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Brews and Bites organizers report slow early sales, add speakeasy and costume contest to boost attendance
Summary
Organizers told the Spark Committee that ticket sales for Brews and Bites were 329 (about 27% of capacity) and described new promotions — a Captain's Quarters speakeasy, a costume contest and expanded marketing — to increase sales before the Oct. 18 event.
Organizers of Brews and Bites told the Spark Committee on Sept. 3 that early ticket sales are lagging and that staff will add promotional features, including a paid speakeasy and a costume contest, to try to increase attendance ahead of the Oct. 18 event. Anne Fishney, special events staff for the Parks and Recreation Department, said current ticket sales are 329, “which is only 27% sold out.”
The event currently has 38 vendors confirmed. Fishney described a new paid “Captain’s Quarters Speakeasy,” sponsored by Dino’s Pub: for $20 attendees will receive two specialty-cocktail tokens, access to a lounge area with a view of the band and entry into an exclusive prize drawing. Fishney said the speakeasy will be promoted with dedicated social reels, targeted posts and e-blasts to past ticket holders.
Committee members asked staff to supply digital marketing assets for wider distribution. Chair Velasco asked staff to create a shared digital repository so committee members and partners can post event graphics on social platforms; Fishney said staff member Becky will send assets to committee members.
The committee discussed a costume contest that staff is adding and requested clearer promotion so attendees know the contest is optional. Fishney said organizers will add costume contest language to promotional materials and send supplemental information to ticket holders about event logistics roughly a week before the event.
Staff and committee members discussed factors that have affected sales in recent years, including the event’s 2020-era rebrand away from a Bluegrass Festival and post-COVID attendance shifts. Committee member Pishni said the simultaneous name change and COVID “got like bam bam double punch” and recommended acknowledging the festival’s past identity when promoting future events. Committee members and staff also said supply planning (past years ran out of food and drink) affected attendees’ perceptions and that staff will work to avoid repeating those shortages.
Fishney and other staff said final sales surges often occur close to the event date and that staff will continue targeted outreach; there was no formal committee vote on event changes during the meeting.
The committee did not take formal action at the Sept. 3 meeting on rebranding or a 2026 event slate; Fishney said staff will return with post-event recommendations for 2026 programming and pricing.
