Ticket sales for two summer craft beer events — Tampa Theatre's BeerFest and the Museum of Fine Arts Beer Project: Art+Beer Lounge, which are part festivals and part fundraisers — are open. The Beer Project is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. June 9, while BeerFest takes place 7 to 10 p.m. June 24.
Now in its third year, the annual Beer Project has another round of mostly local beers, inspired by pieces in the Museum of Fine Arts collection, planned for downtown St. Pete. Participants like Bootleggers Brewworx, Flying Boat Brewing Co., Rapp Brewing Company and Cigar City Cider & Mead will use works such as H.H. Bartram's photo of a vintage tattoo girl to evoke one-of-a-kind moods and taste profiles in their brews.
Other highlights include pop-up beer lounges designed by Andrew Winchell of Inside Jobs Design, a roving tattoo parlor, and a live painting experience from St. Pete muralist and artist Daniel Mrgan. The museum is set to auction off Mrgan's large-scale work during the event.
Alongside funds raised from the auction, the Beer Project helps preserve one of the MFA's most popular art pieces: a 20th century beaded Bamileke elephant mask. Tickets, which are up online, come with a commemorative tasting glass, appetizers and access to the galleries. And there's even a wine pass for an additional $5 that your vino-loving friend will appreciate.
Hosted later in June, the cinema-driven BeerFest loves a theme. The Tampa Theatre event's previous tongue-in-cheek themes include Hoppy Gilmore and O Brewer, Where Art Thou?, and Barley's Angels is in the spotlight for its upcoming sixth installment.
Guests, who are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Charlie's Angels characters (or in an outfit inspired by the flick), enjoy a mix of beer from area breweries and food samples by some of Tampa's most beloved restaurants. Coppertail Brewing Co., 7venth Sun Brewery, The Refinery, Independent Bar and Cafe, Motorworks Brewing, and Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe are among the still-growing list of participants.
Live music, more beer and photo opportunities with the Barley's Angels trio will also spill outside to Franklin Street during the fest, whose returning co-chairs are Refinery and Fodder & Shine owner-manager Michelle Baker and Independent owner Veronica Danko. With advanced tickets available for purchase online, the event benefits the historic movie theater's artistic, educational and community programs, in addition to its restoration and preservation.
This article appears in May 11-18, 2017.