Benz Beverage Depot in Cedar Rapids is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Benz Fest, a dynamic collaboration with the Cedar Rapids Brewing Society (CRBS) that promises an unforgettable celebration of local and regional beverages. Merging the popular Drink Local Festival, previously a standalone August event by CRBS, Benz Fest is set to be the premier destination for craft beverage enthusiasts in Cedar Rapids and beyond.
Benz Fest at Benz Beverage Depot in Cedar Rapids
Scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, Benz Fest will transform Benz Beverage Depot into a vibrant hub of activity from 1-5 p.m. Beverage aficionados can look forward to exploring an extensive array of beers, ciders, meads, and spirits showcased by vendors hailing from across the Midwest. Adding a unique local flavor, homebrew clubs from throughout the state will also be participating, offering attendees a taste of grassroots brewing talent.
“We are incredibly excited to strengthen our partnership with Benz Beverage Depot for this year’s Benz Fest,” stated Haley Rosendahl, Vice President of CRBS. “By combining our Drink Local Festival with Benz Fest, we are creating an even larger and more diverse event, bringing together a wider range of exceptional vendors while continuing to champion the fantastic homebrew clubs in our state.”
For those looking to elevate their festival experience, a VIP hour is available from 1-2 p.m., followed by general admission from 2-5 p.m. VIP tickets are priced at $50, granting early access and exclusive tasting opportunities, while general admission tickets are available for $40. In line with responsible enjoyment, designated driver tickets are offered free of charge. Please note that Benz Fest is a 21+ event only. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased directly at Benz Beverage Depot or online at Eventbrite.
Beyond the exceptional beverage offerings, Benz Fest is an event with a purpose. Proceeds from Cedar Rapids Brewing Society festivals are dedicated to supporting local nonprofits. In 2023, their efforts resulted in a $4,500 donation to Trees Forever, an organization committed to environmental stewardship. This year, the 2024 Benz Fest will proudly benefit the Greater Good Fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF). The Greater Good Fund plays a vital role in the community by providing unrestricted support to GCRCF’s competitive grant programs. These programs, in turn, fund nonprofits addressing the most pressing needs and promising opportunities within the Cedar Rapids area.
The Cedar Rapids Brewing Society, a 501(c)(7) social club based in Cedar Rapids, is at the heart of this community-focused festival. Connecting home brewers and beverage enthusiasts, CRBS hosts monthly meetings, quarterly homebrew competitions, and a monthly happy hour open to the public, where members can sample homemade creations. Welcoming individuals with a passion for all types of fermentation, CRBS extends its invitation beyond beer lovers to include wine, mead, cider, and other fermentation aficionados.
Benz Beverage Depot, located in downtown Cedar Rapids, is renowned for its unique and premium selection of beverages and gourmet foods. Boasting over 1,200 different wines, the largest beer selection in the area, more than 100 imported and domestic cheeses, and thousands of specialty food items, Benz Beverage Depot is a cornerstone of the Cedar Rapids culinary scene. Benz Fest offers the perfect opportunity to experience the best of local and regional beverages while supporting the Cedar Rapids community. Don’t miss out on this exceptional event at Benz Beverage Cedar Rapids!
