Akron—The Akron Art Museum will hold its popular craft beer tasting event, Art & Ale on Saturday March 28. The wildly popular event will continue its expanded format from last year, with two tasting sessions and VIP ticket options. Fans can purchase a ticket for one of two sessions: the first from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. and the second from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Art & Ale pairs exceptional craft brews with delicious offerings from local food purveyors and includes coveted awards for best overall brew and people’s choice. Tickets are available at akronartmuseum.org/ale.
Akron Art Museum Deputy Director and Chief Experience Officer Seema Rao said, “Museums need to engage visitors in relevant, surprising ways. Art and Ale is a great example of a social experience Akronites can’t get anywhere else–good times, brews, and our incredible art and architecture.”
As with previous years, the museum expects swift ticket sales. The event has sold out early the past several years. Akron Art Museum Director of Advancement Bryan deBoer noted, “We’re proud to partner with many wonderful breweries to give our visitors an exemplary experience.”
Building on the success of last year, the museum will offer VIP ticket option again at this year’s event. Only 75 VIP tickets will be available per session. The experience includes tastings of specialty beers complemented by a selection of gourmet small bites and an official Art & Ale swag bag.
“Last year’s VIPs loved the additions like small-batch specialty beers along with great food and added perks. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this option again this year,” de Boer said.
The museum galleries will be open to Art & Ale attendees, but the museum will be closed to the public on the day of the event. Only Art & Ale ticket-holders will be permitted entry. The museum will reopen to the public on Sunday, March 10 at 11 A.M.
Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice award during both the afternoon and evening sessions. The Curator’s Choice award will be judged during the evening session. Both awards will be presented during the evening session. 2019’s award winners included Goose Island Beer Co. (Curator’s Choice) and R. Shea Brewing Co. won the People’s Choice award for the third consecutive year. A list of participating brewers, food purveyors and non-beer beverage makers, along with ticket options is available at akronartmuseum.org/ale and will be updated daily.
Ohio beers will be judged by Sara Marino from ACME Fresh Market, Rick Armon beer writer from the Akron Beacon Journal, and Marc Bona from Cleveland.com.
Art & Ale is for ages 21 and older. A state-issued form of I.D. is required.
Art & Ale is presented by Acme Fresh Market with additional support provided by Rhinegeist Brewery, Saucy Brew Works, Goose Island Beer Co., Platform Beer Co., Alaskan Brewing, The J.M. Smucker Company and TKM.
Media sponsorship is provided by The Summit FM