09/22/2026
A Difficult Decision; And the Right One for Our Festival
After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this yearโs Windermere Craft B**r Fest, scheduled for October 17, 2026.
This is not a decision we make lightly.
For many years, this festival has been something we have been incredibly proud to create. From its beginning in 2014 through 2020, it grew into one of Central Floridaโs premier craft b**r events; a gathering built around great breweries, great b**r, great people, and an experience that our attendees, sponsors, and brewery partners looked forward to each year.
When we brought it back last year, we were incredibly grateful for the support that helped us relaunch an event that means so much to us and the beneficiaries.
This year, however, we have faced challenges that have made it difficult to assemble the type of brewery participation necessary to deliver the festival at the level we believe it deserves. We could move forward with the event as planned. We could fill the gaps, scale back the experience, and put on an event simply because tickets have been sold and the date is approaching. However, we would rather make the difficult decision to cancel than to compromise for sub-par.
The b**r industry and the way consumers experience b**r and social events have changed significantly since we first started this festival. Rather than simply repeat the same event, we are going to take a step back and reevaluate what this festival can become; something that better reflects todayโs breweries, todayโs consumers, and the community we love.
What Happens Now
All current ticket holders will receive a full refund to their original method of payment. Sponsors will also receive a full refund of their sponsorship investment.
To our breweries, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, partners, and attendees, thank you. Your support is the reason this festival became what it was, and we are incredibly grateful.
This isn't goodbye. It's a pause while we figure out what's next. We hope to raise a glass with you again when the time is right.
Cheers!
WCBF Volunteers
