The James Museum of Wildlife & Western Art in St. Petersburg, Florida on July 24, 2018. Credit: Photo via cityofstpete/Flickr

Who doesn’t need a beer right about now? As Tampa Bay continues to pick itself up after back-to-back hurricanes, one beer festival in St. Petersburg wants to make it a little easier to catch a buzz without the use of a chainsaw.

A press release says that in response to Hurricane’s Milton and Helene, a portion of proceeds from next weekend’s OctoberWest craft beer festival will benefit the local chapter of Mutual Aid Disaster Relief (MADR).

“MADR is a grassroots network whose mission is to provide disaster relief based on the principles of solidarity, mutual aid, and autonomous direct action. By working with, listening to, and supporting impacted communities, especially their most vulnerable members, to lead their own recovery, it builds long-term, sustainable and resilient communities,” the release adds.

The organization mobilized after Helene and is currently running a free market in Tampa where community members can get clothes and supplies at no charge.

What’s more is that admission to the event at St. Petersburg’s James Museum of Wildlife and Western Art are now buy-one-get-one-free when ticket buyers use the code BOGO at checkout.

JDubs, Channelside Brewing and Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s ‘OctoberWest’ marzen is a German amber lager traditionally served during Oktoberfest. Credit: Photo by Ray Roa

“OctoberWest will celebrate the James Museum’s collection of art and local craft breweries, both of which the Tampa Bay area is well known for,” organizers, which in full disclosure include Creative Loafing Tampa Bay (CL), wrote.

Among the nearly two dozen beers available for sampling are another collaborative brew between JDubs, Channelside Brewing and CL. The “OctoberWest” marzen is a German amber lager traditionally served during Oktoberfest, and the can was designed by CL designer Joe Frontel, according to the release.

The evening includes full access to the museum galleries, food and drink sampling, live music, a DJ and even line dancing. Winners of a best western-dressed competition will get two VIP tickets to every Cl event from December 2024-December 205, plus $200 in CL Deal credits.

VIP access includes early access, a swag bag, and more.

Tickets to OctoberWest happening Saturday, Oct. 26 at St. Petersburg’s James Museum of Wildlife and Western Art are still available and start at $30.
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