by InTrieste
As the autumn sun rises over Trieste, the city’s historic Piazza Ponterosso is coming to life with the sounds of clinking glasses and the smells of sizzling local dishes. The much-anticipated second edition of the Trieste Beer Fest 2024 has officially kicked off, offering visitors a week-long celebration of beer, regional cuisine, and cultural performances in the heart of the city.
Running through September 22, the festival is a vibrant tribute to the region’s brewing traditions and culinary heritage. It has established itself as a premier event, not only for beer enthusiasts but for those eager to experience the best of Trieste’s local culture.
Craft Beer and Culinary Delights
This year’s lineup includes more than ten varieties of beer from both local and international breweries. The festival pays homage to the strong German-Italian cultural connection that has historically shaped Trieste’s identity. German beers like Löwenbräu and Franziskaner Weiss will be available for sampling alongside international favorites such as Hoegaarden. For beer lovers, it’s a chance to explore diverse brews in a setting that embraces Trieste’s unique blend of Central European influences.
At the food stalls, visitors can indulge in local specialties such as friti e panai (fried fish and bread), fried calamari, and civa (a traditional meat dish). Alongside these are Central European favorites like ljubljanska and pljeskavica, as well as international offerings including Argentinian asado, Greek cuisine, tacos, hamburgers, and pulled pork. For a true taste of Trieste, festivalgoers won’t want to miss the tripe sandwich, a regional delicacy that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Local Economy on Display
Behind the festive atmosphere lies a deeper purpose: promoting the local economy and shining a spotlight on Trieste’s thriving food and beverage scene. More than 30 local businesses are participating in this year’s Beer Fest, alongside 15 additional companies from across northern Italy. The event is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, with more than 300 people employed in various roles throughout the week.
The festival’s co-organization with the Trieste city government underscores its importance as a cultural and economic driver. It comes at a time when cities across Italy are looking for ways to recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and events like Trieste Beer Fest provide a much-needed boost to local tourism and commerce.
Entertainment Lineup
Beyond the beer and food, the festival promises a diverse array of entertainment. From live music to cultural performances, the festival’s schedule is packed with events to keep attendees engaged. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
- September 18: Tu vuò fa l’aperitivo by Mash Up, an evening of music and aperitifs.
- September 19: Magazzino Commerciale Live, a popular local band.
- September 20: Bandomat Live, known for their eclectic musical style.
- September 21: 3 Porcellini – a quirky heavy metal band with a local twist, calling themselves the “Heavy Pork Mjusik Band.”
- September 22: Domače Live, featuring a performance by the renowned trio Maxino, Furian, and Bombacigno to close out the festivities.
With its mixture of local flavor, international flair, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, the Trieste Beer Fest is set to offer visitors a truly memorable experience over the next few days. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a foodie, or simply looking for some festive entertainment, Trieste Beer Fest 2024 has something to offer.
