Photo by Daniel Murphy, courtesy The Beer Dabbler
It’s time to find a designated driver because the 10th Annual Winter Beer Dabbler is taking place Saturday, Feb. 23. This fast-paced event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds welcomes beer lovers, breweries, food trucks, and performers.
Try as many of the 182 breweries as you can in three and a half hours, but don’t forget to check out the entertainment, too. Five bands and a DJ will take the stage, bringing music throughout the dabbler. Gully Boys, a Minneapolis band of three women, will take the main stage first. Expect indie punk vibes and carefully-crafted bass lines. Bringing harder rock is Appetite for Zaccardi which will finish the Dabbler on the main stage.
Jam out by yourself at the silent disco, arguably the most popular activity at the event (besides slurping beer). Wireless headphones and a free-spirited group give you the opportunity to try out your wildest dance moves. If you get tired of dancing, there’s giant beer pong with garbage cans as cups. Luckily, participants don’t have to chug gallons of beer. There’s also a competition for brewers with a large obstacle course and lots of challenges to watch.
In between sips of craft brews, head indoors for Lunds and Byerlys’ meet and cheese showcase. Three local bands will play inside as you defrost and sample cheese, a great pairing to beer. Food trucks line the grounds serving cookie dough, pizza, grilled cheese, and other fair favorites. These treats aren’t included in the ticket price, so make sure to bring a few dollars. Potter’s Pasties, Gerhard’s Brats, and O’Cheeze are just three of the 15 trucks participating.
So without further ado, take an Uber or grab a friend for a discounted designated driver ticket. You won’t want to miss out on the booze, snacks, and music.
10thAnnual Winter Beer Dabbler
February 23, 3-6:30 pm (2 pm for early access)
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Tickets available online
$50 General admission
$70 Early access
$20 Designated driver
Must have valid photo ID and be 21 or over
