Last call for early bird tickets as Brews and Food Fest returns on Father’s Day

Broken Rail Brewing Co. serves attendees during the 2024 Brews and Food Fest in St. Marys. The brewery is set to return as a featured vendor at this year’s Father’s Day event.

By Julia Paul

The Rotary Club of St. Marys will host the sixth annual Brews and Food Fest on Sunday, June 21, bringing craft beverages, gourmet food and live music back to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. at Fairway Wealth Management Field and takes place the day after the hall of fame’s induction ceremony – a timing that has helped shape the festival since it began in 2019.

“This is the sixth annual running of it. It’s a chance for people to enjoy craft beverages and gourmet food and live music on Father’s Day with family and friends while supporting a good cause,” said event chair Mark Oliver.

Organizers are planning for up to 12 Ontario-based beverage vendors and five food trucks, with a mix of returning favourites and new participants. Offerings will include craft beer, cider, wine and spirits alongside a variety of food options ranging from international cuisine to festival staples.

In response to growing demand, the festival is also expanding its beverage offerings this year.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been getting a lot of requests about whether there will be anything non-alcoholic there,” Oliver said. “So new this year, we are going to have a booth with non-alcoholic craft beverages.”

Live entertainment will be provided by The Plank Liners, a Woodstock-based band expected to appeal to the event’s audience. Music remains a central part of the festival’s atmosphere while allowing space for attendees to socialize and enjoy the setting.

“The overall focus is still a craft beer festival, but there is something there for everyone, even if you don’t like beer,” Oliver said.

Proceeds from the event will support Rotary initiatives, with funds helping fulfill the club’s multi-year commitment to All Wheels Park on James Street, along with other local projects.

Attendance has stabilized in recent years following a surge in 2022, with organizers aiming to grow the event while maintaining a comfortable experience.

“We’re happy anytime we get to 500 and beyond,” Oliver said.

Tickets are currently on sale, with early bird pricing available until April 30. General admission tickets are $26 until that date and will increase to $30 starting May 1, with a further increase expected closer to the event.

VIP tickets are available for $35 until April 30 and will rise to $40 on May 1. VIP admission includes entry one hour early and same-day access to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Organizers encourage early purchases, as advance sales help determine attendance capacity due to a limited supply of custom glassware ordered ahead of the event.

“We really do our best to reward people who buy early so that we can make projections and order our glassware appropriately,” Oliver said.

The festival’s location reflects a longstanding connection between Rotary and the hall of fame.

“It was just a natural fit for Rotary to hold the event there, given our long history with the Baseball Hall of Fame,” Oliver said.

Organizers say the event continues to offer a mix of entertainment, local flavour and community support.

“Come on out, support a good cause and enjoy some craft beverages and gourmet food and live music on Father’s Day with family and friends,” Oliver said. “How can you go wrong?”

Tickets and additional event details are available online at rotarystmarys.ca/events/brews-food-fest-2026.