Brewer’s Ball Celebrates 15 Years at The Anthem

Brewer’s Ball is back, celebrating its 15-year anniversary with a major change-up in locale. On March 28, the Metro DC Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) will host their annual event at The Anthem, I.M.P.’s massive music venue at The Wharf.

The popular fundraiser, historically held at the National Building Museum, will feature more than 70 local breweries, restaurants and mixologists from the extended DMV region. With approximately 1,500 in attendance at last year’s event, Brewer’s Ball raised close to $350,000 for CFF, which is the goal for this year’s fundraiser. As the National Building Museum is currently closed for repairs, the switch to The Anthem brings new energy for those involved internally and externally.

“The Anthem allows us to explore a new, vibrant location while still allowing us the room and flexibility to accommodate our tasting stations and guests,” CFF Executive Coordinator Kirsten Baier says. “It [will] also provide a great stage and sound for [DC-based 90s cover band] White Ford Bronco to perform.”

Among the breweries attending this year’s event is Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, and 2020 marks their ninth year in attendance. Founder and owner Bill Butcher expressed his excitement going into this year’s Brewer’s Ball.

“The Anthem is one of the hottest venues in one of the hottest neighborhoods in D.C. It’s a very popular spot that people love to go to.”

Guests can expect to find Port City’s best-selling classics like Optimal Wit and Monumental IPA, as well as their newest addition to the Port City family: Star Sailor, a white IPA and upcoming seasonal drink yet to hit the market. For guests who prefer something less hop-forward, ANXO Cidery is also joining the party.

“As a D.C.-based cidery, we are passionate about giving back to the local community and love the chance to attend events like Brewer’s Ball,” says Cooper Sheehan, ANXO co-founder and head of design and media. “We’ve previously partnered with individuals who support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, so we’re happy to have a chance to get involved through this event.”

In addition to their most recent batch of District Dry, ANXO will feature their newest March release, Nevertheless Dry Cider. Fermented in stainless barrels with wild, native yeast, the cider is made in collaboration with Eden Cider for Women’s History Month and features American, Dutch and French heirloom apples from Pennsylvania and Vermont.

“We’re looking forward to coming together with other local breweries to give back to a good cause, as well as connecting with the D.C. community as a whole,” Sheehan says. “The more people taste our cider, the more people like our cider.”

Though the bulk of the featured vendors are from the DMV, Brewer’s Ball has proven to be a regional must-attend for the beer industry. Devils Backbone of Lexington, Va. is a longtime Brewer’s Ball partner, and is slated to feature their new release of Juicy Magic Eye-PA at this year’s rendition.

“Being able to support the [CFF’s] mission to cure cystic fibrosis while having the opportunity to showcase our beer alongside so many local and national breweries just makes sense,” Devils Backbone sponsorships manager Jennifer Glickson says. “Plus, it’s a really well-organized and fun event.”

Brewer’s Ball will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Tickets are $160 ($105 is tax-deductible). For more information on the event visit, www.brewersball.org. For more information on the CFF, visit www.cff.org/metrodc.

The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; 202-888-0020; www.theanthemdc.com

UPDATE: Due to an “abundance of caution” pertaining to the Coronavirus, the CFF announced the Brewers Ball would be postponed to a to be determined later date. Full statement below: