SoWal Beerfest at Shades Serves Suds & Spirits August 3rd

Summer is for beaches, blistering heat and beer. Yes! Beer!

That crisp, cold libation that snaps you back to life, and as the weather swelters, few things hold the power to help you handle the scorching sun better than beer. Cue Shades Bar & Grill's inaugural SoWal Craft Beer and Spirits Festival on Friday, August 3rd from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Children's Volunteer Health Network, Inc.  (CVHN) and the aim of the festival is to elevate the craft beer and spirits movement throughout South Walton. Expect a laid-back event where casual attire is the norm.

The Summer heat is no match for the cold brews, distilled liquors, ciders, rosé wine and mimosas set to flow inside two giant "cooled" tents. A radio host will be pumping out the jams all day. For added entertainment, there will be two bounce houses and a cornhole section for the kids.

Get your tickets online now at Shades30a.com - come mingle with friends, neighbors and more than 30 craft breweries at Shades Bar and Grill in Inlet Beach.  Early Entry Passes are $50, General Admission $40. Early entry allows special access from 12-1 p.m.. General Admission will begin at 1p.m.

“We’ve hosted monthly tastings and smaller festivals but we envision the SoWal Craft Beer and Spirits Festival a way to connect with the true beer-lovers, while not forgetting about the sector of drinkers who enjoy their spirits, rosé, and bubbles,” says Steven Sapp, Director of Operations for the Shades Group. “I’m especially excited to host Cigar City Brewing Company, they have been making great beers in Florida for a while now and always bring something new to the party.”

Festival-goers can look forward to beer and spirits industry experts ready to share their knowledge about their craft while having your commemorative glass filled with 2 oz pours. Expect to see local favorites: Grayton Beer Company, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, and Oyster City Brewing Company along with out-of-state heavy hitters: Good People, Bell’s, Lagunitas, Oskar Blues, New Belgium, Dogfish Head and several others.

But wait, there’s more! Food samplings will be provided by The Shades Group’s three crave-worthy restaurants: Shades Bar and Grill, Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar, and Southside Slice. Pescado is fresh to the SoWal scene. The extraordinary seafood grill and rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico is perched in famed Rosemary Beach. With a creative menu produced from fresh ingredients, don’t be surprised to find a new seasonal favorite with each visit. Southside Slice, conveniently located in the same building underneath Pescado in Rosemary Beach, is a family-friendly pizza place serving up New York style pies, sandwiches and salads with a casual beach vibe. Clearly with The Shades Group at the wheel you know you’re not going to leave the event hungry.

However, if you do find yourself with the urge to stuff your face with Shades famous Volcano Shrimp, Tuna Dip or Nachos head inside the restaurant. Shades Bar and Grill will be open to the public for service during normal business hours, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Those attending the SoWal Craft Beer and Spirits Festival will receive special discounts on menu items.

Another bonus - Gulf Coast Go, the official transportation sponsor, will be on-site offering ticket holders free rides on event day. The hop-on hop-off trolly will run a continuous route between Gulf Place and Shades. Call for a pickup and/or take advantage of the drop off. Either way, I recommend you do the drinking and let them handle the driving.

Get your tickets now for the inaugural SoWal Craft Beer and Spirits Festival. Tickets are available at Shades30a.com. Interested in volunteering? Email kellyt@cvhnkids.org to help.

Proceeds from the event benefit Children's Volunteer Health Network, Inc.  Children’s Volunteer Health Network, HEALTHY HAPPY KIDS, is a faith-based 501(c)3 organization, established in 2005 in direct response to Walton and Okaloosa counties’ large population of families who are unable to access high-quality health services due to the unavailability (or inadequacy) of insurance. The organization facilitates the delivery of comprehensive, direct medical, dental and mental health services to school children whose family income falls below certain measures throughout Walton and Okaloosa Counties and surrounding communities.

Shades Bar & Grill is located east of Rosemary Beach at the intersection of Scenic 30A and Highway 98. Open for lunch and dinner. Follow Shades Bar & Grill on Facebook. You can take a look at the menu online, don’t forget to ask about daily specials. Shades Bar & Grill is also known for throwing terrific and purposeful events. Be sure to check out the SoWal Events Calendar for updates.

Read more and see photos at SoWal Dining Guide | Shades Bar and Grill.