Annual Brew Fest gathers region’s beer in one place
It would be a fun road trip for sure, but to taste all the beers featured at the annual COEUR D’ALENE BREW FEST, you’d put a lot of miles on your car. You’d have to travel to Montana, for example, for Jeremiah Johnson Brewing, southern Idaho for Boise Brewing, and Seattle for Georgetown Brewing. Or you could just head to Coeur d’Alene’s McEuen Park July 6, from 1-7 pm for the third annual festival featuring more than a dozen regional breweries and cideries.
The $20 ticket gets those 21-and-older six 5-ounce pours and a commemorative glass (additional drink tickets are $2 each), although accompanied children and designated drivers both get in free.
Each of the 15 vendors will have two varieties for you to try. From their homebase in Spokane, for example, Waddell’s Brewing has two bold beers — the ZestCoast Citra IPA, 7 percent ABV, and Hells Yeah! Helles style lager, 4.5 percent ABV.
North Idaho Cider will be serving Hoppy Mango and their Strawberry/Lemon. “Both great summertime ciders!” the Hayden-based company says.
Not a beer or cider fan? Purchase a glass of wine from local vendor, Castaway Cellars. Try their refreshing rosé!
What’s a festival without food and live entertainment? Munch on kettle corn from O’Houlis. Have a slice of wood-fired pizza from Malvagio’s. Or see what’s cooking on the ever-popular IncrediTruck, the mobile kitchen for Incrediburger & Eggs.
Enjoy live entertainment from two local favorites. LakeTown Sound plays classic rock from the ’70s on up, while the Ryan Larsen Band is a contemporary country act playing together for more than 10 years now.
And as if all the different beverages, food and entertainment weren’t enough, there’s the setting. McEuen Park is a charming expanse of greenspace at the foot of Tubbs Hill with a fabulous view of the nearby lake. Parking is a snap — better yet, ride your bike or walk over — and there’s no reason not to make a day of it. Bring the blanket, some chairs, and plan on a memorable day downtown.
Special Events
Fourth of July Parade
July 4
You won’t find a more charming, small-town parade than this family friendly event in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Deck the kids and their bikes or wagons in red, white and blue, and join in on the fun. Free; 10 am; parade starts at 15th Street and Sherman Avenue and ends at Government Way.
Food & Fun in the Park
July 4
Celebrate the Fourth with live music, street-food fare, artisan crafts and carnival rides in Coeur d’Alene’s City Park by the lake.
Free; 10 am-7 pm.
Steaks ‘N Sparklers
July 4
What could be more all-American than a juicy steak dinner served picnic style, with a front row seat to one of the best fireworks shows in the Northwest? $75 adults,
$33 children 3-12; 6-10 pm; Coeur d’Alene Resort front lawn.
Fireworks Show
July 4
One of the region’s premiere fireworks shows starts at dusk from Lake Coeur d’Alene and runs for 20 spectacular minutes.
Free; 9:30 pm (approximately).
