Brewing up a cure
Grab a pretzel necklace and your plastic flight glasses because Knoxville Brewfest will return to its roots on August 21, 2021. Although in the past it has been held in different locations around the city like World’s Fair Park and the surface lot across Cumberland Avenue from the Bijou Theatre, this year’s event will take place where it first began 10 years ago: the historic Southern Railway Station on the north side of downtown.
As organizer Matt McMillan says, “We are always considering new ideas for locations that are unique.”
Despite the event’s history at the station, the location certainly is such – although the spot differs greatly from the one that hosted the inaugural Brewfest in 2011 due to the continued development of the area immediately surrounding it. At least one thing from that first year remains the same, however; the event continues to function as a fundraiser benefitting the nonprofit organization Cure Duchenne, which seeks to find a cure for a type of muscular dystrophy often seen in young children, especially boys, that can cause severe pain, handicaps and even fatalities.
Due to the traditional popularity of the event, there will be two sessions from which to choose. The first will take place from 1-4 p.m.; the second will take place from 6-9 p.m. You are welcome to purchase a ticket to both sessions, but you’ll likely need a ride home, as well, which is why there will be designated drivers available for a flat rate of $20 throughout the day.
Knoxville’s own Born & Raised Productions has assisted in promoting Brewfest for a few years now, but McMillan has spent the best part of a decade growing the event and raising over $200,000 for Cure Duchenne in the process. A Knoxvillian by way of Indiana living in Fountain City, he has a heart for service; when he’s not coordinating festivals for a cause, McMillan can be found coordinating fundraising tailgates. (He was part of the original vision for the nonprofit organization Tennessee Tailgating for a Cause, a sponsor of Brewfest whose mission is “to enable the people of Knoxville to support local charities and businesses through fun events and building community.”)
If you like to help others while drinking beer, eating delicious food and listening to live music, then Brewfest is the event for you. It’s a great opportunity for our community to come together for a greater good.
Tickets are $50 and will be available for purchase starting Friday, June 11, at 10 a.m. A commemorative tasting glass is included with the price of admission. Brewfest is still looking for sponsors; if interested, email Born & Raised Productions at info@bornandraisedknox.com.
