‘Mighty Matanuska Brewfest’ on tap

PALMER — Tickets are on sale now for the Alaska State Fair’s annual “Mighty Matanuska Brewfest.”

This year’s festival is from 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 18 and 19 in Raven Hall at the fairgrounds. Tickets are available online at alaskastatefair.org.

Patrons can select samples from more than 70 brews and wines from local and Outside brewers.

Brewers include Alaska Brewing Co., Denali Brewing Co., Deschutes Brewery, Glacier Brewhouse, Kassik’s Kenai Brew Shop, Midnight Sun Brewing Co., Pyramid Breweries, Samuel Adams Brewery, Silver Gulch Brewery, Sleeping Lady Brewing Co., 49th State Brewing Co., Last Frontier Brewing Co., Arkose Brewery, King Street Brewing Co. and Kenai River Brewing Co.

Brewfest patrons are encouraged to vote for their favorite beer, and each year the brewer of the People’s Choice award winner is named brewer of the 2014 official Alaska State Fair beer.

This year that honor went to Denali Brewing Co. for its Twister Creek IPA, which won the People’s Choice award in 2011 and 2012.

The festival also includes food available for purchase and live music throughout the night. Live music Friday is by Voodoo and Nervis Rex. On Saturday, Element 47 and Against The Grain take the stage.

Tickets are $30 and include 20, 3-ounce samples and are available online at alaskastatefair.org. Designated driver tickets are $10. Convenience fees apply.

From Anchorage, the Magic Bus is offering round-trip transportation for $29, which does not include Brewfest admission.

Buses will depart at 5 and 5:30 p.m. both nights from Chilkoot Charlie’s parking lot, 1068 W. Fireweed, in Anchorage and return at 11 p.m.