Idyll Hounds Brewing Company’s signature event, Houndfest X, will take place Thursday – Saturday, September 26 – 28 with proceeds benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge.
To kick off the signature event, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is partnering with Back Beach Barbecue for a VIP dining experience on Thursday, September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the brewery. Attendees will get an exclusive preview of a few select Houndfest releases and have the opportunity to mix and mingle with brew masters that will be featured during the Saturday’s main event. The five-course meal will feature various proteins, including frog legs, quail, lobster, and venison, prepared by Back Beach Barbecue’s pitmaster, Shane Kirkland. Each course will be expertly paired with a different craft brew to complement the flavors of the dish. There are a limited number of tickets available for $115 per seat. Visit https://idyllhoundsevents.ticketleap.com/houndfest-x/ to purchase.
On Friday, September 27, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will host a Puppies, Pints, and Poses yoga class at the brewery. For a $20 donation, Brooke Faust of MYST 30A will lead a one-hour yoga class at 10 a.m. featuring adoptable puppies from Alaqua Animal Refuge and complimentary craft brews. All money raised from the yoga class will go to Alaqua. To sign up, visit https://idyllhoundsevents.ticketleap.com/puppies-pints-and-poses/.
On Saturday, September 28, guests are invited to the brewery, located at 845 Serenoa Road, for the main event from Noon – 5 p.m. featuring craft brews poured by an array of regional and local breweries, including Alga Brewing Company, Braided River Brewing Company, Destin Brewery, Folklore Brewing and Meadery, Grayton Beer Company, Odd Pelican Brewing Company, Pirate City Brewing Company, Proof Brewing Company, Strange Colt Brewing Company, Third Planet Brewing, and Wood Foot Brewing Company. Idyll Hounds will be debuting new, packaged beer releases during the event along with various options on draft, including several specialty barrel-aged beers as well as brand-new stouts, sours, and hard seltzers. They will also be serving one off specialty releases of some of their flagship beers. Both VIP and general admission ticket holders will have full access to all breweries and enjoy unlimited samples of the various beers being poured throughout the afternoon.
There will be a plethora of food options for purchase including a whole hog roast from Back Beach Barbecue, a shrimp boil from Buddy’s Seafood, and various fare from Idyll Hound Proper. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available from Amavida Coffee and Noli South Kombucha.
Guests will enjoy live music by JSG & Nothing Short of Pure and have the opportunity to dunk brewers in the dunk tank for a small donation to Alaqua Animal Refuge. Those interested will also have the chance to participate in a Steinholding Competition where competitors hold a full one-liter beer stein out in front of their bodies with a straight arm parallel to the ground as long as they can. The cost to participate is $25 and includes a commemorative stein filled with beer. To prepare for the main competition, Idyll Hounds will be hosting practice Steinholding Competitions every Friday at 5 p.m. at the brewery leading up to the event. Winners of each practice competition will receive a free general admission ticket to Houndfest X.
General admission tickets are available for $65 in advance, $75 at the door and include a t-shirt, sticker, and glass to sample unlimited beers throughout the event. Guests can elevate their experience with a VIP Ticket for $109, which includes all the same perks as general admission plus early entry at 11 a.m. to enjoy an extra hour of the festival, and a complimentary “Brunch Smorgasbord” by Idyll Hound Proper, and a limited-release bottle of craft beer to take home. There will also be designated driver tickets available for $30 for those not drinking during the event. To purchase in advance and to learn more about the different options, please visit https://idyllhoundsevents.ticketleap.com/houndfest-x/.
Proceeds from the annual event will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, located in the panhandle of Florida. As the Southeast’s premier 501(c)3 refuge, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Committed to providing protection, shelter, and care to animals in need, this private, non-profit Refuge also offers an adoption center, veterinary clinic, educational outreach, and community programs that extend far beyond their geographic location.
“We are extremely thankful to Idyll Hounds for choosing Alaqua as the beneficiary of their tenth annual Houndfest,” said Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge. “It’s an honor to partner with them and we are so grateful to have the support from our community to continue pursuing our mission and helping care for animals who need us most.”
Idyll Hounds would like to thank the following individuals and local businesses who will be sponsoring this year’s event, including Warren Averett Accounting. There are multiple sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses or individuals interested in getting involved in this year’s event. To learn more, please email info@idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com.
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