Bring On The Suds – Klein Beer Fest Returns Celebrating Craft Breweries, Building Renovations, Performance History

The Klein Memorial is a 1,500-seat gem with Broadway-sized stage, one of only a handful in Connecticut.

Under the leadership of Emmy-winner Laurence Caso, the Klein supports tuition-free arts education, has undergone a $3.6 million renovation including elevator and wheelchair accessible restroom and offers new experiences such as Wine at The Klein and the upcoming Klein Fest Beer Festival July 26.

A Who’s Who celebrity list of entertainers has graced the Klein stage. See a partial list following news release and participating breweries.

KLEIN FEST BEER FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND YEAR, CELEBRATING COMMUNITY, CRAFT BEER, AND A HISTORIC THEATER’S MILESTONE

Bridgeport, CT — The Klein Memorial Auditorium is excited to announce the return of the much-anticipated Klein Fest Beer Festival, taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Now in its second year, this lively event continues to bring together craft beer enthusiasts, local brewers, and community members for a day of celebration and discovery.

Executive Director Laurence Caso shared insights into the origins of this event, saying, “Klein Fest came about as a way to bring people together in a spirited, social setting while also supporting our programming and tuition-free arts education initiative, Klein Theatre Arts. Inspired by the success of our annual wine tasting event, Wine at The Klein, we saw an opportunity to create a similar experience for craft beer lovers.”

This year’s Klein Fest coincides with a historic moment for The Klein as it unveils its first building addition in its 85-year history. The $3.6 million project, largely funded by the state bonding commission, includes the installation of an elevator, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a conference room, and three new offices. Governor Lamont has been invited to officiate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will take place just before the start of the beer festival. Bridgeport’s Mayor Ganim and other local officials will also be invited to attend.

Speaking about the connection between the new wing and the festival, Caso explained, “Our new wing enhances accessibility and provides much-needed spaces for our operations and educational programs. Hosting Klein Fest right after the ribbon-cutting is a perfect way to honor our progress while also celebrating Connecticut’s thriving craft beer scene.”

This year’s beer festival promises an expanded vision, welcoming an even larger crowd of craft beer enthusiasts and featuring an array of distinctive craft brewers from local makers. As part of the festivities, attendees can enjoy a curated three-hour playlist highlighting legendary artists who have performed on The Klein’s stage since its opening in 1940.

“In our second year, Klein Fest continues to grow as a signature event for our community,” added Caso. “It’s a celebration of craft, creativity, and connection, and we’re thrilled to pair it with this momentous occasion in The Klein’s history. We invite everyone to come and join the fun.”

The following breweries are scheduled to participate

Berlinetta Brewing – Bridgeport, CT

Black Hog Brewing – Oxford, CT

Brewport – Bridgeport, CT

Clocktown Brewing Company – Thomaston, CT

Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. – Cape Cod, MA

East Rock Brewing Company – New Haven, CT

Foolproof Brewing Company – Bridgeport, CT

High Limb Cider – Plymouth, MA

New Cambridge Project – Bristol, CT

New England Brewing Company – Woodbridge, CT

NewSylum Brewing Co. – Newtown, CT

OEC Brewing – Oxford, CT

 Sly Bandit Brewing – Wilton, CT

Spacecat Brewing – Norwalk, CT

Twelve Note Brewing – Bridgeport, CT

Twelve Percent Beer Project – North Haven, CT

Two Roads Brewing – Stratford, CT

American Medal Whiskey

And more to be announced soon!

With over 70,000 patrons attending events at The Klein each year, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. Proceeds from Klein Fest support future programming, operations, and Klein Theatre Arts, ensuring that The Klein remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.

Tickets for Klein Fest are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit The Klein’s website at www.theklein.org

Artists, personalities that have appeared at The Klein