Celebrating Diversity at the Annual Freshfest Beer Festival in Pittsburgh

An Introduction to Freshfest

Freshfest is an annual beer festival held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that celebrates diversity in the craft beer industry. Launched in 2018 by Day Bracey and Mike Potter of Drinking Partners Podcast along with the Black Brew Culture magazine, Freshfest aims to highlight brewers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts of color. The festival brings together breweries, cideries, and distilleries owned by Black, Latinx, Asian, and Native American brewers for a day of education, collaboration, and of course, amazing drinks.

Freshfest stands out from other beer festivals by placing inclusivity at the forefront. While the craft beer world has exploded in popularity in recent years, it remains a predominantly white space. Freshfest flips the script by spotlighting and uplifting brewers from diverse backgrounds. The festival provides a platform for breweries that are often overlooked to showcase their skills and creativity.

The flagship event is held every August in Pittsburgh, which hosts the festival in partnership with Allies for Health + Wellbeing - a local LGBTQ health center. However, Freshfest has expanded into a movement that goes beyond the annual festival. Throughout the year, Freshfest hosts beer dinners, workshops, collaborations and other special events that bring together brewers and beer lovers of all backgrounds.

The History of Freshfest Beer Festival

The first Freshfest was held in August 2018 at Nova Place in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhood. Around 2,000 attendees came out to enjoy beers from over 40 Black-owned breweries, cideries and distilleries. Some of the standouts pouring at the inaugural festival included Ben's Brewing Company, Crowns & Hops Brewing, and Midnight Brewing. The festival also featured talks focused on diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Mike Potter, co-founder of Freshfest, was inspired to launch the event after noticing the lack of racial diversity at other beer festivals he attended. He hoped to provide a platform to support brewers from underrepresented backgrounds who struggled to gain wider distribution and recognition. The festival's name is a play on words - "fresh" refers to the fresh, exciting brews while "fest" brings people together to celebrate.

The second Freshfest took place in August 2019 and built upon the momentum of the first year. The 2019 festival hosted around 4,000 attendees along with even more breweries, cideries and distilleries. It also expanded the educational programming with talks focused on Black brewing history and women's contributions to brewing.

After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Freshfest returned in August 2022 for a scaled-back indoor event. Around 30 breweries poured beers while talks touched on supporting Black-owned breweries and diversity in the industry. The festival continued its charitable partnership with Allies for Health + Wellbeing.

Why Freshfest Stands Out

One of the key things that makes Freshfest such an impactful festival is its passionate focus on inclusivity. The festival directly works to address the lack of diversity in the craft beer industry by providing a platform for underrepresented brewers to shine. Here are some of the key ways Freshfest stands out:

Spotlights Minority Brewers

All of the breweries, cideries and distilleries pouring at Freshfest are owned by Black, Latinx, Asian or Native American brewers. This gives amazing but overlooked breweries a chance to gain exposure and connect with new fans. You'll find bold new flavors and innovative brewing styles that you won't encounter elsewhere.

Partners with Charities

Freshfest designates a charity partner each year that receives some of the proceeds from the festival. Since 2018, the festival's partner has been Allies for Health + Wellbeing, an LGBTQ health center providing medical care, counseling and support programs. This charitable connection allows Freshfest to give back.

Educational Programming

In addition to being a fun festival for drinking and socializing, Freshfest places a big emphasis on education. Throughout the day, talks and seminars dive into topics like the history of Black brewing, women's contributions and diversity efforts. Attendees walk away with deeper knowledge.

Collaborations

One exciting aspect of Freshfest is the unique collaboration brews created for the festival. Breweries team up to jointly brew a beer to showcase at the event. For example, the 2022 festival featured a gose brewed with cranberry and hibiscus by Weathered Souls Brewing and Cinderlands Beer Co.

Beyond the Festival

While the August festival is the centerpiece, Freshfest hosts events throughout the year to continue its mission of inclusivity. This includes tap takeovers, beer dinners, brewing workshops and collaborations. The effort extends the impact beyond one day.

Breweries at Freshfest

One of the big draws of Freshfest is the amazing lineup of groundbreaking breweries that pour at the event. While the roster changes a bit each year, Freshfest always assembles an all-star team. Here are some of the standout breweries that have participated:

Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.

Based in Inglewood, CA, Crowns & Hops stands out for its diverse ownership team and nickname as the "Minority Brew Movement." Founded by Nigerian prince Beny Ashburn, the brewery produces hop-forward West Coast IPAs along with stouts, lagers, sours and more.

Sankofa Beer Company

This Chicago brewery celebrates African heritage and Black culture through unique brews like its Nuva Gin Spiced Honey Ale and Black is Beautiful Stout. Owner Mike Hill participates annually in Freshfest.

18th Street Brewery

One of the most renowned Black-owned breweries, 18th Street Brewery hails from Gary, Indiana. Brewer and co-owner Drew Fox serves an array of quirky brews like his signature Hunter coffee stout at Freshfest.

Harlem Brewing Company

Harlem Brewing owner Celeste Beatty pour her sought-after beers at Freshfest, like the Harlem Renaissance Wit wheat beer. The brewery aims to revitalize the legacy of Harlem's renowned arts and culture scene.

Black Frog Brewery

Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Black Frog Brewery dazzles Freshfest crowds with brews like its Tequila Sunrise Gose and Coconut Coffee Stout. Brewer Tony Grant strives to push boundaries and expectations.

Beyond these brewing stars, the festival also showcases newer up-and-coming Black-owned breweries and neighboring mainstream breweries committed to the mission of diversity.

Signature Events at Freshfest

In addition to the general festival sampling session, Freshfest incorporates several special events into the agenda for 2022:

Freshfest Kickoff Party

The festival now hosts an opening party the night before the main event, taking over a Black-owned bar/restaurant in Pittsburgh. Breweries offer tastings while music sets the mood for the festival ahead.

Brewing While Black

This educational talk features Black brewers sharing their personal stories and career journeys. Attendees gain insight into the challenges and triumphs these brewers experienced entering the industry.

Women & Wild Ales

Female brewers lead a guided tasting through funky and sour wild ales. This event calls attention to women pushing wild ale styles forward.

Freshfest Collab Brew Release

The breweries behind the specialty collaboration beer created for Freshfest give a first look and tasting of the unique brew during a special release event.

How to Attend Freshfest

Attending Freshfest provides an opportunity to change the beer world for the better by supporting diversity and inclusivity. Here are some tips for experiencing this one-of-a-kind festival:

Buy Tickets Early

Freshfest is growing more popular each year, so tickets are likely to sell out in advance. Purchase tickets online as early as possible.

Book Accommodations

Make hotel or Airbnb arrangements well ahead of time if traveling to Pittsburgh for the festival. Rooms fill up fast with Freshfest attendees.

Review the Brewery Lineup

Take a look at the list of participating breweries that will be pouring and see if there are any you definitely want to visit. With so many great options, having a tasting plan helps optimize your experience.

Check Out the Event Schedule

Beyond the main festival session, there are special events like guided tastings and educational talks. Review the schedule so you don't miss out on any of the extra fun!

Download the Freshfest App

Use the free Freshfest app to view the brewery list, schedule, festival map and more right from your phone. The app provides the info you need on the go.

Embrace the inclusive spirit of Freshfest to find your new favorite breweries, meet fellow beer lovers from all backgrounds and be part of positive change in the beer world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Freshfest:

Where and when is Freshfest held?

Freshfest takes place annually every August in Pittsburgh, PA. The festival moved to a new indoor location in 2022 at The Stacks at 3 Crossings.

How much are tickets to attend?

Ticket prices vary based on the experience chosen. General festival admission typically costs around $50-60 for the day. VIP tickets, specialty events and the kickoff party come at an additional cost.

Are children allowed at Freshfest?

Yes, children are permitted at the main festival, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The festival recommends leaving younger children at home though, as the event is beer-focused.

Can I bring my pet to the festival?

No pets are allowed at Freshfest, with the exception of certified service animals.

Is there food available at Freshfest?

Yes, Freshfest brings in an array of food trucks and pop-up restaurants so you can purchase meals and snacks onsite. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.

Can I drink outside the venue?

No, you cannot take beer outside the Freshfest venue per open container laws. Drinks must be consumed inside the festival's boundaries.

Is Freshfest accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, Freshfest makes every effort to make the festival accessible, with ramps, designated viewing areas, and American Sign Language interpreters on site.

FAQs

What is the age requirement to attend Freshfest?

You must be 21 or older to attend Freshfest and consume alcohol. Valid photo ID is required.

Can I bring my own beer/alcohol to Freshfest?

No outside alcohol is permitted at the festival. You must purchase and consume beer from official Freshfest vendors.

Is there parking available at or near Freshfest?

Yes, there are parking garages and surface lots within walking distance of the festival venue that can be used for a fee.

What is the refund/cancellation policy for Freshfest tickets?

Freshfest tickets are non-refundable, but you can transfer tickets to another person if needed. Contact the festival box office for assistance.

Is Freshfest accessible via public transportation?

Yes, the festival provides directions for taking local buses, the light rail, and rideshares to the event site.