Get your craft on at the Maui Brew Fest 2013

Maui Brewing Co. is a major sponsor of the Maui Brewers Festival, which returns Saturday, May 18. PHOTO BY RAAMA STUART.
KAHULUI – Celebrating its fifth year, the Maui Brewers Festival returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, May 18, from 2:30 to 7 p.m.
Presented by the MACC, Maui Brewing Co. and Paradise Beverages, the festival takes place under the swaying coconut palms in the Yokouchi Pavilion and A&B Amphitheater.
Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the MACC’s arts and educational programs for students, seniors and the Maui County community.
This year’s Maui Brew Fest will feature 33 craft breweries from Hawaii, California, Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, Illinois and Delaware, including brewers new to the event like Golden Road Brewery, Goose Island Beer Co., Iron Fist Brewing and Kauai Island Brewing, in addition to favorites from years past.
Breweries participating in the festival are selected because of their commitment to making craft beer in which quality, flavor and locally-sourced ingredients come first.

The Maui Brew Fest Beer Dinner will feature cuisine of the New Americas by Cactus Bistro Chef-Owner John Memering of Kailua. Each of his creations will be paired with specialty craft beers by Maui Brewing Co. of Lahaina.
Get ready to enjoy a leisurely day of sampling from a vast selection of 68 craft beers paired with island-style dishes from local purveyors and two food trucks, such as Bob’s Dogs of Maui, Fleetwood’s on Front St., Food for the Soul, Fred’s Mexican Cafe, Just Wing It, Kalama’s Local Grinds, Longhi’s, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and Three’s Bar & Grill.
Entering the venue, you’ll get a commemorative glass from which to sample eight 4-ounce pours of beer while grinding on appetizers and desserts. General admission price is $50 in advance and $60 on event day.
On stage, the entertainment lineup from 4 to 7 p.m. will include the Maui bands Nuff Sedd, Lia Live! and Simply Twisted. There will also be logo merchandise for sale as well as prize giveaways.
Two new components have been added to the festival this year. The Rare Beer Tasting begins at 2:30 p.m. and showcases seven rare or specialty craft beers from a select group of brewers. For $95, you’ll receive a VIP package (includes logo shirt and reserved parking) and sample beers that can’t be purchased in retail stores. Brewmasters and representatives will discuss production of these rare craft beers in the Yokouchi Pavilion.
On Friday, May 17, experience a beer education celebration at the Maui Brew Fest Beer Dinner at the MACC.
The five-course feast will feature cuisine of the New Americas by Cactus Bistro Chef-Owner John Memering of Kailua. Each of his creations will be paired with specialty craft beers by Maui Brewing Co. of Lahaina.
Chef Memering and Garrett Marrero, owner of Maui Brewing Co, will introduce the courses and explain pairings, so you can learn how well handcrafted beer goes with fine dining. The cost is $140 per person.
The Maui Brew Fest and Beer Dinner are open to adults 21 years and over only. Sponsors include Maui Brewing Co., Paradise Beverages, Crazy Shirts, Maui Time and H. Hawaii Media radio stations.
For tickets, call the MACC Box Office at 242-SHOW or visit “http://www.MauiArts.org”>www.MauiArts.org.
- The Maui Brew Fest Beer Dinner will feature cuisine of the New Americas by Cactus Bistro Chef-Owner John Memering of Kailua. Each of his creations will be paired with specialty craft beers by Maui Brewing Co. of Lahaina.