Top 5 Beer Fests and Events for May 2014

While many people might instinctively think of summer as “THE BEER FEST” time of the year, you shouldn’t overlook what the fair month of May has to offer. Think of it - May is like the Goldilocks of the year: Not too hot. Not too cold. April’s showers have given way to May’s flowers, meaning that more likely than not, if you’re scheduling a beer fest for this month, you’ll be hit with perfect weather.

But which beer fests and events are the best ones to scout for the month of May? Beerfests.com has you covered.

Here are the top five beer fests and events for May, 2014. For more information on each of these events outlined below, be sure to check out Beerfests.com.

1. Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race - Coinciding with the intergalatically celebrated May the Fourth Star Wars celebration, Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race is held in Phoenixville (about 28 miles northwest of Philly), PA. German food complements what is likely the largest offering of bock-style beers by any brewery in the U.S. at one time. Beers include Slacker Bock, Doppelbock, Maibock, and much, much more. Of course, beer isn’t the only attraction at this beer fest. Goats do, in fact race, much to the pleasure of the thousands in attendance. Then Sly Fox marks the yearly release of Maibock by tapping it, once the goats finish their race.
   The event is held rain or shine, on May 4, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Phoenixville.
2. American Craft Beer Fest - The East Coast comes alive every year, around this time, thanks to the American Craft Beer Fest, presented in part by Harpoon Brewery. The American Craft Beer Fest features more than 600 craft beers from 140+ brewers, and brings in more than 15,000 beer enthusiasts from across the globe.
   The American Craft Beer Fest takes place at the end of the month, on Friday, May 30 (from 6 - 9:30 p.m.), and twice on Saturday, May 31 (at 1 - 4:30 p.m. and 6 - 9:30 p.m.). All events are held at the Seaport World Trade Center, at 200 Seaport Blvd., in Boston, MA.
   What makes the American Craft Beer Fest different from other fests? Well, the ACBF pays for all the beer served, and waives booth fees so that the festival truly helps support craft brewers. To date (seven years and counting), the ACBF has spend more than $1 million on craft beers for their festivals.
3. American Craft Beer Week - An American Craft Beer Fest is pretty cool, no doubt. But wouldn’t an entire week be that much better? Well, you’re in luck, because May is home to such a week. From May 12 - 18, American Craft Beer Week will be in full force, allowing independent and small craft brewers - and their fans - to push the culture of beer to new audiences.
   So what exactly is involved? Locations throughout the country, in all 50 states, organize events to help celebrate beer. Often times, these celebrations breach the 7 day period known as “American Craft Beer Week,” meaning, essentially, that May is fast becoming American Craft Beer Month! Beerfests.com has all your local listings for ACBW celebrations. If you don’t find a celebration near you, get one started!
4. American Beer Classic - What’s more American than beer and healthy competition? The American Beer Classic is a chance for small and independent brewmasters to show off their goods, all while competing for the coveted MVB (Most Valuable Brew). But during this competition, there’s one sure winner … you, since you get to take part in enjoying more than 500 unique beers. This year’s competitions are in Chicago - (May 10, at Soldier Field), and in D.C. (July 12, at RFK Stadium). Their locations alone should tell you how intense, huge, and awesome these events are. If any beer fest is worth the travel, it’s the American Beer Classic.
5. California Festival of Beers - It’s tough to beat California in May, which is why the California Festival of Beers is a can’t miss event. It’s one of the largest and oldest regional beer festivals in California, and is a benefit event that donates its proceeds to the Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. The festival takes place over two days (May 23 and May 24), and features more than 200 beers, live music, food, and the California sun.

What are your favorite May beer fests? 

Please let us know in the comments below. Be sure to always visit the home page at BeerFests.com. While these are the top 5 can’t miss beer fests of May, 2014, there are countless other festivals and events happening throughout the month, and country. Whether you want to find something a little closer to home, or plan on going to as many festivals as possible (and good for you), Beerfests.com will bring you to the beer.