On the first Friday of the month, the local community raises a glass at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center on Pine Avenue to remember the past and to help build the future of the historic building. The annual Art of Beer event began 18 years ago and has been going strong ever since.
“It’s a fundraiser to support all the awesome work that we do with the building and artists across Niagara County,” said Executive Director Kevin Leary.
This Friday, thanks to the Discover Niagara Shuttle, patrons of the Art of Beer will find plenty of free parking and will arrive in style. Attendees can park for free and take a complimentary Park and Ride Shuttle wrapped in the artwork of Niagara Falls painter Polly King directly to the front door of the NACC.
The shuttle service will run 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The shuttle will have four stops — the Amtrak Station on Portage Road, Haeberle Plaza near Oakwood, the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s red door, and the entrance to voco The Cadence Hotel at 200 Rainbow Blvd.
While at the NACC, guests will be treated to a unique experience as each ticket gives access to more than 100 tasting options from 32 different breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Patrons also have access to NACC art galleries, several artist’s studios, live music on multiple stages, and even a karaoke lounge.
Some of the highlights of the event will be a new beer created just for the event by Brickyard Brewing Co. and a culinary tasting menu donated by Seva restaurant. According to Seva’s Executive Chef, Candice Creamer, the Art of Beer tasting menu of crab and asparagus risotto, butter chicken and pastelillos, reflects the new international flavors being launched at Seva this spring.
A safe and sober lounge sponsored by Spot Coffee and Tim Horton’s will be available for designated drivers, with mocktail options available.
Tickets cost $40 for presale, $20 for presale designated drivers, and $45 at the door. They are available for sale at the following local partner locations:
• The Craft Kitchen & Bar
• Power City Eatery
• voco The Cadence
• The Gold Bar
• Judas Tree
• The Red Coach Inn
• Brewed and Bottled Beer Craft Beer Shop
• Niagara Tradition Home Brew
• The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center
You may also purchase online at www.thenacc.org/events.
The event is expected to sell out, with attendance normally around 700 guests.