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The event, slated for Aug. 16, is known for a wide craft beer selection, bringing together hundreds of people each year since 2016. But forging ahead with this year’s festival would’ve put the fire department at an operating loss for the effort, according to treasurer Chris Hash.

Beer Fest is usually an October event, but a slew of other festivals led organizers to move it up to August in an attempt to attract vendors and festivalgoers. Ticket sales this year, as of Tuesday’s cancelation announcement, were 45% of what they normally would be around a month before the event, Hash said.

“Ticket sales were drastically below those benchmarks,� he said. “That combined with an overall shift in the craft beer industry with a number of brewers that have closed or other ones that have cut back in their staffing. We were faced with breweries that were not able to attend, which left us below our benchmark to have or produce a successful event.�

Typically, around 35 breweries would attend, and sometimes as many as 45, Hash said. Less than 25 were scheduled for this year.

Hash says he’s seen a dip in Maryland’s craft beer industry recently. Nationwide, the nonprofit tracked nearly 400 closings of breweries in 2024, which outpaced the number of openings.

One less fundraiser

Canceling the fundraiser is a financial strain on the Easton’s fire department. Hash said the festival has brought in $250,000 over the last nine years.

Leaders at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department are encouraging residents to give financial support through other upcoming events. The department is hosting a golf tournament in September. Spots are sold out, but sponsorships are still available, Hash said.

And on Feb. 21, the fire department will host Stews & Brews at the fire hall, a fundraising event that coincides with the annual Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival.

For future events, Hash said he hopes attendees buy tickets early if they’re able, as ticket projections play a role in cancelation decisions.

He said the fire department hopes to bring back Easton Beer Fest in the future.

“It’s something that, personally, I enjoy doing,� Hash said. “I enjoy bringing people in, bringing good beer to them. You feel like you’re letting people down when you’re not able to provide an event or what they’ve become accustomed to.�