The tradition of the Brew Bus (also know as "Brewapalooza") started in 1996 when the Cross Street Irregulars Homebrew Club organized the first trip to breweries and brewpubs in Philadelphia, PA region. The bus departed from the Edgewood Park & Ride off I-95. The stops included Red Bell Brewing Company, Independence Brewing Company and Dock Street Brewing Company.

The Irregulars again held a trip to Philadelphia in 1997 making a return visit to Red Bell and visting Valley Forge Brewing Company.

In 1998, due to low attendance and scheduling problems, The Irregulars invited KHPC to assist them in sponsoring and organizing the trip. This trip was held on Kentucky Derby Day in May and is the latest date in the year the trip has ever been held. After learning that people would rather be outside on a warm Saturday in May, it was decided that the trip from then on would be held much earlier during the year.

Since 1999, KHPC has exclusively sponsored the trip. The trip now traditionally departs from Red Brick Station on The Avenue in White Marsh, MD. We are fortunate that Bill Blocher has been kind enough to open his pub at 7:30am each year for a bunch of Brew Bussing Knuckleheads to meet and depart from.

In 2001 and 2002, the trip was expanded to two buses. However, due to the limitations of many of the brewpubs, (not many can handle 100 people coming in at one time) it was decided to return the trip to it's original one bus format.

Except for 1998, the trip was held the first Saturday of February each year. However, in 2005, the trip was moved to the 3rd Saturday in February due to the Super Bowl falling on the 1st weekend in February and Valentine's Weekend on the 2nd weekend.

Brewapalooza has a been constant sellout since KHPC has been organizing the trip. Many people ask that their names be placed on the reservation list for next year's trip while on the current year's trip. Attendees who reach "Elite Status" are awarded with a "BSL" (Beer Seat License) which guarantees them a reservation on subsequent Brewapalooza's. Wait lists for the trip have reached as high as 25 people for a 55 seat motor coach bus.

Brewapalooza is NOT for people looking for a wild drinking party, that's not what the trip is about. Brewapalooza is for people who want to enjoy good beer (perhaps a style they've never tasted before), meeting some new friends (or getting together with old ones), learning a bit about how "real" beer is made and are just interested in having a fun day in the middle of winter.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Brew Bus

A History of Brew Bus Brewpubs and Breweries