UNR Beer Fest raises scholarship money.
Since 1994, the oldest beer-tasting event in Reno has not only served thousands of glasses of brew, but also has raised thousands of dollars for Nevada college scholarships. The 26th annual Beer Fest — hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno Young Alumni Chapter — will be held May 3 at the Reno Ballroom in the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno.
What to expect
Open to the public, this year’s event will feature about 50 breweries and distributors serving more than 120 beers and spirits to an estimated 1,500 or more attendees. Several distillery vendors also will be included for part of the evening.
“We just recently added the whiskey section as a little corner of the event,” says Erica Tabano, chapter president. “I think people really will like all the local whiskey distilleries to be there as well.”
Beer Fest attendees will receive commemorative pint glasses and as much beer as they can responsibly drink. The event also will feature a band and dance floor as well as a raffle of items donated by local businesses; last year’s prizes included UNR football season tickets, restaurant and hotel gift certificates, golf packages, and a signed basketball from coach Eric Musselman.
Local breweries such as The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery and Brasserie Saint James are among the vendors who repeatedly attend the event. Others include Alibi Ale Works of Truckee and Incline Village, The Brewer’s Cabinet of Reno, and FiftyFifty Brewing Co. of Truckee.
“Many of the local breweries come consistently every year,” Tabano says. “We go to the local distributors first and then the breweries. Even some from Northern California come; they always love the event and are really excited about it.”
Beer for scholarships
Beer Fest is the chapter’s largest fundraising event of the year. In 2018, it raised $15,000, which benefited UNR juniors, seniors, and graduate students. During the last 15 years, the event has generated more than $85,000 for scholarships.
The 400-member Young Alumni Chapter is for university alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, and membership provides an opportunity to network through social events and community service. The YAC is the largest chapter of the University’s Alumni Association and also has the largest endowment of any chapter, so no matter what the chapter’s goal, members can award scholarships every year. Annual membership is only $10, and the YAC always is looking for new board members.
Christina Nellemann is a writer and Nevada alumnus who danced a little too much at a previous Beer Fest.
26th Annual Beer Fest
7 – 11 p.m., May 3
Reno Ballroom, Silver Legacy Resort Casino
401 N. Center St., Reno
Tickets
Online pre-sale $35
Online early entry $50
YAC members $20 (must be purchased during pre-sale)
Door early entry $60
Door tickets $45
For details and to purchase tickets, visit www.nevadayac.com.
