History and beer have never paired so well together.
Next month, the 12th Annual Odessa Brewfest returns to the grounds of the Wilson-Warner House, taking visitors back to the 17th century through a day of brew-filled fun. Set for Saturday, Sept. 6 (1 to 5:30 p.m.), the occasion features more than 50 local, regional, and national breweries along with food, vendors, live entertainment and more.
The event comes from a partnership with the Historic Odessa Foundation and Cantwell’s Tavern, and uses its landscape (Delaware’s first house museum) as a way to showcase both the past and present on the 256-year-old estate.
“The Odessa Brewfest is more than a celebration of great beer — it’s a way for our guests to experience the rich history of Odessa in a lively, unforgettable setting,” said Debbie Buckson, executive director of the Historic Odessa Foundation. “Every ticket sold supports the preservation of our historic site, educational programs, and community outreach, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this special place as much as we do today.”
Beer has deep roots in the region, dating back to the 17th century when European settlers along the Delaware River brewed their own beer as an essential domestic craft, a release notes. Historic Odessa, once a colonial grain-shipping port and key Mid-Atlantic transportation hub, provides the backdrop for today’s beer lovers to “raise a glass in the same spirit of community and craft.”
The festival has all the makings of your typical tasting experience (mugs, samples, bites and even a stein holding competition). But Odessa also incorporates sights and sounds of a bygone era — visitors can even find colonial brewing and open camp demonstrations on site throughout the day. Plus, guests can sip from modern craft creations, chat with brewers, and experience the living history of the town (that has preserved its charm for more than two and a half centuries).
Breweries will span dozens of options including 15 local names, with picks covering everything from hop-forward IPAs and silky stouts to crisp lagers and inventive small-batch creations. Cantwell’s Tavern will also be on site to serve up some fare: The local Odessa gastro-pub is known for its crab grilled oysters, apple cheddar board, pesto hummus, beef wellington egg rolls, bourbon French onion soup, BBQ ribs, fried chicken flatbread, triple cooked chips and more.
The event will also be packed with artisan vendors, lawn games, historically educational demonstrations, live music (with bands like Spokey Speakey and the Sheehan Brothers), plus, the return of the aforementioned Men’s and Women’s Steinholding Competitions and Fusion Beer Mile.
“The Brewfest is a chance to showcase not only the best in craft beer, but the best of Odessa’s warm, welcoming spirit,” added Jeremy Hughes, vice president of Ashby Hospitality Group. “Cantwell’s Tavern is proud to be part of an event that brings people together in such a historic and beautiful setting — it’s a celebration of flavor, friendship, and community.”
VIP tickets are currently sold out, but general admission tickets ($60 in advance, $70 at the door) include entry at 1 p.m. and a souvenir tasting mug. Designated Driver tickets ($15) will be available at the gate as well.
For more information on the 12th Annual Odessa Brewfest at the Wilson-Warner House (202 Main St., Odessa, Delaware), visit odessabrewfest.com
