rod & Hammer’s and more.

For those who enjoy a good brew, breweries from the West Coast that were showcased at this year’s event include Deschutes Brewery based in Oregon, Firestone Walker from San Diego, Lost Coast featured from Humboldt County, and Sierra Nevada from Chico, to mention a few.

The event also welcomed international breweries including Red Stripe, Dos Equis, Pacifico and Fosters among others.

In total, 43 beverage firms graced the occasion with their presence.

This marks the sixth year for the festival to host the State BBQ Championship, an event endorsed by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Participants bring their cooking A-game by preparing chicken, pork ribs, a pork shoulder or beef brisket with their preferred choice of wood, pellets or charcoal for heat. Each dish is rated anonymously based on its appearance, tenderness, and taste.

If the count of participating teams surpasses 15, the champion will proceed to the notorious “World Series of BBQ,” alternatively recognized as the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue scheduled in the upcoming October at Lynchburg, Tenn. Moreover, the triumphant team from the current year’s Beer Fest will be eligible for the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City, MO from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.

Around 40 teams will be contending in the championship, revealed Armstrong, with approximately seven vending food during the event. Besides relishing beer and barbecue, attendees can also indulge in a series of games including cornhole, ping pong, beer pong, and Jenga. New food trucks presenting macaroni and cheese or homemade pretzels will also be available for the gastronomes.

The ambiance of the event will be uplifted by the tunes played by Maya, a cover band known for their Santana music as well as a diverse range of covers, along with The Sweet Taunts, a band from Lodi specializing in folk, rock, and country blues.

The beer fest witnesses a footfall of about 3,000 people every year.

“We’re looking forward to (the event).” Armstrong said. “The weather looks like it’s going to be great, and we’re close to selling out our VIP tickets, so anyone who wants those should get them as soon as possible.”

The VIP tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, and include entry at 1 p.m. with a commemorative glass and backpack. General admission tickets are $35 in advance, $5 at the door, and includes entry at 2 p.m. with beer tasting and a commemorative glass.

Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Lodi Grape Festival office, as well as Stogies Lounge, Five Window Beer Company, River Rock Brewery in Galt, and Dry Creek Liquor in Woodbridge.

Designated-driver tickets are available online and at the door, but must be purchased with someone that has a valid Lodi Beer Fest ticket.

Tickets are nonrefundable, with additional processing and handling fees applicable for online purchases.

The event is strictly for individuals aged 21 and above; therefore, infants, toddlers, and children won’t be permitted entry.

Identification will be required for entry into the festival. Please note that pets are not permitted. RV parking will be available at the event site, the Grape Festival Grounds, albeit in limited number.

For a fee of $30, trailers or RVs of any sizes can be accommodated, inclusive of water and electric hookups. Please remember that event tickets have to be purchased separately and the RV parking fee does not include admission to the event.

For more information call (209) 369-2771, e-mail brandy@grapefestival.com, or visit www.grapefestival.com