Plans for new Tarentum craft beer festival moving forward

Plans for a new craft beer festival are moving forward in Tarentum.

Five breweries, three food vendors and four bands are confirmed for the inaugural event, scheduled for 3 to 10 p.m. Aug. 28 at Dreshar Stadium, Councilman Brian Snyder said.

More bands and food vendors are expected to be added, with two food vendors pending final confirmation, he said.

“Hopefully, one or two more breweries, also,” he said.

Snyder proposed the event in February, in hopes covid-­related restrictions would be relaxed or lifted by then.

It prompted a change in borough regulations on drinking alcohol on borough property, which had been prohibited but is now allowed with council’s review and approval.

Snyder said he also is working with Manos Gallery for its help in attracting art vendors to the event. With beer, food, music and art, Snyder said he’s envisioning the event being like a scaled-down version of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Arts Festival.

“It’s getting exciting,” he said. “It has the makings of a pretty neat event.”

Prospects for the festival, however, had not looked good for a while, with Snyder growing frustrated as he was having trouble finding brewers willing to attend. Some said no; many never responded.

There has been a change in the format.

Admission initially was expected to cost between $30 and $45, and include samples.

As changed, advance tickets — providing attendees with a wristband allowing them to consume alcohol — will cost $12 to $13, Snyder said.

Samples will be at the discretion of the vendors, which Snyder said will be able to sell regular glasses and packages to take home.

The advance tickets will be sold online through OnTapTix and should be available soon, Snyder said. The cost will include a $2 fee.

Volunteers are needed to help staff the event. They will be asked to work an hourlong shift and will get free admission.

Those interested can contact Snyder by email at bsnyder@ tarentumboro.com.