Utah Beer Festival to raise funds for LGBTQ+ cancer awareness

The 12th annual Utah Beer Festival by Salt Lake City Weekly will benefit the American Cancer Society’s “Colors of Cancer” initiative to raise awareness of cancer screening in the LGBTQ+ community.

A silent auction at the event will be the key fundraiser for the initiative. “Just like the colors of the rainbow each have a meaning for the LGBTQ+ community, these colors also correspond with a specific cancer ribbon,” organizers wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately so many of us have a connection to cancer, whether it be ourselves or someone we love. Research confirms that the LGBTQ+ community carries a disproportionate burden of cancer, has distinctive risk factors, and faces additional barriers to accessing health care. We plan to change that and have fun doing it.” “We are very excited to partner with the Utah Beer Festival and look forward to bringing awareness and resources while having a great time,” says Catina Struble, American Cancer Society’s Senior Development Manager.

The festival will be at The Gateway on August 20–21 from 2–8 p.m. daily. Over 200 beers and ciders from local, regional and national breweries will be featured, as well as food trucks, merchandise vendors, a special VIP area, and the return of the International Beer Room. Ticket prices for the event are $25 for single-day general admission, which includes $10 of punch token value for consumers to $90 for VIP tickets and are available for purchase on UtahBeerFestival.com. A two-day VIP experience ticket, which includes a private serving area, exclusive beers, appetizers, additional food, swag bags, and single-day ticket admission, is priced at $150. Sample pours are available in 5-ounce and 12-ounce sizes. “We’re excited to return to The Gateway for the 12th installment of the Utah Beer Festival,” said Pete Saltas, publisher of City Weekly. “Our 2021 festival was a great success after missing the Covid year of 2020. We learned Utahns want to come together and enjoy the final days of summer with great food, music, and of course, beer. Nearly all of Utah’s fine breweries will be serving their unique, award-winning beers.”

“We are delighted to welcome back the Utah Beer Festival for the second year. Last year exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance, and the energy it brought to The Gateway’s restaurants and bars. We’re looking forward to another fun event that brings the community together to celebrate its shared affinity for local craft beer,” says Jacklyn Briggs, The Gateway’s marketing director.

The festival is at The Gateway from Aug. 20–21. Info at UtahBeerFestival.com.