Fort Collins, Colorado, brewing company New Belgium has had a hell of a time in the Sunshine State since it initially crossed our borders last summer. The fun continues next week when the brewery brings its annual Clips Beer & Film Tour to downtown Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17.
The event — which will hit 21 U.S. cities on its 2014 run — gives local beer enthusiasts a chance to try some of the brewery's most unique suds, including a few varieties of their Lips Of Faith series. It doubles as a mini-film festival that will showcase an assortment of independent short films.
"In the years to come I intend to push for local submissions to try and grow the film scene locally," Matt Bennett wrote to CL. He is New Belgium's Florida field brander, and is active in the area's local music scene. But the 34-year-old admits to an admiration of film. "It's always been a love of mine," he said. "The Clips tour is a perfect opportunity for me to do this."
The best part is that the Tampa stop will also give all the event's proceeds to local nonprofit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
The beer and film tour is free to attend, but you must be 21 years old to purchase and consume beer, which will come in 3-ounce samples or 12-ounce pours ($1.25, $5 respectively).
Attendees are welcome to bring their own food, and a few vendors (Holy Hog, Taco Bus and Pitas On The Run) will be on hand if you suck at packing a picnic. Outside alcohol is prohibited. Read the full beer selection and more information.
