Utah-based Pie & Beer Day in 2021 remains a shadow of its usual self. Another year or two like this and many Utahns might forget the pomp, circumstance, and sheer joy associated with the annual celebration.
Beer Bar, for the second straight year, opted to forego its big Pie & Beer Day bash “due to uptick in Salt Lake’s COVID-19 cases.” The Salt Lake City barΒ in 2019 hosted more than 25 breweries and served 7,000 slices of pie.
Read our full account of what a pre-COVID Pie & Beer Day entails.
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Pie and Beer Day: A Brief History
The so-called “counterculture response” to Pioneer Day takes place each July 24. It’s the same day as the state holiday that commemorates the Mormon pioneers’ arrival into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
In what’s turning into a Utah summertime stapleΒ for a certain segment of the population, Pie & Beer Day pairs many forms of pie β pizza, apple, key lime, quiche, maybe even chicken pot β with beer.
The first organized event for Pie & Beer Day β a play on “Pioneer Day” β appears to have taken place in 2014, though informal celebrations no doubt occurred much earlier. After all, celebration requirements are simple: combine two readily available ingredients β pie and beer.
Salt Lake’s Beer Bar played host to that first event seven years ago. It served as a fundraiser for radio station KRCL. It’s gotten bigger each year since and proceeds from the 6th annual event in 2019 benefited KUAA radio, a part of the Utah Arts Alliance, which aims to foster the arts to create an aware, empowered, and connected community.
Normally, in addition to the festival at Beer Bar, many breweries, bars, and restaurants hop on the pie-and-beer-pairing bandwagon because… why not?
It’s always a good idea to check with individual establishments/organizers to verify details before showing up. And don’t forget your mask!
Fisher Brewing
Pies from Cori Norton and Pie Party to pair with Fisher Brewing’s draft offerings. “This year’s special is an apricot raspberry pie with cardamom cream cheese and a cornmeal crumble,” Fisher writes. 320 W. 800 South, Salt Lake City
Hopkins Brewing
Hopkins Brewing in Sugar House on July 23 released a special Pie & Beer Day menu of its Small-Batch Friday beers. 1048 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City
Kiitos Brewing
Ice cream and pie are on tap to accompany a host of beers at Kiitos Brewing. Plus, a new beer will be released as well. 608 W. 700Β South, Salt Lake City
Level Crossing Brewing
Level Crossing Brewing partnered with Pie FightΒ to serve a Sugared Plum pie at the taproom. Additionally, the South Salt Lake brewery brewed a Pie Fight Plum Sour to complete the theme. The beer and pie will be available on July 24. 2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake
Piper Down
Big thanks to Ben Brinton for answering our call. He, along with Policy Kings Brewery in Cedar City, were the only ones to give us a heads-up on Pie & Beer Day happenings. Ben Brinton and his People will be performing at Piper Down on July 24. 1492 S. State Street, Salt Lake City
Policy Kings Brewery
Pie by Palette Bakery will be available to pair with one of the Cedar City brewery’s beers. Plus, Policy Kings plans to release a new beer for the occasion. 3-6 p.m., 223 N., 100 W., Cedar City.
By the way, Policy Kings is hosting its 3rd Annual Community Beer Festival on July 31. 1-9 p.m., 223 N., 100 W., Cedar City.
Salt Flats Brewing
Get a slice of pie and a pint for $5 at Salt Flats Brewing. 2020 W. Industrial Circle, Salt Lake City
Shades Brewing
A slice of pie and a pint are $7 at Shades Brewing in South Salt Lake. Choose either Key Lime or Apple on the pie side, and any draft beer. 154 W. Utopia Avenue, Salt Lake City
Pie & Beer Day: What Else?
Leave a comment to let me know which event(s) you’ll be attending. Also, let me know of any celebratory Pie & Beer Day events I might have missed.
