By Sadie Hunter
Back downtown for its third year, Noblesville Main Street’s annual Beards & Brews event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 and Eighth Street and Maple Avenue, directly behind the Hamilton County Visitor’s Center in downtown Noblesville.
“Beards & Brews continues to be an event that creates excitement, drawing guests from Noblesville and Hamilton County but also many from across Central Indiana,” stated Chris Owens, executive director of Noblesville Main Street in a press release.
This year’s event will feature a live beard contest with a panel of judges naming a champion in each of the following categories: best of show, longest beard, thickest beard, and most creatively groomed beard. Bearded contestants do not need to register in advance, and there is no entry fee. Contestants should arrive at the event prior to 1 p.m., when the contest portion of the event will kick off. Champions from the past two years will return and compete as well.
“It’s an event that brings some of the greatest local breweries to our downtown. The live beard contest makes it the perfect duo for a fall favorite,” Owens stated.
In addition to the beard contest, four hours of live music will be performed by local favorites Steve Smith and Austin Stirling and the Hangdog Hearts.
The Rugged Company, owned by Corey Cole, will be on site with a product line ranging from handcrafted beard oils and man care products along with unisex fashion apparel and artisan items. Nickel Plate Artist Julie Strawhaker will also be on site selling handmade apparel items, beard accessories and many more unique pieces. Nameless Catering will sell and serve chili.
Equally as important as the beards are the line up of participating breweries featured. Breweries will include Barley Island with Deer Creek Brewery, Bier Brewery, Grand Junction Brewing Co., Fountain Square Brewing and Four Day Ray. Each will all be on site selling their craft beers from noon to 4 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $20 and $10 for guests who will not be sampling beers. Regular admission include a tasting sample from each participating brewery. All breweries will sell pints throughout the event. Profits support Noblesville Main Street, a nonprofit that works to promote economic and cultural vitality in downtown Noblesville and produces 60-plus events for the community each year.
“Noblesville is known for having an abundance of great events,” Owens stated. “This one will be for those 21 years and older, which we feel adds to the diversity of our event offerings. Ultimately, the goal of this event is to bring new people to Noblesville, showing off the great places and experiences we have to offer.”
WANT TO GO?
What: Third annual Beards & Brews, an event featuring local breweries, which can be sampled, and a variety of beard contests.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 29.
Where: Eighth Street and Maple Avenue, directly behind the Hamilton County Visitor’s Center in downtown Noblesville.
Cost: $20/drinkers, $10/non-drinkers.
More: noblesvillemainstreet.org.
