Update: Due to forecasted rain, the May 28 event is rescheduled for June 4 from 4 to 8 p.m.
It’s easy for people to follow their favorite breweries on social media, but Mark Turic thinks they’ll go the extra mile for a beloved beverage.
The Beers of the Burgh Festival founder has teamed up with the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild to create the Traveling Beer Market, a pop-up shop that will hit a different outdoor venue each month. Patrons 21 and over will be able to buy beer on draft and to-go bottles and cans from a rotating lineup of local breweries while enjoying DJs and food trucks. There is no admission fee.
The first stop for the Traveling Beer Market will be on May 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bay 41 (115 41st St.) in Lawrenceville. It will feature Brew Gentlemen, East End Brewing Co., Levity Brewing Co., Old Thunder Brewing Co., ShuBrew and The Leaning Cask.
Turic says he has missed beer events and how they create a community.
“We wanted to put something together that could safely happen in this environment and would help out the breweries,” he says. “We felt that this concept — though it is not exactly a beer festival – could be a fun little way to bring people together until larger events can return.”
The grassroots effort involved reaching out to neighborhoods throughout the region to see if they have large spaces such as plazas, vacant lots or fields that could be donated to the series. The Foundry in Lawrenceville donated the Bay 41 event space, which is located on the site of the original Beers of the Burgh Festival held on April 12, 2014.
Turic and his team have an undisclosed location locked down for the June 25 beer market, which he describes as a farmers’ market with beer instead of produce. (If you’re looking for fresh fruits and veggies, check out NEXTpittsburgh’s guide to local farmers’ markets.)
Organizers are going to comply with all current Covid guidelines. Masks will be required except while eating and drinking and participants will receive a wristband upon entry.
The owners of Big Rail Brewing in Grove City held similar beer market events on their large, wooded property last year. Even in the winter, folks gathered to support local suds makers.
Turic hopes Pittsburghers will support this endeavor as he gears up for the next Beers of the Burgh Festival happening on Sept. 4 at the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Swissvale. The pandemic canceled the 2020 celebration, but tickets purchased for that event will be honored this year. Refunds will be given until two weeks before the event date and additional passes are on sale now.
“Our primary concern right now is safety,” Turic adds. “While we are excited for the return of the Beers of the Burgh Festival, we want to be sure the attendees, brewers and staff are all comfortable and feel safe at the event.”