Drink Up

Beer festivals can be a tricky proposition: Pay a stiff entrance fee, and you risk not getting sloshed on your allocation of "free" 4-ounce samples. That's why the fine folks at KC Beerfest are offering unlimited suds at their premier kegger at the Legends at Village West (1843 Village West Parkway, 913-788-3700). More than 100 craft and microbrewers will attend the event, which takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. today and benefits the Kansas City Free Health Clinic. Organizer Joe Bellinger says his team did its homework, scouting festivals across the country to bring the rarest hops to Kansas City. "If you want to taste every single one of them, go ahead," Bellinger says. But he warns, "We're encouraging people to become connoisseurs, not mass indulgers." Highlights include the debut of a new artisan beer from Boulevard and an introduction to the recently opened Tallgrass Brewing Company in Manhattan. With musical performances from Jon Yeager, Red Guitar and the Only Children, the KC Beerfest is about as hip as the Legends gets. Tickets cost $25 at the gate or $20 in advance at kcbeerfest.com.
Sat., Oct. 20, 1-5 p.m., 2007