Benz Fest
Get ready for a premier beverage experience as the Cedar Rapids Brewing Society (CRBS) and Benz Beverage Depot team up to present Benz Fest! This exciting event, a fusion of the popular Drink Local Festival and Benz Fest, is set to take place on Saturday, May 11th, at the renowned Benz Beverage Depot.
Benz Beverage Depot, a cornerstone in Cedar Rapids for unique and high-quality beverage selections, will be the vibrant backdrop for this year’s festival. Attendees can explore a diverse array of beers, ciders, meads, and spirits from vendors hailing from across the Midwest. Adding to the festival’s unique appeal, homebrew clubs from around the state will also be showcasing their handcrafted creations, offering a taste of local brewing talent.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Benz,” stated CRBS Vice President Haley Rosendahl. “Combining our Drink Local Festival with Benz Fest at Benz Beverage Depot allows us to host an even larger and more diverse group of vendors, while still celebrating the fantastic homebrew community in Iowa.”
The festival promises a full afternoon of tasting and discovery, running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For those eager to get a head start, a VIP hour will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by general admission opening at 2 p.m. VIP tickets are available for $50, while general admission is priced at $40. Designated drivers will be admitted for free, ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. This is a 21+ event, and tickets are currently on sale at Benz Beverage Depot and online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cr-brewing-society-benzfest-tickets-863339982127.
Beyond the delightful beverages, Benz Fest also serves a great cause. Proceeds from Cedar Rapids Brewing Society festivals are dedicated to supporting local nonprofits. Following a successful 2023, where $4,500 was donated to Trees Forever, this year’s Benz Fest will benefit the Greater Good Fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF). This fund plays a vital role in supporting competitive grant programs at GCRCF, which in turn provide crucial funding to nonprofits addressing the community’s most pressing needs.
The Cedar Rapids Brewing Society, a 501(c)(7) social club, is at the heart of this event. They connect home brewers and beverage enthusiasts in the Cedar Rapids area, fostering a community passionate about fermented beverages. With monthly meetings, quarterly homebrew competitions, and happy hours open to the public, the CRBS cultivates appreciation for beer, wine, mead, cider, and more.
Hosting Benz Fest, Benz Beverage Depot is more than just a location; it’s a destination for beverage lovers. Located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Benz Beverage Depot boasts an unparalleled selection of spirits, beer, wine, and gourmet foods. Known for carrying over 1,200 different wines, the largest beer selection in the area, and a vast array of specialty cheeses and food items, Benz Beverage Depot is the perfect partner for this beverage-centric festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the best of Midwest beverages at Benz Fest, hosted by Benz Beverage Depot!
