Brewgaloo returns to Raleigh: Parking, weather info for NC's largest craft beer fest
A threat for severe weather on Saturday won't stop North Carolina's largest craft beer festival, returning to Raleigh this weekend.
Brewgaloo was named the number one best beer festival two years in a row by USA Today's 10 Best list.
The downtown Raleigh event was first held in 2009 and has quickly grown to include two days of events with more than 110 craft breweries featured, attracting thousands of people.
On Friday, there will be a sampler event from 6 to 10 p.m. with 3 oz. sample sizes of limited releases, barrel-aged and sour beers. Many of the beers featured at this event will not be available during Saturday’s event. Tickets are not required to attend this event, but you will need to purchase a ticket to participate in the sampling portion.
On Saturday, the main event will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Fayetteville Street with more than 110 N.C. craft breweries, 50 local food trucks and dozens of local vendors. There will be multiple stages featuring local bands all day. As with Friday's event, admission is free, but to sample beer you will need to purchase tickets.
Saturday's forecast calls for strong to severe storms as early as 2 p.m., and the Triangle is under a Level 2 risk for severe weather. An organizer for Brewgaloo said the event will be held rain or shine.
In the event of lightning or severe weather, attendees will asked to shelter. The start time of the festival could be delayed if lightning is severe.
Tickets for Friday and Saturday can be purchased in advance. Friday tickets are $45 in advance online and $55 the day of onsite. Tickets on Friday include unlimited tasting.
For Saturday, tickets are needed for sampling. Two tickets equal one 3 oz. sample and five tickets can be used for a full pint. Online tickets are sold in bundles of 25 and are $30 in advance through Friday and $35 online on Saturday. The day of the event, you can purchase a bundle of 15 tickets for $24 or 25 tickets for $40.
Parking decks will be open throughout downtown. See a list of downtown parking lots and decks.
With Brewgaloo taking over many streets in downtown Raleigh, there will be some closures.
Note these streets will be closed throughout the festival:
- Fayetteville St. from Morgan St. to Lenoir St.
- Davie St. between Salisbury St. and Wilmington St.
- Martin St. between Salisbury St. and Wilmington St.
- Hargett St. between Salisbury St. and Wilmington St.
A WRAL Weather Alert Day has been issued for Saturday afternoon, when the Triangle is under a Level 1 risk for severe weather and areas to the south and east are under a Level 2 risk.
