Ommegang BCTC 2016 Will Feature Bill Murray Theme

Friends, in years past, we’ve tickled beer-lovers with our wholehearted embrace of quirky and playful themes for our Belgium Comes to Cooperstown festival. From The Big Lebrewski to a Vegas party scene complete with flying Elvis impersonators to a Spinal Tap edition that helped the event score an unparalleled 11, you guys have always counted on visuals and experiences that make the weekend like no other. For 2016, we’re turning to the patron saint of quirky and playful himself with an all-things Bill Murray theme. That’s right. Bill Murray. 

On August 5 and 6, 3,000 lucky guests will enjoy the opportunity to taste hard-to-find Belgian import brews as well as Belgian-style ales from all over North America. More than 100 breweries will be on-hand pouring while festival-goers fully immerse themselves in a wild and wonderful space fueled by the legendary actor’s best known movies and characters. Tickets go on sale to the public April 1.

As always, BCTC promises more than just great beer – gourmet food vendors, live music, on-site camping and fireworks make the weekend truly special. And of course, surprises! The entire event will be designed to emulate the creativity and spirit of Bill Murray, and what could be more Murray-like than an “anything is possible” attitude and expectation.

Festivities begin on Friday at 6pm with a five-course beer-pairing dinner for VIP ticket holders. Festival grounds open at noon on Saturday for patrons holding camping tickets. Tasting begins at 2:30 pm for VIP ticket holders and 3 pm for general admission. Tasting ends at 7 pm. Live music runs from 3 pm until midnight. On Sunday morning, breakfast will be served from 8 am until noon. The brewery will be closed to the public Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6, but reopens for regular service on Sunday, August 7.

VIP tickets cost $275 and include the beer pairing dinner, two nights of camping on the brewery grounds, and additional access to the beer tasting on Saturday afternoon. General admission tickets for Saturday’s tasting event cost $110 and general admission with camping on Saturday night costs $125.

Tickets go on sale April 1 at noon at Ommegang.com and Etix.com and are available until they sell out. Please note that VIP tickets have sold out in under a minute for the last four years and historically, all tickets sell out within a day of the event going on sale. For more information, email [email protected] or call (607) 544-1800 ext. 813.