August may be reaching its end. Pleasant, sunny days may be getting shorter. Kids may be preparing for school. Worry not! Summer isn’t over until it’s over and the greatest sendoff is still on its way. The Brats, Brews and Bands Festival is back and better than ever!

This year’s event is scheduled for September 8, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Hub in Lacey. Anyone 21 and older is invited to attend. Tickets can be purchased the day of at the front gates for only $10 or in advance on the Brats, Brews and Bands website.

Prior to embarking on any benevolent mission, event organizers, Gateway Rotary, have a series of questions they like to ask themselves. Possibly the most important one being, “Is it fun?” Anyone who has attended Brats, Brews and Bands in the past knows the answer is a definite yes.

“As expected, the theme of Gateway Rotary is fun and that is precisely what people will find on September 8 at the Hub in Lacey,” shared Len Faucher excitedly, who serves as Gateway Rotary’s lead planner for Brats, Brews and Bands 2018 and as current President Elect.

Len and his team have focused this year on bringing back crowd favorites, like a widespread offering of beers, while also adding in some new things to look forward to, like a broader selection of ciders, more bands, and crowd favorite Washington wines. For Gateway Rotary, it’s all about finding new ways to have an awesome time.

“Guests can play games of corn hole, enter into a competition to win an autographed football and just relax with friends,” said Len. “Between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., guests will be completely immersed in unforgettable performances played by our finest local bands. This year’s line-up will consist of a mix of rock, country and modern music. Brats, Brews and Bands 2018 features the addition of a third, smaller stage for solo shows. We’ll be serving porters, lagers, pilsners and of course IPAs. And when you get famished, Ricardo’s will be ready with the finest brat selections, gourmet popcorn, pulled pork sandwiches and creative salads.”

Here are just a few of the essentials you can look forward to enjoying at this year’s festival:

Musicians Who Will Move You

For a complete list of scheduled musicians click here.

Top-Notch Beverages

For a comprehensive list of featured brews click here.

Mouth-Watering Sustenance provided by Ricardo’s at the Hub:

  • Pulled pork caesar salad
  • Yummy sides – fancy baked beans, German pretzels and gourmet popcorn
  • The Ricardo – a grilled hot dog on a fresh roll topped with caramelized onions and Rickey’s whipped cream cheese
  • The Terminator Brat – a grilled brat on a pretzel bun topped with cheddar cheese, sourless kraut and grilled onions

For a complete menu, click here.

At Brats, Brews and Bands you’re always guaranteed an assortment of only the highest quality craft beers, an array of savory eats, and a line-up of not to be missed performances, but did you also know that your attendance and contributions to the event also support the greater community? Each year, Gateway Rotary passes on the event’s proceeds to local charitable organizations. Previous recipients have included The Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County, Rebuilding Together Thurston County and Homeless Backpacks.

“Brats, Brews and Bands is the premier end of summer event,” reminded Len. “What makes this event so fun for us, is watching our key community leaders participating in the day’s events, cooking brats, taking tickets, even pouring beer. There are even elected officials to spot among the club in their BBB shirts and BBB aprons. The event and continues to grow, along with the amount we are able to give back to the community thanks to you, our fans, and our many personal and corporate sponsors. We really want to encourage everyone to spread the word, follow us on our Facebook page, like our event, support the businesses that have made Brats, Brews and Bands possible and bring all your friends because when you attend the community benefits in really big ways.”

Did you know Gateway Rotary Club is one of the fastest growing clubs in Thurston County? This year’s Brats, Brews and Bands Festival marks the six-year anniversary of the club who focuses everything they do on honoring their mission to bring businesses and professional leaders together to promote peace, build goodwill, encourage high ethical standards and provide humanitarian services. In other words, they work to make our community and world better tomorrow that it is today.  Gateway Rotary is open to anyone who wants to join.  Look for a member at Brats, Brews and Bands to learn more about their mission and how to get involved.

September 8 is nearly here. Find out more and purchase tickets for this year’s event by visiting the Brats, Brews and Bands website today.