Wyman Tavern Brew Fest blends local history, community and craft beverages

When visitors gather on the lawn of the 1762 Wyman Tavern on Aug. 1, they'll find more than rows of craft beer taps. They'll discover a summer gathering that mixes local breweries and beverage makers, live music, food vendors and lawn games against one of Cheshire County's oldest landmarks — an event organizers say is as much about strengthening community connections as it is about what is poured into a tasting glass. The Historical Society of Cheshire County's annual Wyman Tavern Brew Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the historic tavern at 339 Main St. The fundraiser will feature breweries, cideries, wineries, distilleries, meaderies, mocktails and other beverage options alongside food vendors, live entertainment and historical programming. For Emily Lavigne, co-chair of this year's event and co-owner of Prime Roast, one of the biggest priorities for 2026 has been building on an established tradition while making the festival more welcoming to a broader audience. "The foundation of the brew fest is strong and beloved, so we didn't want to change it too much," Lavigne said. "However, tastes and trends shift slightly each year. It was important for us to broaden the term 'brew' to include even more diversity in tasting options. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and feel welcome." That philosophy is reflected in the festival's expanding lineup. Along with dozens of breweries, this year's event includes mead, cider, wine, spirits, canned cocktails, gluten-free offerings and alcohol-free beverages, reflecting changing consumer preferences while maintaining the event's original focus on craft producers. According to the Historical Society, participating vendors represent businesses from throughout New Hampshire and New England. Lavigne said organizers have also focused on creating an atmosphere that encourages visitors to stay and spend the afternoon. "Whether you come for the beer, non-alcoholic, or GF drink options, delicious food, or stellar live music, you're guaranteed a wonderful afternoon in a super fun and laid-back environment. We are beyond excited to have The Gaslight Tinkers joining us this year, as our headlining band. We're expecting a bit of dancing." The Gaslight Tinkers, whose music blends traditional New England fiddle tunes with African, Caribbean, reggae, funk and Latin influences, will headline the festival. Between performances, CJ the DJ will provide music throughout the afternoon. Food vendors will include the Voodoo Box Food Truck, Banh Mi Ok, Birdies Ice Cream and several local partners, while lawn games such as cornhole and table games will also be available. A beer history exhibit will offer visitors an opportunity to learn about brewing traditions alongside the tasting experience. "We're excited to have a robust and diverse array of drink options this year: more beer, more mead, cider, seltzer, canned cocktails, mocktails, and more," Lavigne said. "Our headlining band, The Gaslight Tinkers, was a huge win and we can't wait to dance the afternoon away with our community. We've invited new local food vendors and a community favorite, and we're setting up cornhole, and a few table games. Who doesn't love sipping beer while playing cribbage with a friend?" While the event has continued to evolve, its location remains central to its identity. Andrea Cheeney, marketing coordinator and museum store manager for the Historical Society of Cheshire County, said the Brew Fest was created in 2015 as a fundraiser rooted in the history of the Wyman Tavern itself. "The Wyman Tavern Brew Fest started in 2015 as a fundraiser for the Historical Society of Cheshire County. A Brew Fest seems like a good fit because it is held on the grounds of the Historical Society's historic house museum, a colonial-era tavern," she said. "The idea was straightforward: pair New England's craft beer boom with the tavern's own 18th-century roots as a place where locals would have gathered." That combination of history and modern community gathering has helped the festival grow over the past decade. "What began as a modest local gathering has become a signature fundraising event for the Historical Society and a highlight of downtown Keene's summer season," Cheeney said. "By 2021 it featured over 100 craft beers and ciders from the Monadnock region and New England. Recent years have added non-alcoholic and dietary-inclusive options, adding alcohol-free, gluten-free and spirit-free cocktails." Those additions reflect broader changes in the beverage industry, where breweries and beverage producers have increasingly expanded into alcohol-free drinks, canned cocktails and other specialty offerings to reach a wider range of consumers. For the Historical Society, however, the Brew Fest serves another purpose beyond bringing people together for an afternoon outdoors. "The Historical Society of Cheshire County has been collecting, preserving and sharing the history and culture of this region for 99 years," Cheeney said. "The Brew Fest is our largest fundraising event and provides us a chance to continue to care for the 300,000-plus items in our collection, three historic properties along Main Street, and serve the community with over 100 educational programs per year." Those educational efforts include exhibits, walking tours, lectures, school programs and preservation of the Society's historic buildings, including the Wyman Tavern, one of the oldest surviving structures in Keene. Cheeney said the festival also provides an opportunity to introduce new audiences to the organization. "We see ourselves as a hub, not just for connecting people to the past, but for connecting people to each other in the present. The Wyman Tavern Brew Fest brings in folks who might never think to walk through our doors for a museum tour, but who will come out for a good time with friends and neighbors. Once they're here, they get a taste of what the Historical Society is all about, often for the first time." That community-building aspect is something Lavigne said has stood out during months of planning. "Our committee is amazing, HSCC staff have been so welcoming, and I have formed many great relationships and a much deeper understanding of HSCC's mission and role in our community," she said. "Connecting with people is what it's all about for me. It's why I love my job at Prime Roast and why I've thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I can't wait for August 1st!" As the Historical Society approaches its centennial, organizers say the Brew Fest continues to demonstrate that preserving local history can take many forms. While visitors may arrive for a favorite brewery, a new mocktail or an afternoon of music, the event also offers an opportunity to experience one of Keene's oldest landmarks in a setting that echoes its original purpose — as a place where neighbors gathered to share conversation, stories and community. The Wyman Tavern Brew Fest will be held rain or shine on Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon to 5 p.m., with a VIP hour beginning at noon. Additional information and tickets are available through the Historical Society of Cheshire County.