The virus reproduces in some places, but we vaccinated CBBTravelers remain enthusiastic about enjoying summer events when it’s still considered cool to do. Anyone interested in a roadie to the Brite Vibes Festival September 4? This is a one-day event celebrating all things New York State: craft beer, food, musicians, artists and more, created by the New York State Brewers Association in partnership with Ommegang Brewery.
“Nothing brings people together like craft beer and music. This community has been missing for the past year or so, and we’re excited to host an in-person event like this over Labor Day weekend for people to celebrate all the things they love about New York,” said Paul Leone, Director Director, New York State Brewers Association.
New York is one of the most regionally focused craft beer states, implementing an agricultural brewery license several years ago to incentivize more beers made with local ingredients. This hyper local festival concept is an extension of this philosophy. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample craft beer from all corners of New York State, exposing them to brews they might not have been able to try before. Half of the participating breweries are recent winners of the 2021 New York State Craft Beer Competition – some have even won multiple medals several years in a row.
“It’s been over a year since we were forced to close our small tasting room and transition to a take-out-only brewery,” said Michael Carter, co-owner of Fidens Brewing Company. “We are delighted to attend Britevibes for a rare opportunity to sample our beers with other beer fans!”
Taking place at the Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown (a central location), BriteVibes’ 30+ breweries will be surrounded by craft vendors, experiential exhibitors, food trucks and live music. Attendees can also purchase an on-site camping reservation at the festival grounds, a former hop farm.
Daytime shows include Dirty Blanket, The Old Main, Los Blancos and Big Time Kitty. The evening concert, included in general admission or available as a separate ticket, opens with Oxymorons, followed by Delta Spirit, an indie rock band from California playing other major festivals across the United States, in their first East Coast show of the year.
To complete the festival experience, participants can take part in the BruBag competition, combining the rules of beer pong with the game of cornhole, try the thrilling experience of ax throwing, offered by Bury the Hatchet, or support the New York-based craft sellers.
“It’s summer in New York, and after the last year and a half, how could you want to do anything but listen to great music outdoors with friends and New York beers?” says Dan Bronson, Managing Director, SingleCut Beersmiths. “SingleCut’s entire existence is based on the association of beer and music, and BriteVibes is shaping up to be an amazing weekend of that.”
