The brains behind Supercrawl, Seven Sundays in Gage Park and the Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival are launching a new craft beer festival called “Because Beer” this summer.

The festival is happening on July 11 and 12 at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton’s North End. It will feature craft beer sampling from almost two-dozen craft beer companies, a homebrew competition, food trucks and live music from Harlan Pepper and the Dinner Belles.

"Because Beer" highlights When: Friday, July 11 from 4 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, July 12 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Where: Pier 4 Park Who: Anyone 19 or older Cost: $25 per day or $40 for a two-day pass

“The focus of Because Beer is to bring together craft beer brewers to showcase their product and their dedication to quality craft beer,” festival organizers from Sonic Unyon said in a news release. “It is aimed at anyone who is interested in enjoying and discovering craft beer – from beer aficionados to the casual beer drinker or beer lover.

“The festival will provide a unique opportunity to sample a variety of craft beers, interact with the brewers who create the product, listen to live music and informative guest speakers, and enjoy a meal from a variety of local food trucks.”

Beer aficionados can expect tasting offerings from Mill St., Ontario Brewing Company, Nickelbrook, McAuslan Brewing, and a host of others.

There’s also a lineup of beer-loving special guests – like Crystal Luxmore, a beer guide and columnist, who will teach the art of the perfect pour, how to sniff out bad beer, and what to eat with your favourite beer.

Michael Duggan and Brad Clifford of Ontario Brewing Company and hop grower Hugh Brown of Heritage Hill Organics – who together produce Ontario's first all-local brews 100 Mile Ale and 100 Mile Lager – will also speak at the festival.

Festival admission is $25 per day with a two-day pass available for $40. You can buy tickets online or at the door.

The admission price includes a Because Beer tasting mug and four craft beer samples. Two-day passes include an additional six craft beer samples. Anyone clamouring for extra samples can buy them for $1 each.

Because Beer runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 11 and from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.

The Festival is open to people over 19, and photo ID is needed to get in.