In recent years, microbreweries have been experiencing an unprecedented boom, but starting your own brewery is a huge investment for most beer lovers. A shorter path to your own beer is a so-called 'flying brewery.' "Nomadic, flying, or even nomadic - these are the names used to describe breweries without their own production equipment. They are usually run by enthusiasts who either do not have enough financial resources to build their own brewery, or before investing in their own technology, they want to pave the way as brewery 'guests.' They are therefore dependent on the available capacities of traditional 'brick-and-mortar' breweries, where they either brew the beer themselves or with the assistance of a local brewer," explained Jiří Sedláček, director of the Nomad Beer Festival.
The festival had its premiere in the Czech Republic in 2021. Over 2,500 people attended, and the attendance increases every year. "Since 2012, we have been supporting microbreweries through the festivals Pivo na Náplavce and Pivo v Tržnici. Only the 'brick-and-mortar' ones had the opportunity so far. Three years ago, we wanted to give a chance to the 'flying' ones as well. And the first year was a great success with the public. Today, it is an event that has found its regular visitors and attracts more each year. It is also very popular among tourists who generally love Czech beer and can taste unconventional flavors at the festival," said Jiří Sedláček.
The event will kick off at the Prague Market on Friday, September 6th at 2 p.m. and will last until 10 p.m. It will continue on Saturday, with its doors opening at 10 a.m. and closing again at 10 p.m. "Entry to the festival and the accompanying cultural program will be free, but the condition for beer tasting will be the purchase of a 0.3l glass jug. Along with the festival tasting card and pencil, it will cost 150 crowns, 130 for seniors. The same jug can be used throughout the festival," Jiří Sedláček announced.
The main feature of the festival will be the nomadic breweries. Both established and newly emerging ones will present their best products and curiosities - from classic Czech-style beers to flavored ones. "At the festival, not only the stalwarts of the Czech 'nomadic' scene will be presented, but also those that are less known. Breweries will offer both traditional lagers and top-fermented beers such as IPAs, Summer Ales, and so-called sour beers. For tasting, there will be wheat beer with mango and passion fruit flavor, Czech-Japanese 'tea beer' Sakuráč, and much more," described Jiří Sedláček.
There will also be stands offering refreshments and snacks for the beer. "Good food goes with good beer, so the event will feature a variety of gastronomy suitable for beer. Visitors will be able to satisfy their hunger at 15 stalls. The offerings will include homemade fries and chips, burgers, tortillas, wraps, quesadillas, baguettes with pulled meats, game sausages, bacon rolls, grilled ribs, 'Čongrády' pâtés, and much more," listed Jiří Sedláček.
The organizers also prepared an accompanying program. Live music will be played on both days, and visitors can also participate in a raffle. "Live music is always part of our festivals, and this year is no exception. On Friday, the Old Prague Troubadours will play, followed by Rí Ra, playing Irish traditionals and instrumental pieces, and the Slovak blues-rock band ZVA 12-28 BAND. On Saturday, Doggybag, Motovidlo, and Gentlemen's Club will perform. Both days of the festival will also feature a rich raffle, where you can win sets of canned beers, 0.7l bottled beers, or items like t-shirts, hoodies, and backpacks. Raffle tickets will be sold for 20 crowns at the info stand. At 7:30 p.m., the raffle will be drawn by the host directly from the stage," concluded Jiří Sedláček.
