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One of the finest beer festivals in Texas reemerges this weekend in Dallas. The 2nd Annual Dallas Untapped festival, held this Saturday, September 7, 2013, at Gilley’s will once again feature the brightest talent in American craft beer and the indie music scene. The festival also showcases some of the best local food vendors, entrepreneurs, and charities to create a vibrant village of entertainment. Since attending this festival and its sister event in Fort Worth, I have armed myself with a few tricks to ensure that Untapped remains a huge success in my festival repertoire.
Tip 1: Buy VIP
I know we are still battling back from last decade’s recession and the price of a VIP ticket may seem steep. Is it truly worth it? – ABSOLUTELY. Think about why we go to beer festivals – to taste some phenomenal beers – and quality vs. quantity rules out here. The first festival I went to, I waited in line for general admission and watched as the VIP guests moved around freely and enjoyed beers. I missed out on some of the rare selections. Never again will I wait and watch while others taste the beers I long for. The coveted hour that VIPs get prior to general admission is worth the price and this year, Untapped took VIP to the next level by offering a BrewMaster ticket with additional perks such as 20% of merchandise and an air-conditioned place to escape the Texas heat.
Tip 2: Have A Beer Game Plan
It is inevitable that the start of a new festival season gets me giddy and I overdue it at the very first event. I rush from booth to booth and use my card in the first 30 minutes, leaving me completely inebriated, unable to enjoy the rest of the event, and traveling with a now irritated husband. This festival, I am armed with a game plan. Thankfully, the Untapped organizers released the beer list ahead of time and they always deliver a unique selection of rare beers and local favorites. Study the list, mark your must-haves, and get ready to be blown away. I am especially looking forward to sampling the 2X IPA by Southern Tier Brewing Co. and the Kahlua Aged Pecan Porter by (903) Brewers.
Tip 3: Water, Water, Water – Need I say more? In this Texas 100-degree heat, water will keep the party going all day long.
Tip 4: Mid-day Food Truck Break and Vendor Village
After spending the early afternoon sampling some great beers, I will work up an appetite. Untapped has partnered with local food truck vendors to provide its attendees with delicious fare. And if you are lucky enough to have a VIP pass, you’ll also have a shady spot to park and eat. Take advantage, support the local businesses, and enjoy a hearty meal before the concerts begin. If you need to get away from the crowd, having a VIP ticket also comes in handy as it allows for re-entry. Also, I especially love that beyond beer, Untapped hosts local small businesses to set-up shop for the day. The past festivals allowed me to purchase growlers, apparel, and support a local dog rescue. The vendors for this year’s Untapped include local favorites Haus of Growlers, More Puffcorn Please, Dowdy Studio, and many more. Drink local, eat local, and shop local.
Tip 5: Enjoy the Bands
Unlike other outdoor music festivals, you don’t have to choose between great beers or great music – Untapped has it all! Having celebrated in the early afternoon with some amazing craft beer, the time now comes to enjoy a variety of music performances by some great names in the local and national indie music scene. Since I was unwise the past two years and overdid it during the beer tasting, I missed out on some great acts. This year, armed with my own advice, I will push through and stay until the end to soak in some great concerts. I highly recommend you do the same, because the music variety and genres amaze me. This year, the selection includes the soulful styling’s of local artist Larry g(EE); the entertaining Blackalicious, whose tongue-twisting complex lyrics uplift and inspire an audience; The Dead Flowers, a gritty rock band whose sounds are reminiscent of Texas blues and southern rock; and so many more talented acts. These bands, like the brewers, have garnered success through their talent, artistry, and determination to produce a product that will inspire people for decades to come.
The 2nd Annual Dallas Untapped festival is only a few short days away. To help generate more excitement and make it an epic weekend, the folks at Craft and Growler are opening their doors on Friday, September 6 for an Untapped pre-party VIP event. Doors open at 6 pm and Untapped VIP patrons (another reason to buy VIP), can enjoy craft beer, fill a growler, and snag an Express Lane wristband. Let the Untapped celebration begin!
