LEWISTON — Lagers and seltzers and beers, oh my!

The annual Great Falls Brewfest will celebrate its 10-year anniversary Saturday, June 21, at Simard-Payne Memorial Park at 46 Beech St. next to the Androscoggin River. It is hosted by Baxter Brewing Co. and Baxter Outdoors.

Brewers will be stationed at 8-foot tables under a large tent. 

From noon to 5 p.m. nearly 40 breweries, cider makers and hard seltzer makers will be featured. There will also be nonalcoholic options and four food trucks: L/A Taco, Lucky Cat Coffee, Pinky D’s, and Roll In The Dough.  

Bands such as Goff Hill Rundown and Identity Crisis will perform a selection of pop and rock fan favorites. There will also be an after-party for attendees.  

Baxter Outdoors President Adam Platz emphasized the importance of having the Brewfest in an outdoor space: “People like to experience beer in a lot of different ways … my passion is getting people off the couch.” He described having an “active brand identity” and “giving people opportunities to get outdoors.” 

“It’s easy to say a beer company is only about its beverage. We wanted to create a brand beyond just Baxter beer,” he said.  

The park setting fuses a mission of providing high-quality craft beverages and harnessing the Maine outdoors spirit of the company.  

Tickets are available to all those 21 years and older. VIP tickets are $70 and allow early entry to sample special brews at noon. The general session begins at 2 p.m. with tickets for $50. Both tickets grant unlimited 4 ounce sample pours and a personal commemorative glass for tasting.  

To encourage festival safety, designated driver tickets for $15 allow attendees to enjoy the nonbeer aspects of the festival.  

In the past, the Brewfest has featured cornhole, axe throwing and rock climbing. There will be lawn games and the event’s first art display. Nicole Ann is the official art sponsor of Brewfest and will host a booth space to showcase her art and creative vision. 

A unique feature of the art display is its interactive component. “She will be inviting attendees to become part of the art,” said Ari Sapuan, the social media and events coordinator for Baxter Brewing Co. Vendors and attendees alike will add “make their mark” on the canvas, which will be the foundation for Ann’s next piece that will “capture the spirit, connection and creativity shared by everyone involved.”  

Ann describes the brushstrokes as reflecting each attendee’s personality. “Art brings everybody together, and with this being a community event, this was the perfect place to do this,” the artist said, hoping to “evoke a range of positive energy” with her work.

In an interview with WGME, Baxter Brewing President Jennifer Lever said the fest was originally about “trying to celebrate what was happening in the Maine craft beer scene.”  

“We’re excited to celebrate all of the breweries who are going to be here,” said Lever who is also the board president for the Maine Brewer’s Guild.  

This year there will be an award given to the best brewery. Attendees can download an app to rate each brewery during the Brewfest.  

Orono, Lost Valley, Rising Tide, Atlantic, Sebago and Bangor Beer are some of the breweries featured at the Brewfest.  

The event provides a collaborative space for locals and brewers alike to celebrate the world of Maine craft beverages.