Garden Gate Festival opens 2019 festival season in Dubois County
Attendees to the Garden Gate Festival may be enthused when they arrive and find the beer vendors mingling with the wine vendors.
“There was a change in the state law and as long we use Indiana brewers, they don’t have to be separated,” Sara Schroeder, Huntingburg Chamber director, said. “It is pretty nice because I think it will allow a better flow and a better experience for those coming to the event.”
So, beer drinkers won’t have to be corralled behind the orange fencing marking off a beer garden this year. They’ll be able to enjoy the camaraderie of their wine-drinking friends.
This is also the first year the festival celebrating jazz, wine and craft beer will be held in the new Market Street Park. This is a welcome move after the fest was held in Huntingburg Park last year while construction was underway on the new downtown park.
“It was fine holding it there last year, but there is just something special about holding this festival downtown,” Schroeder said.
Two types of admission bracelets are available for purchase: general admission is $5 and is available to those 18 years and over. The Sampling Admission, for those 21 and over, costs $15 and includes entry, wine and craft beer samples, and a commemorative glass. Guests under 18 are admitted free.
“Anyone that has been to these types of festivals knows this one of the lowest admission prices around,” Schroeder explained.
Those fees are used to support the fest as well as other events in the downtown area. Since establishing the jazz fest in 2011, more than $45,000 has been donated to improve the downtown or support projects and events.
As a commemorative item, the festival is featuring a special one-of-a-kind tumbler this year only for $20. The tumblers have the Market Street Park logo on them and all sales are used to support Market Street Park improvements and additions.
Artisans, crafters, handmade goods, face painting, and more comprise the art market. Dining options include Gypsy Moon Nosh Wagon, Market Street Soup & Salad, Old School Café, The Dog Haus, The Pizza Revolution, and SARG Desserts.
Best Vineyards, Blue Heron, Ertel Cellars, Cedar Creek, Madison County, Monkey Hollow, Patoka Lake, Pepper’s Ridge, and Windy Knoll wineries, along with Basket Case Brewery, Dubois County Suds Club, Salt Creek Brewery, Schnitz Brewery, and St. Benedict’s Brew Works, will offer samples until 7:00 pm.
“I think people are ready to have a nice, beautiful day to be outside,” Schroeder said. “We kinda kick off the festival season and I think people just love coming out and being social.”
The Garden Gate Jazz, Art, Wine, & Craft Beer Festival takes place this weekend on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Market Street Park in Huntingburg. Highlights include art vendors, food trucks, beer and wine samples, and two stages of live music from 12:00 – 7:00 pm ET.
Entertainment Schedule:
- 12:00 – Olney Central College
- 1:00 – Poco Loco
- 2:30 – Bokeh Big Band
- 4:00 – Monte Skelton
- 5:30 – Cathy Morris Band
The main gate on 307 E. 4th St. serves as a drop-off location with on-street parking available throughout downtown.
Pets, coolers, tents, and large umbrellas are prohibited.
Other events on Saturday include the OFS Brands Jazzed Up 5k/10k walk run that benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. The 10k start is at 8:45 am and the 5k start is at 9 am.
Also, the inaugural disc golf tournament at the new disc golf course at Niehaus Park will be held Saturday. Entrants receive a special $5 rate for the Garden Gate Fest.
