Summer Roundup: Sarasota-Bradenton Breweries
Breweries aren’t just about the brews anymore. We contacted our five local craft beer establishments to find out what’s going on this summer and it turns out there’s something for everyone—right down to the kids and pets. Take a look at the upcoming events and remember to drink (and play) local.
Mandeville Beer Garden
428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota
Special Events:
Twilight Market, 5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 23 with the Central Sarasota Farmers Market. The event will be held monthly going forward at Mandeville. Subsequent dates: Thursday, Aug. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 24.
Mini Tap Takeover featuring Colorado’s Oskar Blues Brewery. Through July, three of the 30 taps will be pouring Oskar Blues, including Mamma’s Little Yellow Pils—July’s Happy Hour Feature: $2 off drafts from 4-7 p.m. daily, Deviant Dales and Old Chub Nitro. Mandeville is introducing its first ever Buckets of Beer with Oskar Blues Pinner during July: $20 for four cans.
August Mini Tap takeover features New Belgium Brewing and September will spotlight Left Hand Brewing.
Regular Events:
Tuesday
Trucks & Trivia with Craig Wicks, 7 p.m.
Darwin Brewing Co.
803 W. 17th Ave., Bradenton
Special Events:
Growler Day, 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. Celebrate the legalization of 64 oz. growlers in the state of Florida with a new Darwin Brewing Co. bottle and get your first fill of one of the core beers free.
Regular Events:
Monthly
Local Evolution Craft Market with Geraldson Community Farm, 5-9 p.m. second Friday of every month. The event is free and family-friendly, including pets.
Wednesday
The Finch Run, 6 p.m.
Thursday
Beginning July 9, Growler Club Thursdays.
JDubs Brewing Company & Tap Room
1215 Mango Ave., Sarasota
Special Events:
Fourth of July Hootenanny, $50 presale or $55 at the door. All day long enjoy free beer, live music, a 40-foot inflatable slip ‘n slide, a free Mouthhole BBQ meal and a selection from SRQ cigars.
Regular Events:
Monthly
Beer & Cheese Pairing, 7 p.m. every third Thursday. Four cheeses and four beers, $25. Tickets available in the taproom. Space is limited.
Wednesday
Craft Beer & Yoga, 6:30 p.m. Donation to “Yoga Meg” of The Yoga Shack. 10 percent off your tab.
Thursday
Not Quite Friday 5K, 6 p.m. 10 percent off your tab.
Big Top Brewing Company
6111 Porter Way, Sarasota
Special Events:
Fourth of July “American Pie” Apple Ale release. Come in for the early opening at noon to sample this All American ale and pick up a 32 oz. growler while supplies last.
Regular Events:
Monthly
Facebook contest: submit a beer flavor and the person whose idea garners the most votes can design and brew their beer with brewmaster Josh Wilson.
Saturday
Live music and food trucks.
Motorworks Brewing
1014 W. Ninth St., Bradenton
Regular Events:
Monthly
Yappy Hour Extravaganza, 12-5 p.m. every third Sunday. Dog agility course, free giveaways, dog treats and adorable adoptables, and beer purchases benefit animal rescue shelters.
Sunday
Bring your pets to the beer garden.
Monday
Hospitality Night, 50 percent off select beer and $1 off wine and cocktails for anyone who shows proof of employment at a local bar or restaurant.
Tuesday
Yoga Beer Club, 7:45 p.m. $10, includes a 45-minute session with Rachael Kroll and a pint of a Motorworks flagship beer.
Wednesday
Paint Nite, 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 here with coupon code “motorworks”.
Ladies and Medical Night: 50 percent off select drafts and $1 off wine and cocktails for ladies and medical professionals.
Thursday
New Brew Release Day and $5 Beer Flights all day long.
Free no limit Texas Hold ‘Em, 7 p.m.
Friday
Live music and festivities, 7 p.m.; no cover.
Saturday
Live music and festivities, 7 p.m.; no cover.
We found “Brew Romance” last year when we sipped and sampled some of the local craft offerings. Read all about it here.