On Sunday afternoon, October 8, Takoma Park’s VFW Hall will be unusually busy, as the regulars who congregate to watch NFL games will be inundated with visitors from Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and elsewhere sampling some of the area’s finest craft brews.
“Hells Bottom” VFW has become the new site of the Takoma Foundation’s Beerfest fundraiser—now being held twice annually. Since starting more than 15 years ago, the Beerfest has become an anticipated part of the city’s fall calendar and a showcase for the region’s brewers. Sunday’s event will be 3-7 p.m.
Tickets for the Beerfest are $50 in advance and $60 at the door (lower-priced tickets are available for “designated drivers” who are not drinking alcohol). “All proceeds from the event will support mission-driven nonprofits operating in greater Takoma,” says Taylor Dibbert, Foundation vice president and one of the coordinators of the Beerfest.
The Beerfest is the Foundation’s primary annual fundraiser, enabling grants in recent years for projects to improve food security, support immigrants, staff pop-up Covid-19 vaccination and information booths, enhance equity, address climate change justice, and more.
Unlike many beer festivals which issue tickets that limit opportunities to try all of the available beers, the Beerfest is not restrictive. Visitors can sample from any of the seven brewers who are participating and then return for larger pours of their favorites. Checkerspot, Denizens, Diamondback, Heavy Seas, Key, Peabody Heights, and Silver Branch will be pouring this year.
After operating at the Cady-Lee Mansion for many years, the Beerfest switched to the VFW this spring. The VFW is located at 6420 Orchard Ave., near the District line, and Dibbert says the Foundation is enjoying the new space. “The VFW is a cool, laidback spot, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them,” Dibbert says.
Hells Bottom VFW is a low-key place for a drink and live music, and the Beerfest takes on that vibe, Dibbert says. “The event is lively and casual,” he adds. “It’s mainly an outdoor event, with the breweries in the VFW’s backyard. There will be food and nonalcoholic drinks.”
For complete information and ticketing, go here.