A Spirited Affair

Uptown Beer & Wine Festival puts the fun in fundraiser, offering libations from around the world while supporting vital projects in our city’s downtown area.

By Frank Etheridge

‘We got spirit, yes we do. We got spirit, how about you?’

This corny cliché of a high-school cheer applies not just to area high-school football this fall but to guaranteed good-time that is the annual Uptown Beer & Wine Festival, which this year has added spirits to the mix in its cup overflowing with more than 100 craft beers and winemakers.

“Uptown Columbus prides itself on promoting a vibrant and diverse Uptown that is prosperous, inviting, livable, and perpetually active,” said Tracey Green, Director of Communications and Marketing for Uptown Columbus. “In addition to meeting these goals, this event also raises funds for our nonprofit organization to continue its community-building work.”

The nonprofit Uptown Columbus provides vital services and amenities to Columbus’ downtown and riverfront areas, including the popular (and costly to maintain) splash pad, street cleaning, and the beloved ‘Purple People’ that serve as friendly ambassadors and helpers to locals and visitors alike. The event’s location itself serves as the perfect reminder of what is possible in our community, held in the lush courtyard behind several popular restaurants and bars, loft apartments and office space that show the benefit of preserving our historic architecture with re-imagined uses in the same spot reportedly the oldest standing structure in Columbus, the stables on the courtyard’s south end.

The Uptown Beer & Wine Festival has been an annual fundraiser for Uptown Columbus, Inc., for over ten years. The event boasts music, food, and, of course, a chance to sample beer, wine and spirits from across the world. The money raised by this ticketed event helps to underwrite many of Uptown’s free events throughout the year.

Attendees coming as designated drivers will have a $10 entry free and will be given a specific wristband upon entry. Under-21 not admitted unless a designated driver.

Tickets for the event are available now for early-bird pricing. Early-bird tickets for the festival are $50 if purchased by September 27. Tickets are $60 at the door. Tickets include unlimited samplings of beer, wine, and spirits. (Food is not included with the ticket but will be available for purchase at the fest.) Purchase tickets at Getlocaltix.com. Visit AlwaysUptown.com for more info.

Uptown Beer & Wine Festival
1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Rankin Courtyard (greenspace behind The Tap and Salt Cellar)