Route 66 is probably the most famous highway in the United States. The highway originally stretched for 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles and was the United State’s first all-weather highway, paved in 1926. Before interstate travel replaced the slower-paced highway roads in the 1950s, Americans would see the country through their rolled-down car windows, as they traveled along those slower highways, stopping often at one of the hundreds of mom-and-pop cafes, motels, gas stations, and other tourist attractions along the way.
Brewski Kicks on Route 66!
In honor of the great road, The Factory at the District is hosting its inaugural beer festival, Brewski Kicks on Route 66! The festival celebrates the great American road trip, highlighting iconic breweries from each state along the way. This year cruises through legendary Route 66 featuring 16 breweries, over 30 brews, plus live music by The Bobby Ford Band and more on Saturday, July 30th. And if you’re thinking, who wants to be outside when it’s 100 plus degrees, no worries.
“Because of the heat, our community had a gap in celebrating our local beer in the summertime since our beer festivals are typically held outdoors,” said Elaine Simmons, VIP Manager at The Factory. “The Factory is the perfect space to host a summer beer festival inside with air conditioning! We work with great local breweries, and wanted to create an event that gives them time to shine in the summer and highlight their refreshing seasonal brews.”
Who’s pouring
The festival celebrates the great American road trip, and that means featuring breweries from each state along the Route 66 journey.
Illinois
- Maplewood Brewing
- Pipeworks Brewing
- Off Color Brewing
- Excel Brewing
Missouri
- Brick River Cider
- Urban Chestnut Brewing
- Heavy Riff Brewing
- Rockwell Beer
- 4 Hands Brewing
- Perennial Artisan Ales
Kansas
- Free State Brewing
Oklahoma
- Prairie Artisan Ales
Texas
- Karbach Brewing
Arizona
- Four Peak Brewing
California
- Firestone Walker
- Cali Squeeze
As for what beers will be on tap, the festival is not releasing that information, but says, “We won’t be disappointed.”
What you need to know
Food offerings will be available for purchase from local food partner, Rock Star Tacos. Chef Wil Pelly’s music-themed fare is the perfect snack for a day filled with music and beer. Tacos and side dishes (including vegan options) will be offered.
When guests check-in at the box office for their adventure, they will be able to scan a QR code that will take them to a detailed map to help guide them through their road trip.
The tasting stops will be on the floor of the main concert hall. Pit stops will be available throughout the journey to allow for snacking, hydrating, and game playing. The lobby will host a merchandise market where guests can shop for some great beer and music related items.
The outdoor area will feature local spirit sampling as well as a classic car display, and more activities. Seating will be available both indoors and outdoors. VIP guests will have a cozy lounge to relax in.
Entertainment will consist of DJ Ahmad the Prophet from 1 pm-3 pm and The Bobby Ford band will perform from 3 pm-5 pm to wrap up the event with some great tunes and dancing.
Ticket Options
All tickets can be purchased online
- Entry | $20.00
Does not include access to beer sampling
- Half-Road Trip | $35.00
Includes event entry and access to sample up to 16 beers from 8 breweries
- Full-Road Trip | $50.00
Includes event entry and access to sample up to 32 beers from all 16 breweries
- VIP Add-Ons | $25.00
Includes event early access 1-hour prior to doors for special releases, a swag bag, a snack voucher, and access to VIP lounge.
(Upgrade can only be added to Half-Road Trip and Full-Road Trip)
