One of the best little beer festivals in the entire state is set to take place once again Saturday, February 8 in Deland, Fla. The festival is the culmination of a week-long celebration of things craft beer. It began Friday, January 31 with a kick-off party at the Deland craft beer hotspot, the Deland Abbey with revels, prizes, trivia and more. But, that was just the beginning; there is plenty of time to partake of the many events that lead to Saturday’s main event, The Deland Craft Beer Festival.

DeLand Craft Beer Festival VIP ticket holders will gain access to the VIP Rare and Vintage Pairing Party on February 6 where they can enjoy rare and vintage beers paired with specially created tapas from area restaurants. Other DeLand Craft Beer Week events include the Art of the Beer Label exhibition and reception, Beer Trivia night, homebrew competition and reception, beer scavenger hunt, a “Meet the Reps” reception, DeLand Craft Beer Festival after party and the Hangover Brunch.

But, the main event of the week takes place in Artisan Alley in downtown Deland: the Deland Craft Beer Festival. This year’s event will feature over 100 breweries, including 25 Florida breweries. Just like year’s past, there will be a rare and vintage beer table and casks along with tastes from some of the best craft breweries in the nation. In addition to these great beers, this year festival-goers can enjoy a cider corner and a gluten-free beer station.

To keep beer-lovers in the know, educational breakout sessions will be held throughout the festival featuring speakers from Sanford Homebrew Shop, Cigar City, Terrapin and New Belgium. And, to keep the energy high, entertainment will be provided by The Rubublik band and there will be live art by Paleface.

General admission tickets for the DeLand Craft Beer festival are $35. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $55, and includes admission to the VIP Rare and Vintage Paring Party. Tickets may be purchased in person at DeLand Abbey (cash only), 117 N. Woodland Blvd., Deland; McK’s Tavern (cash only) 218 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach; Mermaid Juice (cash only) 458 N. Highland St., Mt Dora: and the MainStreet DeLand Association,100 N. Woodland Blvd. Suite 4, DeLand.; or online at: www.delandcraftbeerweek.com. Must be 21 to enter. No pets. No children, including infants. For more information: 386-215-1533, craftbeveragesales@gmail.com or visit www.delandcraftbeerweek.com.

Funds raised at the festival benefit the MainStreet DeLand Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Event sponsors include, S.R. Perrott, Daytona Beverage, Brown Distributing, Conrad Realty, West Volusia Beacon, DeLand Abbey, Craft Beverage Sales and Marketing, Sierra Nevada, Warsteiner, Sam Adams, and Drink Like a Local.