Craft beer fest in Biloxi could be a home run

It’s Octoberfest time across the country — and time for the inaugural Biloxi Craft Beer Festival to debut Oct. 21 at MGM Park.

This new event is from 4-7 p.m. and is hosted by the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce.

Instead of serving baseball fans, the concession stands will be open and available for snacking while people sample local craft beers from Gulfport companies F.E.B Distributing and Mitchell Distributing.

“The craft beer industry is emerging on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the Biloxi Craft Beer festival is an opportunity to showcase local brewers,” said Rachael Seymour, director of the Biloxi Chamber. Many of these local breweries are chamber members, she said, and the organization wants to promote them.

Among the local breweries she expects to be spotlighted are Chandeleur Brewing Co., Biloxi Brewing Co. and Lazy Magnolia.

Beer connoisseurs will have the chance to buy VIP admission, which gets them access to a VIP suite and the chance to sample special brews to choose the People’s Choice. VIP admission is $60 and is only available in advance and not available at the gate.

Regular admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the gate. Sponsorships also are available. Designated driver admission is $10, and designated drivers will not be able to sample the beers.

All who attend must be 21 or older.

Details: 228-604-0014 or mscoastchamber.com

This story was originally published October 4, 2017 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Craft beer fest in Biloxi could be a home run."