Find your Perfect Brew at Pints by the Pond Sept. 20

 BATAVIA –  It’s time to raise your glasses and say “cheers” to the return of Batavia's favorite craft beer festival, Pints by the Pond.

Batavia Park District’s favorite beer tasting event returns to the Peg Bond Center at Batavia Riverwalk on Sept. 20. Gather your friends for a relaxing afternoon of sampling unique brews, lively conversations and tasty food.

Now in its fourth year, Pints has become a beloved brewfest because attendees love discovering new beers and learning about the brewing process, said Nathaniel Jarosz, event chair.

“We are excited to have our returning vendors at Pints by the Pond, plus new vendors. Each year, our attendees discover a new favorite brew,” Jarosz said.

This year 16 local breweries will offer tasty and unique brews that are sure to become new favorites. Returning this year are Around the Bend Brewery, Art History Brewing, Brother Chimp Brewing, Bubblehouse Brewing, Energy City Brewing, Foxes Den Meadery, Golden Fox Brewing, Grainology Brewstillery, Obscurity Brewing, Penrose Brewing, Skeleton Key, Stockholm’s Brewery and Study Shelter Brewing. New breweries to join the event this year are Alter Brewing, Foreign Exchange Brewing and Short’s Brewing.

Returning brewer Michael Oleson from Stockholm’s Brewery in Geneva is excited to come back for another year. “It gives us the opportunity to introduce Stockholm’s Brewery to people who have heard of us, but have not stopped in yet,” he said.

Pints by the Pond is also a great gathering spot for beer lovers to learn more about the craft.

“I’m looking forward to trying new types of beers and having a good time with friends,” said Joe Hinterlong, who has been attending the tasting since its inception in 2022. He also enjoys talking to beer vendors and learning about the process. “It’s interesting chatting with local brewers and learning what goes on behind the scenes.”

Sponsored by Sturdy Shelter Brewing and Redo Cabinets, the event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. for general admission tickets, which include 20 three-ounce tastings. A VIP ticket option allows for early entry at 1 p.m. A limited number of tickets are sold so VIP ticketholders get a head start on tastings. Also for sale is a designated driver ticket that includes water and pop.

“Many of our breweries give out a special beer pour for those who have the VIP tickets,” Jarosz said.

hese small-batch brews often have unique names and flavors.

“Last year Obscurity Brewing brought Zombie Puppet and Crazy Soul for the VIP hour. Penrose Brewing brought Cider Donut Selz-UP and Skeleton Key Brewery had Shared Hope,” he added.

These pours were a big hit with VIP ticket holders who enjoyed sampling exclusive offerings.

Attendees may bring portable chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase from Fernando’s Street Kitchen and Teddy D’s Gourmet Grill.

Each year this event sells out quickly. Don’t wait; get your tickets today at www.bataviaparks.org/ pints-by-the-pond.

Fact box
Pints by the Pond Craft Beer Festival
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 20; VIP entry at 1 p.m.
Where: Peg Bond Center at Batavia Riverwalk, 151 N. Island Ave.
Ages: 21+ (Children and pets are not allowed at the fest)
Tickets: $12.51, designated driver; $55.20, regular admission; $71.21, VIP admission (a limited number of tickets are available; last year’s event sold out)
Festival-goers receive a 5-ounce commemorative beer glass and 20 tasting tickets
Purchase tickets at bataviaparks.org


Pints by the Pond returns to Batavia on Sept. 20 with 16 beer vendors.


Pints by the Pond on Sept. 20 is the perfect spot for friends to gather and sample a wide variety of beers.


Stockholm’s Brewery will be one of the featured vendors at Pints by the Pond. 

All photos courtesy of Batavia Park District