It’s pretty hard for us to resist two of our favorite things – good friends and good beer – so when we were invited to attend the Media Night for Charlotte’s next beer festival coming this spring, we knew that we would be in for a treat.
On Monday, we joined several other media members at Draught Charlotte for the announcement of Creative Loafing’s Moo & Brew Craft Beer & Burger Festival sponsored by Stone Brewing Company and Sysco. This new event will be kicking off on April 11, 2015 from 2pm – 6pm at the NC Music Factory festival grounds. The premise of the festival is to bring together “great craft beer, delicious burgers and great music!”
Moo & Brew Festival coming April 11, 2015 to the NC Music Factory.
Though the specifics are not yet released, it was announced that over 40 craft breweries will be on hand, as well as 15+ food purveyors for this inaugural event. The twist with this beer fest is that food vendors are vying for the title of “Creative Loafing’s Best Burger.”
Burgers and beer?! Yes please! The panel of “burger-testers” (what a lucky panel!) will vote for their pick via text and the winner will be announced at the festival! However, it is really all about enjoying the day and sampling some of Charlotte’s best beer and burger places.
The creative team behind Moo & Brew consists of Amy Mularski from Creative Loafing, Ken Thomas from the NC Music Factory, and one of the busiest women in Charlotte, the Social Media Cowgirl herself, Corri Smith.
The Social Media Cowgirl, Corri Smith (photo via @VTGCLT on Instagram)
Another member of the event is a veteran in the beer festival world, Cesar Leyva, co-host for Cheers Charlotte and Director of Marketing for Charlotte Oktoberfest. “I’m involved to make sure that the beer is good,” said Levya during the media night, “Charlotte and North Carolina will be well-represented.”
Moo & Brew is about the beer and the burgers, however there is also a focus on great music. The headlining band was announced as national touring act, Langhorne Slim, along with local favorite Ancient Cities. Click here for a breakdown of the day’s schedule.
Langhorne Slim photo by Todd Roeth
Ancient Cities via www.ancientcitiesband.com
Big thank you to Draught and Stone Brewing Co. for the hospitality. Draught put out a spread of yummy bites including a jalapeño cheese dip with soft pretzels (melt in your mouth good). We were also were treated to Stone’s Lucky Bastrd, an anniversary blend of dry-hopped Arrogant Bastard Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale and Double Bastard Ale (and it was delicious).
You may think, “Oh it’s just another beer festival” but any event that showcases the amazing food, beer and music that Charlotte and North Carolina offers should be supported! You can purchase your tickets here beginning on Monday, January 26. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets run at $65 (with an early entrance at 12:30 and other perks). A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
