The 9th annual Botanical Brewfest takes place on October 19th from 7 to 10 pm. Guests will enjoy a crisp Autumn evening filled with beer tasting, live music, delicious morsels and fun times at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The proceeds go to Friends of the Arboretum, a part of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The group supports, promotes and develops programs offered by the Arboretum and gardens for the community.
City Lifestyle spoke with Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager for the Foundation, about this year's event.
Q: How many people attended last year's event?
Waye: Last year, we welcomed nearly 1,000 guests to the Botanical Brewfest. The event truly offers something for everyone—from corporate sponsors to beer enthusiasts, date-night couples, and large groups of friends.
Q: What can people expect this year?
Waye: The garden grounds will be buzzing with dozens of vendor tents offering hundreds of varieties of beer, ciders, hard seltzers, cocktails, spirits, and even non-alcoholic hop-waters from nearly 40 top local and regional breweries.
We're also excited to welcome a selection of our favorite food trucks and restaurant vendors, serving delicious eats for an additional cost. From savory bites to sweet treats, there will be plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
There will be two live bands stationed in the gardens for entertainment: Taylor & Tye, a talented musical duo from Kansas City known for their captivating mix of original songs and crowd-favorite covers, and The Alpen Spielers, a lively German polka band that promises to bring high energy and fun.
Q: How does this fundraiser impact the Arboretum's programs and upkeep?
Waye: Botanical Brewfest is one of the seven key fundraising events for Friends of the Arboretum, a division of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. This event plays a crucial role in enabling the Friends of the Arboretum to support significant improvement projects, such as constructing a new greenhouse, creating beautiful new garden spaces like the recent Emily Dickinson Garden, and major capital improvements like the LongHouse Visitor Center.
The mission of Friends of the Arboretum is to preserve, enhance, and promote the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. These initiatives are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, membership dues, and special community events like Botanical Brewfest. This seasonal celebration not only invites people to enjoy the gardens and discover local breweries and eateries, but also to contribute to the future growth and beauty of the Arboretum through their participation.
Tickets can be purchased online at botanicalbrewfest.org, which costs $55 for general admission and $75 for VIP admission. Friends of the Arboretum Members receive a $5 discount on ticket purchases. VIP ticket holders receive early admittance to the event at 6 pm and receive a complimentary Botanical Brewfest t-shirt and beer koozie lanyard to hold their tasting glass for a hands-free experience. All ticket holders receive a souvenir tasting glass to take home.
The event is strictly for 21+ and up. No children or pets will be admitted. Guests are welcome to leave their cars at the garden overnight without fear of towing if they prefer to use a ride-share service to get home afterward.