This event is SOLD OUT. To all the lucky ticket holders, thank-you and we’ll see you soon!

Set in downtown Henry Law Park, along the mill-lined banks of the Cochecho River, the first-ever Seacoast Microbrew Festival is a collection and celebration of the Seacoast’s best breweries, foods, music, and people. With exclusively local brewers, proximity is priority.

The festival takes place Saturday, July 11, 2015, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The 14 participating breweries include:

• 7th Settlement Brewery                  • Beara Irish Brewing

• Blue Lobster Brewing Company   • Earth Eagle Brewings

• Garrison City Beer Works              • Great Rhythm Brewing Co.

• Neighborhood Beer Co.                  • North Country Hard Cider

• Portsmouth Brewery                       • SoMe Brewing Company

• Stoneface Brewing Company         • Tributary Brewing Company

• Throwback Brewery                         • Smuttlabs

With just a few exceptions, all of these breweries have opened within the last few years. That’s big news. Since 2011 when New Hampshire became the first state in the union to recognize nano-breweries (small-batch brewers who produce fewer than 2,000 barrels of beer per year), 21 nano-breweries have opened for business, and it’s estimated that many more plan to launch over the next year.

It’s also reason to celebrate. In addition to beer tastings, the festival will feature live music from The Reconstructed Trio and Gretchen & the Pickpockets, as well as a variety of food served up by local food trucks along the Cochecho River. Admission is $30 for ages 21-plus, which includes samples from all participating breweries. VIP tickets are $50, including early access and parking. Designated Driver tickets are $10. Tastings will take place under a tent, so the event is rain or shine.

Through their shared mission for mindful, sustainable practices, event co-hosts 7th Settlement Brewery and Seacoast Local seek to celebrate this local economy success story built on fine craft practices, intrepid entrepreneurship, smart public policy, and the enthusiastic support of the greater Seacoast community. Financial support comes from sponsors Kittery Trading Post, Country Malt, The Sound, Exeter Events & Tents, and MG Print and Promotions.

For tickets and information on all participating breweries, visit www.seacoastbrewfest.com. For more information on the hosts visit seacoastlocal.org and www.7thsettlement.com.