The second annual Fresh Fest returned to the Northside for an all-day event on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Nova Place.
Story and photos by Ashlee Green
Fresh Fest, which originated last year, is the nation’s first Black brew festival. It was founded by Mike Potter, creator and editor-in-chief of Black Brew Culture, an online platform about Black-owned breweries and craft-beer culture and Day Bracey and Ed Bailey, comedians and creators of Drinking Partners podcast. The event brought together Black brewers, artists, and entrepreneurs to enjoy live music, merchandise, food trucks, and beer.
Lindsay Powell, assistant chief of staff to Mayor Peduto, presented Potter, Bracey, and Bailey with a proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh, declaring Aug. 10 as “Fresh Fest Day 2019.”
Marita Garrett, mayor of Wilkinsburg, was in attendance both years and said she’s already noticed a big difference between the first and second occurrence of Fresh Fest.
“Last year we were just outside, great vibe, great energy. This year, I’m like, ‘Where do I check in?’ It’s overwhelming in a good way. People are really coming out for the culture,” said Garrett.
“It’s not that they’re leaving anyone out, but they’re including everyone,” said Garrett.
“Everyone is here. Everyone is represented. You’re seeing black businesses and black breweries highlighted here.”
Jamal Etienne-Harrigan holds up one of his specialty sauces.
Briana Jackson, owner of Sweet Little Eats.
Some of Jackson’s “Sweet Little Eats” on display.
Pittsburgh NORML is the regional chapter of a larger organization to repeal the prohibition of marijuana by educating people about it and hemp.
Festival guests beat the heat inside Nova Place.
Mini kegs of Church Brew Works. brews
The War Streets Brewery crew
SweetHeARTed Art & Gift BouTEEque inside Nova Place.
Marita Garrett, mayor of Wilkinsburg, and Kelauni Cook, founder of Black Tech Nation.
Fresh Festers take a break from sampling brews for a photo.
Guests receive sampler glasses upon arrival.
Vendors sell their wears inside Nova Place.
Meanwhile, inside Alloy 26 there’s a dance party going on.
A group of friends gathers inside Alloy 26 for the music and brews.
Confluence Catering serves up shredded chicken tacos with mango salsa.
Festival glasses and t-shirts were available for purchase.
Al Grasso and Matt Yurkovich of Allegheny City Brewing (ACB).
ACB collaborated on a few specialty brews in honor of the longstanding Gus and Yia Yia’s ice ball cart.
A look at the crowd inside Nova Place.
Enjoying the weather on the lawn.
Two Fresh Fest guests enjoy the food and sunshine.
Food trucks like this one, Pittsburgh Sandwich Society, fed festival guests.
A peek at the bustling crowd outside.
Beer from Khonso Brewing Company is “an escape from the ordinary.”
Outside on the lawn at Nova Place.
Lindsay Powell, assistant chief of staff to Mayor Bill Peduto, presents Fresh Fest Co-founders Mike Potter, Ed Bailey, and Day Bracey with a proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh, declaring Aug. 10 “Fresh Fest Day 2019.”
Rhythm Brewing Company from New Haven, Conn. samples their flagship beer, an American-style lager called Rhythm.
