All Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival returns to PNC Park - TribLIVE

The All Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival returns June 27 to PNC Park on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Along with samples of more than 200 craft beers, wines and cocktails from local, national and international vendors both in the park and on Federal Street, festival-goers will have the opportunity to walk the bases and warning track (weather permitting) and have a professional photo taken in the Pirates dugout.

Attendees at the third annual event have their choice of two sampling sessions, from noon-5 p.m. or 7 p.m.-midnight.

The festival takes place in ballparks across the country, with cities this year also including Philadelphia; Arlington and Houston, Texas; Minneapolis, Minn.; and St. Petersburg, Fla.

“One of the reasons why we chose Pittsburgh is its growing craft beer, spirits and restaurant scene,” says Philadelphia-based event organizer Ray Sheehan. “Of all our markets, Pittsburgh is one of the strongest. For the past 20 years, it’s really having a renaissance in that area, and the market just craves these types of festivals.”

Added to that, he says, is the lure of the venue itself.

“(PNC Park) is just the most majestic, beautiful ballpark, with the view of the bridge and the city skyline,” he says. “Usually when you go to the ballpark, your attention is on the game. The festival lets you experience the ballpark like you’ve never seen it before.”

Barrels of fun

Organizers like to offer a mix of the known and the unknown, Sheehan says: “People like their familiar brands, but they also can’t wait to try something new.”

Among regional beers, festival-goers will recognize Hop Farm Brewing Co., Church Brew Works, Full Pint Brewing and Helltown Brewing. Less familiar might be Chimay beers brewed by Trappist monks in Belgium.

Festival features include:

• Unlimited samples of craft beer, wine and cocktail options showcased on multiple levels throughout the ballpark

• Two free tickets to a 2020 Pirates game, a $60 value

• A pep rally with the Pirate Parrot mascot

• Multiple live entertainment and DJ areas

• A keepsake sampling glass and complimentary bag of snacks

• Games including Jenga, Connect Four, Yard Pong, cornhole, hula hooping and more

• Giveaways and activities, including rock climbing walls

• Local vendors offering shirts, hats, jerky and other items

• Free pretzel necklace-making station, a new feature this year

• Free admission to the official after-party at nearby McFadden’s pub and restaurant.

The event has been nominated by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for best beer festival and is a benefit for the Trauma Survivors Foundation and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.

“I always say, let’s have a good time, but let’s do some good at the same time,” Sheehan says.

Attendees must be 21 or older and have proper ID.

Ticket sales are limited to 5,000 per session and organizers expect both Pittsburgh sessions to sell out. General admission is $39.95, or $29.95 with purchase of 10 or more tickets. VIP packages are available.

Details: ballparkfestival.com

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley at 724-836-5750, smcmarlin@tribweb.com or via Twitter .