Brewfest CK 2025. (Submitted photo)
Chatham

Vibrant beer scene in CK ready to shine again

BrewFest CK is back for another summer of fun.

Organizers promise the highly anticipated celebration of community, family, friends, and local craft beer will be an unforgettable experience for beer enthusiasts and festival-goers, featuring a lineup of exciting activities, live music, beer, and food.

Last year, BrewFest CK was named a finalist for Best Culinary Tourism Event in Ontario, a recognition that organizers tout as speaking volumes about the passion and collaboration behind the scenes.

"This honour reflects the incredible effort from all four participating breweries, each bringing their own unique flavour, creativity, and community spirit to the table," said organizers. "From carefully curated beer lineups to unforgettable food pairings and vibrant entertainment, BrewFest CK continues to grow as one of the most anticipated events of the summer."

CK Tourism noted Brewfest CK attracts thousands of visitors from across Ontario, boosting the local economy.

The dates for BrewFest CK 2025 are as follows:

 SummerFest @ Sons of Kent on July 12. Doors open at 3 p.m.

 Eaufest @ Bayside Brewing on August 9. Doors open at 2 p.m.

 FarmFest @ Red Barn Brewing on August 30. Doors open at 12 p.m.

 RiverFest @ Glasstown on September 13. Doors open at 12 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at each event for $10 and include a drink ticket. Children under 18 get in for free.

"We’re thrilled to bring the community together for BrewFest CK this summer," said Co-owner of Sons of Kent Doug Hunter. "With the four local breweries joining forces again, it’s going to be an unforgettable season."

According to organizers, BrewFest CK events will support local organizations and causes through designated charities, which will be announced by each brewery leading up to their individual event.

“We are proud to be a part of this extraordinary collaboration that celebrates the community spirit of Chatham-Kent. This is what supporting local looks like," said Co-owner of Bayside Brewing Nancy Cowan. "Exciting events sponsored by local companies and individuals that highlight the talents of our brewing industry while supporting local community groups. Each event is unique, and showcases the diverse nature of Chatham Kent."

Co-owner of Red Barn Brewing Denny Vervaet thanked the public for supporting last year's events at all four breweries.

“Each year, BrewFest CK continues to grow, and being named a finalist in the Ontario Tourism Awards for Best Culinary Tourism Experience is a huge honour that speaks to the power of collaboration among our four local breweries," Vervaet said.

Red Barn Brewing has also announced that its vendor market has shifted to its Canada Day Anniversary Celebration on July 1 to allow Farmfest to focus more on the music, culinary, and beer experience.

“Glasstown is excited too, for the third year, to be a part of this awesome festival. We look forward to hosting you on our beautiful riverside patio!“ said Glasstown Head Brewer David Draper.

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