The Drink Local Festival presented by the Cedar Rapids Brewing Society (CRBS), previously held annually in August, is combining with Benz Beverage Depot’s Benz Fest.
The Cedar Rapids Brewing Society Benz Fest will be held at Benz Beverage Depot Saturday, May 11. The event will include beers, ciders, meads, and spirits from a variety of vendors from around the Midwest and from homebrew clubs from around the state.
“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Benz,” said CRBS Vice President Haley Rosendahl in a release. “Combining these two great festivals will allow us to bring in even more vendors, while still featuring the many great homebrew clubs from around the state.”
The festival will run from 1-5 p.m., with a VIP hour from 1-2 p.m. and general admission beginning at 2 p.m. VIP tickets are $50; general admission tickets are $40. Designated driver tickets are free. Festival admission is 21+ only. Tickets are on sale now at Benz and at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cr-brewing-society-benzfest-tickets-863339982127
Proceeds from Cedar Rapids Brewing Society festivals benefit local nonprofits.
In 2023, the club donated $4,500 to Trees Forever. Proceeds from the 2024 festival will benefit the Greater Good Fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF). The Greater Good Fund is an unrestricted, endowed fund that supports the competitive grant programs at GCRCF, which provide funding for nonprofits meeting the community’s greatest needs and opportunities.
The Cedar Rapids Brewing Society is a 501(c)(7) social club based in Cedar Rapids, connecting home brewers and beer enthusiasts. The club meets monthly and also hosts quarterly homebrew competitions and a monthly happy hour where members of the public are able to sample beverages produced by club members. The club is not just for beer lovers; wine, mead, cider, and other fermentation enthusiasts are all welcome.
Located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Benz Beverage Depot offers a unique, high-quality selection of spirits, beer, wine, and foods. Benz carries more than 1,200 different wines; the area’s largest selection of beer; over 100 imported and domestic cheeses; and thousands of specialty food items.
