The much-anticipated Official Grand Opening of South Tampa's first brewery is set for 81Bay Brewing Company in South Tampa this Saturday. August 13th and we've got the details! 81Bay Brewing Company will host their official Grand Opening as co-owners Michael Beard, Shawn Bowman, and Keelan Cottle welcome you into their home to celebrate Beer, Relaxation, and Recreation in Tampa. Since opening their doors June 10th with six inaugural beers, 81Bay Brewing Company expanded their selection to 11 craft beers including; English Pale Ale, Belgian Raspberry Ale, American Light Lager, West Coast IPA, English IPA, English Porter, Irish Stout, Irish Red, Dunkel Weizen Bock, Black IPA and a Heather Ale, the last being my favorite! Hurricane Heather Ale is a rich, malty, herbed ale and a MUST TRY.
A partial line-up of the exceptional beers at 81Bay Brewing Company
The space at 81Bay is in a word, HUGE! Taking over the old Zayre's store at 4465 W Gandy Blvd., the Taproom has a few updates since the soft opening. Look for plenty of new games, a completed Private Events room which also serves as an art gallery, and a wild multi-media mural by renowned, local artist, Sebastian Coolidge. Coolidge teamed up with local lighting designers, Pixel Rain Digital, to create a one of a kind, 3D projection mapped mural that you truly have to see to believe! The private event room, turned art gallery, will be open to the public and will showcase original pieces by acclaimed local artists, John Taormina and Rheannon Cheri during the opening. Doors open at 11 AM and the party goes till.......well, we will have to see!
This event is FAMILY-FRIENDLY and guests may bring in snacks of their choice and non-alcoholic beverages, Food Trucks will be on site for the Grand Opening including:
So, What 's Happening in the Taproom and When at the 81Bay Brewing Grand Opening?
- 11 a.m. • New beers released
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Happy Hour ($2 off drafts)
- 1 p.m. • Live music by J.T. Brown
- 2 p.m. • Cornhole Tournament
- 4 p.m. • Live music by Forrest Hoffar
- 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Growler Happy Hours
- 5 p.m. • Table Tennis Tournament at 5 p.m.
- 8:30 p.m. • Live music by Rachel Alex
- 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Growler Happy Hour
- 10:30 p.m. • Live music by Bangarang
- 11:30 p.m. • Live music by OnlyOneTwo
What else is in store for the day?
Now this is cool! The brewery has arranged a FREE shuttle service to and from Ybor City for anyone wanting to take a little road trip to visit Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Cigar City Cider & Mead, The Brass Tap | Centro Ybor and explore Ybor City for a brew and a bite. The Free shuttle is on a first come, first serve basis. Here are the departing times and locations:
Departing 81Bay Brewing Co., drop-off corner of N. 15th St. and E. 7th Ave.
- 4:00pm- Depart 81Bay Brewing Co.
- 5:00pm- Depart 81Bay Brewing Co.
- 6:00pm- Last depart from 81Bay
Departing Ybor (N. 15th St. and E. 7th Ave.), back to 81Bay Brewing Co.
- 6:40pm - Depart Ybor
- 7:30pm- Last Departure from Ybor
Founded in 2016 in South Tampa, Fla., 81Bay Brewing Company was established by a trio of three native Floridians and longtime friends with the idea of crafting an experience to celebrate beer, relaxation, and recreation. Whether patrons are looking for relief from responsibility and daily stress, their favorite liquid treat or just the satisfaction of trying and finding something new, all are welcome into the 81Bay Brewing Company home. Come out Saturday, anytime after 11:00 am to celebrate with the boys and their friends! It's always a great day in Tampa Bay when a craft brewery celebrates their Official Grand Opening so let's show 81Bay how excited we are to have them here, be sure to stop by and plan to stay awhile! Look for me and 813area, we will be there!
