Although not in the same league as the recent Arizona Strong Beer Festival, the 26th annual Great Arizona Beer Festival will bring more than 200 craft beers from about 50 breweries to Tempe Beach Park from 2-6 p.m. Saturday.
Compared to Strong Beer, this weekend’s event, expected to draw more than 3,000 people, will feature not only fewer beers and breweries, but also almost no “non-mainstream” selections, according to the lineup posted by the organizers.
Four Peaks, for example, poured 19 beers – including seven from its barrel-aged program – at Strong Beer, but will pour just five every-day beers (Kilt Lifter, 8th Street Ale, Sunbru, Hop Knot, and Peach) and its seasonal Odelay Mexican Chocolate Ale at Great Arizona.
Several Valley breweries have chosen not to attend Saturday’s fest, including acclaimed Arizona Wilderness, whose tent drew perhaps the largest crowds at Strong Beer.
General admission is $45, which includes a tasting cup and 24 beer tickets. VIP admission is $85 and also includes early entry (1 p.m.), VIP pavilion, and a meal. Organizers say parking will be free.
