Sip through Nebraska’s local beverage industry. Literally.
Whether it’s wine, craft beer, hard ciders, spirits or seltzers, guests at Sip Nebraska can peruse the vast selection and taste the best of the state’s wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries May 8 and 9 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Blur Events, which produces the event, manages the festival’s operations from start to finish, including ticket sales, vendor coordination and on-site logistics.
Co-Owner Stacy Leners said the two-day event is a unique foray into Nebraska-owned businesses that showcase not only the beverage industry but local artisans and craft vendors, as well as some diverse and interactive local entertainment. Some of the highlights include:
Unlimited tastings: A ticket allows guests unlimited tastings from the dozens of Nebraska-produced beverage companies.
Immersive activities: Beyond the drinking, patrons can participate in quirky experiences like taking dance lessons, watching skydiving demonstrations or taking a goat yoga class. And, yes, the wellness class features free-roaming baby goats who wander, climb or snuggle participants during their practice.
Cool vibe: Through Blur, guests can book one of the many cabins or campsites located on the property. A complimentary trolley helps visitors get around.
Live entertainment and shopping: The festival features a lineup of live local bands, a “food truck alley” and curated selection of artisan vendors selling everything from art and candles to handmade jewelry and custom woodworks.
Interactive sessions and games: Guests can also participate in multiple 45-minute classes that feature everything from food and beverage pairings to how to make a charcuterie board. The popular and fast-paced Buzzed Bingo game will also make its return to the festival this year. Guests play with oversized bingo cards featuring the products of all the participating beverage companies. Lastly, new on the docket this year, guests can participate in puzzle competitions.
Leners said the festival, now in its 13th year, continues to reflect the beverage trends endorsed by consumers.
“Years ago, this was just a wine festival,” she said. “By about the fourth year, we started adding in beers and eventually spirits. Craft breweries were added to the mix in 2017. And it’s funny, back then there might have been one or two breweries producing a cider. But now there are specific cideries popping up just like the distilleries had previously. Seltzers are the newest category and are quite popular. It’s been really fun watching the festival evolve like this.”
To learn more about Sip Nebraska, please visit blurevents.com or call 402.882.2448.
