Newport Beer Festival fills the Fort  – What's Up Newp

A chilly spring afternoon greeted hundreds of beer enthusiasts when the Newport Beer Festival took over Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, April 19. Dozens of vendors were present, including several from Aquidneck Island and many others from around the state, along with live music from the Z-Boys.

More than 50 breweries from across the region were serving samples, including members of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild, the Connecticut Brewers Guild, the Maine Brewers’ Guild, the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, the New Hampshire Brewers Association, and the Vermont Brewers Association. From fruity IPAs to light lagers and tangy seltzers, breweries provided a wide assortment of beer throughout the afternoon. 

Among local breweries, Ragged Island Brewing Co., Rejects Beer Co., and Taproot Brewing brought fan favorites and new brews to the festival. Other leading Rhode Island breweries, including Grey Sail Brewing, Proclamation Ale, Tower Hill Brewing, Tilted Barn Brewery, and Narragansett Brewing, were set up in the fort with their finest offerings. Also pouring… the newest Newport brewery, Pivotal Brewing, which opened their Broadway location this weekend. 

Next up for the Rhode Island Brewers Guild, the Ocean State Brewers Fest, with details to be announced soon. In the meantime, check out a few photos from the festival. (All photos: Ken Abrams)