Fonthill Castle, operated by the Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS), will once again host its annual Fonthill Castle Beer Fest fundraising event 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 in Doylestown.
The afternoon welcomes beer enthusiasts over the age of 21 to the outdoor grounds of Fonthill Castle, with plenty of room to mingle outside and enjoy the one-of-a-kind setting while sampling a variety of regional craft brews. The annual fundraising event supports year-round education, community programs, and conservation efforts at this National Historic Landmark site.
The 2023 Fonthill Castle Beer Fest kicks off with a VIP hour from 1-2 p.m., and general admission hours from 2-5 p.m.
Featured breweries to date include Aristaeus Craft Brewing, Artifact Brewing, Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery, Boston Beer Company, Free Will Brewing, Great Barn Brewery, Mad Princes Brewing, Manic Minds Brewing Co., McAllister Brewing Company, Round Guys Brewing Company, Triumph Brewing Co., Twelve78 Brewing Company, Understable Brewing, Warwick Farm Brewing, and Well Crafted Beer Company. Athletic Brewing Co. and Free Spirit will offer a variety of non-alcoholic options for all to enjoy.
This year’s Fonthill Castle Beer Fest features light bites by T.H.E. Catering Company and the musical talents of Billy and Miles from Where’s Pete Band. A commemorative beer-tasting glass for VIP and general admission ticket holders serves as a keepsake for those supporting Fonthill Castle’s preservation and educational initiatives.
VIP guests enjoy exclusive access to Fonthill Castle’s historic Terrace Pavilion, as well as the VIP Tasting Tent with seating areas created by Bucks Country Gardens, as well as the modern, air-conditioned Fonthill Castle Welcome Center.
Each VIP guest receives an exclusively-curated selection of specialty beers to sample, additional selections of catered cuisine from T.H.E Catering Company, and sweet treats from Pierre’s Chocolates. Andy Jarin of B&B Beverages, the sponsor of this year’s VIP tasting experience, will share his love and enthusiasm for craft beer with attendees.
Hydration stations will be located throughout the event with plenty of water and a selection of nonalcoholic beverages provided by Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s.
2023 Fonthill Castle Beer Fest is sponsored by Aqua, Quire, Lavazza, Dontech, Eiseman Exterior Experts, ESCA Blast, Happ Contractors, J.R. Maxwell Builders, Thompson Networks, and B&B Beverages. Additional support is generously provided by Bucks Country Gardens, Bucks Mont Party Rental, Pierre’s Chocolates, Port A Bowl Restroom Company, Proline Screen Printing, and Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s.
Bucks County Transport is providing free DART Bus services to all Beer Fest attendees who show their event wristband. The three-stop loop between Fonthill Castle and the center of Doylestown allows visitors to enjoy the festival, as well as all of the shopping and dining options that Doylestown has to offer. The DART bus runs every 20 minutes between 3:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and the stops are Fonthill Castle, the corner of S. Main Street and W. State Street (in front of Starbucks), and the corner of W. State Street and Hamilton Street.
Tickets for this fundraising event are $175 for VIP, $75 for general admission, $65 for BCHS member general admission, and $25 for designated drivers, and are available now at mercermuseum.org/beerfest.
Fonthill Castle is located at 525 E. Court St., Doylestown. All drivers, including Uber/Lyft/taxis/personal vehicles will use the Swamp Road/Route 313 entrance to the property to access the event’s parking area.
Valid I.D. is required by law; no one under 21 years of age will be admitted to the event, including children. No pets. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Designated Driver ticket holders are not permitted to consume any alcohol while at the event.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
