10th Annual Historic Odessa Brewfest returns on September 9th

The Historic Odessa Foundation (HOF) and Cantwell’s Tavern invite the public to join them in raising a mug in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Historic Odessa Brewfest, one of the region’s premier celebrations of craft brews and all things beer that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., on the sprawling grounds and gardens of the foundation’s 254-year-old Wilson-Warner House, Delaware’s first house museum, established in 1924.

Tickets for the 10th anniversary Odessa Brewfest, HOF’s signature fundraising event of the year, are now on sale (early-access Platinum and VIP tickets are sold out), and all proceeds support the preservation and education mission of the foundation, which owns and operates Historic Odessa and its museum properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and home to a National Historic Landmark, and National Park Service Network to Freedom site.

Since its inception in 2014, the Odessa Brewfest has become an integral part of the community, promoting the artistry and passion behind craft beer brewing, as well as Historic Odessa’s mission of preservation and education. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and reputation, attracting thousands of attendees from near and far, all eager to sample an exceptional selection of unique and innovative brews.

On Tap
The 10th anniversary of the Historic Odessa Brewfest will host an impressive lineup of more than 50, local, regional and national breweries, and will feature live music, artisan vendors, Fusion Beer Mile, lawn games, and locally sourced food provided by Cantwell’s Tavern, Odessa’s popular farm-to-table gastropub located in HOF’s historic Brick Hotel, and the Ashby Hospitality Group out of Newark, Del.

Attendees will receive a complimentary souvenir 2 oz. tasting mug upon admittance for unlimited craft beer sampling privileges for the duration of the day. The list of participating breweries is being updated regularly; for the current list, visit Odessa Brewfest’s homepage at www.odessabrewfest.com.

Live Music
This year’s live musical entertainment is presented on two stages. Main stage bands are Wilmington-based Beatles cover band Magical Mystery, who will perform from 12 to 2:30 p.m.; and returning favorite, reggae evangelists Spokey Speaky, from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. Taking the garden stage from 12 to 2:30 p.m., will be acoustic jazz and blues artist Bruce Anthony; and from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m., The Sheehan Brothers, Pennsylvania-based musicians who play an eclectic mix of traditional Irish, folk, pop, and country.

“We are immensely proud to reach this milestone and to see how our festival has evolved over the years,” said Debbie Buckson, HOF’s executive director. “This event is not just about celebrating beer, but also about promoting a sense of community among beer enthusiasts and brewers, as well as fostering support for our mission. We have witnessed the craft beer scene flourish, and we are excited to continue supporting it.”

At a Glance
WHAT:           10th Annual Historic Odessa Brewfest
WHEN:           Sept. 9, 2023, General Admission, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE:         Historic Odessa ­ 202 Main Street, Odessa, DE 19730
TICKETS:       General Admission, $60 ($70 at the gate); Designated Driver, $15